5 natural ways to get rid of insomnia

Insomnia or difficulty in sleeping is technology’s gift to mankind. As exaggerated as this statement may sound, the truth is technology and gadgets have made it difficult for our bodies to stay in sync with nature’s cycles. In the past when there was no electricity, people used candles. The light from the candles is dim and the retina of our eyes, after detecting the setting of the sun, sent signals to the pineal gland located in the brain to produce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel sleepy and is in the higher range in our bloodstream during the night. Any break in this cycle disrupts the sleep cycle, leading to sleeplessness or insomnia.

Ayurveda has explained how “Nidra” or sleep can be induced naturally using the simplest methods. Here are 5 ways to induce sleep naturally and get rid of insomnia:-

1. A warm oil scalp & foot massage

There’s nothing like treating yourself to a comforting oil massage at bedtime. Even better if someone else can do it for you. Slow, gentle strokes on the legs in an upward direction and gently pulling the toes work wonders. The soles of the feet are extremely sensitive to touch. Using aromatic oils like Cedarwood and Lavender on the feet helps the brain release melatonin that induces sleep. This can be followed by soaking feet in hot water. Complete relaxation guaranteed!

2. Dim the lights

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Turn off bright lights when you’re ready to get into bed and switch to bedside lamps with dim light. Turn off your television set and mobile phone, grab a book, and start reading. Bet you won’t even realize how sleep came to you naturally when you wake up the next morning. Trust us, gadgets are the real culprits!

3. Meditate or chant a mantra

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Chanting a mantra repeatedly is proven to induce sleep. This can be done right in your bed by sitting in a relaxed position or even lying down. Mantras relax and calm down the mind and help you get quality sleep at night.

4.Deep breathing

Practice deep breathing. Close your mouth and breathe in through the nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath to a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth making a whoosh sound to a count of eight. Try this method; it’s an assured life hack for sleep.

5. Shirodhara

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An Ayurvedic procedure that involves consistent pouring of a thin stream of warm herbal oil over the forehead for about 30 mins. This can be done for about 7/8 days regularly in the evening. This treatment decreases the vitiated Vata and helps the mind de-stress, eventually inducing sleep.

Visit an Ayurvedic doctor today to find out more on how to tackle the insomnia problem.

DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.