Table of Contents
Cure Insomnia Naturally
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"Insomnia includes all types of sleeping problems, such as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and awakening earlier than desired. Of all medical conditions, pain is the number one cause of insomnia.
Back pain is the most common type of chronic pain, and individuals with chronic back pain problems frequently report interference with sleep, mostly in difficulty falling asleep. Research has shown that disrupted sleep only exacerbates chronic back pain. This leads to a vicious cycle in which pain disrupts sleep; difficulty sleeping makes the pain worse, which makes sleeping more difficult, etc."
Source: Sleep Problems and Insomnia Health Center
MOST POPULAR INSOMNIA REMEDIES:
| REMEDY NAME | # of YEAS |
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 8 |
| EAR PLUGS | 6 |
| MELATONIN | 5 |
| H202 INHALATION THERAPY | 4 |
| INFARED | 3 |
| OIL PULLING | 3 |
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 8 YEAS |
| EAR PLUGS | 6 YEAS |
| MELATONIN | 6 YEAS |
2 YEA
1 QUESTION
[YEA] 09/29/2008: Shino from Auckland, NZ writes: "ive taken 5HTP (150mgs) and it relaxed me and made it way way easier to sleep. with stress during the day, i hadnt been able to sleep until 5-7 in the morning, but when i started taking this i was feeling sleepy by about 10pm, asleep before midnight!"
12/27/2008: Shabana from Bradford, UK replies: "what is 5HTP?"
[QUESTION] 02/02/2009: Marcella from Moscow, Idaho replies: "I would like to know at what time did you take the 5HTP and how many mG?"
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2 YEA
1 QUESTION
[YEA] 07/17/2008: Stefanie from Minden, Louisiana writes: "I found this remedy when I was looking for herbal remedies for my daily headaches. I found 5-HTP. According to the article, some of the things it helped with are insomnia, headaches, anxiety & depression. I thought could it be? I immediately went to my husband to show him what I had found because he had problems sleeping at night as well. We went a few days later to our local drug store and picked up a bottle of 50mg. 5-HTP. We had decided on the lowest dosage available in our area, upping the dosage as we went along if it was necessary. We have only been on it for a few days now but there is a very noticeable difference. We both have been sleeping through the night and feeling more refreshed when we wake. My anxiety attacks are gone as well as my headaches. We both are much less snappish than what we were before. We haven't noticed any side effects so far. We are taking them with a meal or a small snack and so far we have stayed at 50mg. Thanks for the very useful information that lead to this discovery!"
EC: Read more about 5-HTP here.
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1 YEA
[YEA] 07/11/2008: Robin from Rural, VA writes: "I have been on a quest to find a good nights sleep, naturally. I have recently been taking myself off of antidepressants and prescription sleep aides. And trying to find a way to balance out the seratonin naturally. This is what I have found: Rhodiola is an enormous help. However, I was still having insomnia, and anxiety. I tried Kava. This helps with the anxiety, and would help me relax, but wouldn't put me in the sleep zone. So I recently got 5-Htp, and magnesium citrate. And it hasn't been long, but I feel I am in balance. I am finally sleeping like a baby."
07/12/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Robin with insomnia: Hi Robin, If you are still having problems sleeping, I think that you should keep on taking the magnesium and add a good stress tablet at rate of l tab at mealtime and bedtime. Stress tablet usually only has B complex vitamins + C & E, and I consider them the best nerve pill or antidepressant going, much cheaper and seldom any unwanted side effects."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/16/2007: Yasir from Stockton, CA writes: "I found acidophilus to be very helpful with insomnia."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/05/2007: Clayton from Willamina, Oregon, USA writes: "I have been using ACV for a couple of months now. I started off with one Tbls in a glass of cold water. Now I am using 2 Tbls of ACV, 2Tbls Raw Honey, 1/4 tsp of baking soda, 1/2 tsp of Cayenne Pepper. I mix the ingrediants in a large mug, add hot water from a tea pot. This concoction tastes pretty good, is not very spicy (the pepper is hardly noticable). I have had more energy, felt better, sleep MUCH better. And like others I have noticed my dreams to be very vivid & clear."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/19/2007: James Wallace from Seattle , Washington writes: "Recently I wanted to increase my body's growth hormone production to repair stressed muscles. I read in a book on physiology that people who don't sleep well do no release enough growth hormone in the first few hours of sleep to repair the stress of muscles caused during the day. The book pointed to studies of taking the amino acids L-Arginine and L-Glutamine an hour or less before going to bed.
So I bought the two amino acids (500 mg strength each) and took one of each. I got the muscle repair I wanted. But something else happened - I SLEPT THE WHOLE NIGHT THROUGH! And I have been sleeping soundly since.
I think this works like a two way street. Insomniacs don't release enough growth hormone: Increased growth hormone release causes sounder sleep.
Also you don't have to take Arginine and glutamine every night. Just 3 to 4 nights a week (I know this because I sometimes forget to take the capsules). So it works in a Ted kind of minimalist sort of way. I appreciate that Ted from Thailand is a minimalist in supplement taking. It's refreshing advice."
05/23/2009: One2die4 from Washington, DC replies: "What brand have you used for L-arginine and L-glutamine.or doesn't matter."
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8 YEA
[YEA] 09/23/2007: Michelle from Winfield, Kansas, USA writes: "I began using acv a few weeks ago at a small dose of 1 tsp. per day. After two weeks I noticed I was sleeping better and that my dreams were better. Rather than dark and heavy, my dreams were becoming more and more light-hearted. I actually woke myself up laughing the night before. I don't know if I can attribute this to acv, but I suppose it's possible."
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[YEA] 09/18/2007: Robin from Dallas, Texas writes: "I feel I sleep better when taking ACV and since I have a problem with high blood pressure it is helpful in that regard also. I do have a problem though, whenever I take it for awhile, like 3 or 4 days I get constipated. Do you know why? Lately I have been taking it by itself, I don't like it with juice or water, however, I could go back to taking it that way."
10/18/2008: Stuart from Fresno, California USA replies: "This is in response to 9/18/07: Robin from Dallas Texas was wondering why apple cider vinegar caused constipation after 3 or 4 days. This is caused by using the processed apple cider vinegar but if you switch to an organic apple cider vinegar, that should end the problem and better health benefits overall will be achieved.
Earth Clinic is a great and informative website giving much attention to apple cider vinegar as a remedy, but I think it may be helpful to always specify it as ORGANIC apple cider vinegar instead. Many people that come across this website might miss the few areas that do specify the difference, so not knowing better, they will most likely go out to the grocery store and buy the most popular Heinz brand (processed) apple cider vinegar, and therefore they will have less satisfactory results than if they used an organic one from a health food store."
02/25/2009: Kaybe from Bristol, TN replies: "I get constipated with vinegar also...and I only use Organic, with "the Mother"."
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[YEA] 06/23/2007: coleen from buffalo, missouri writes: "I don't usually write anything back but after taking the apple cider vinegar I felt I had to. I have had very very very bad acid reflux that has gotten worse over the yrs. to the point that it seems any food as soon as it is in my mouth I start with the burning burning burning. Belching....my husband says I do this all night long. I could not sleep flat any longer for I would just throw up in the middle of the night. Not to mention I have not had much sleep for I could NOT eat 4-5 hrs before going to bed! I had trouble swollowing, and have a constant cough, that I have been told could be cancer of the asophegus? When I heard that... I started taking the acv, that very night I slept "normal" and the next morning I had a good bm (which is another problem) Within a few days all my symptoms were gone and it has cured several other ailments as well not to mention loosing weight! I hate the stuff (taste) but you can't ignore the miracle it is. I just think more people should be talking about this simple remedy for sooo many things, what else could it do? I think the list goes on and on. ps. My ph level used to say "consult a physician" to now being normal. I have more energy too!"
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[YEA] 04/19/2007: Julie from Sacramento, CA, USA writes: "I have had keratosis pilaris for many years. I tried apple cider vinegar as suggested and I am amazed at the results. Its only been 4 days and the Keratosis is 80% gone. I also noticed that Im not having spastic colon episodes and for the first time in years I am not needed a sleeping pill to get to sleep. I do have a question if you can kindly answer..Is putting vinegar on food (i.e. popcorn) as helpful as drinking it??"
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[YEA] 03/15/2007: Cheryl from Center Valley, PA writes: "I came across your website while desperately searching for a cure for a severe sinus infection. The ACV helped tremendously. Another amazing plus is that I sleep so well since taking it. I've been troubled with disrupted sleep for about 2 years now. Just curious to know what it does in the body to make such an improvement in sleep? Thanks for this wonderful website!"
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[YEA] 10/15/2006: Scott from Oil City writes: "I have been suffering from acid reflux for about 8 years .I have been to the doctor and have been on all of the prescription ppi drugs,currently on prilosec otc.I always had to back them up with tums ,Rolaids ect.None work for the long term. Tried ACV two nights ago seems to work. I have also for the last year been having problems sleeping, which then gave me migraines. I had my best sleep in two years the last two nights. Don't know if the ACV had any thing to do with that , but I love the side effect."
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[YEA] Anonymous writes: "Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of honey and store this mixture in an air-tight container. Anytime you have trouble drifting off, take two teaspoons of this mixture and you'll drift off in less than a half hour. And you won't be groggy in the morning like over-the-counter sleep aids."
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[YEA] Bree from Blanchard, OK writes: "I have mixed honey and ACV together and taken it as a sleep aid. Made me drowsy. You guys have a great website here!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA
[YEA] 09/18/2007: Julie from Elk Grove, CA, USA writes: "I am 48 yrs old and have suffered from severe insomnia for 9 years. I have taken ambien sleeping pills for the last 5 years just to get a good night sleep. I started taking apple cider vinegar and baking soda for eczema and it CURED my insomnia. I mean totally cured. No more sleeping pills and I am not exaggerating when I say I sleep like i did in my 20's. At first my skin felt like it was burning for a couple of days then when it was gone so were many ailments. It also lowered my cholesterol 30 points, and I no longer have acid reflux. Thank you for your website. Its been such a blessing."
05/29/2009: Gina from Brisbane, Queensland Australia replies: "Hi Julie, I'm very interested in your cure for insomnia using ACV and baking soda. What quantities did you mix and how much did you drink and for how long? Are you on any form of HRT for menopause yet? I suffer from chronic insomnia, more than 2 years and have tried every anti depressant and sleeping tablet available on the market, nothing works on a permanent basis."
05/30/2009: Napsac2 from Portland, OR replies: "Just curious about acv, honey, etc. and insomnia. Do you take it right before going to bed? Or just any time throughout the day?"
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APPLE JUICE, HONEY, MULTI-VITAMIN
[YEA] 11/08/2006: Matt writes: "1 8oz glass 100% apple juice mixed with 2 Tablespoons honey. Along with a daily multivitamin. It gives a 40-50% energy increase when used daily. Helps with relaxation (sleep). Not the best taste. Take before bed or when you wake up in the morning."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 03/07/2007: Eric from Mt. Airy, Maryland writes: "For me, its not eating a bannana before bed, rather incorporating bannanas into my diet. If I eat 1 or 2 a day I can fall asleep with no problems whatsoever."
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[YEA] 03/06/2006: Leah from Victoria BC writes: "Try eating a banana at bedtime. My stepfather suggested this when a girl he knew had a hard time sleeping after getting into drugs. I tried it & it worked!!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 06/27/2009: Kate from Atlanta, GA writes: "Basil has been by far the best remedy for my insomnia. I bring about 2 cups of water to a simmer, add 1/2 of a tablespoon of dried basil, turn the stove off, and let it sit, covered, for about twenty minutes. I've substituted a bruised sprig of fresh basil on occasion with the same wonderful effects. I start sipping on this tea about two hours before bed, and it knocks me out every time. I've upped the ammount of basil in the tea or the ammount of the tea I drink on occasion but the above measurements are the average ammounts that work best for me."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 08/24/2007: GT from Vero Beach, Florida writes: "Used Medicinal grade Bentonite clay for acid reflux,works within a few sips. Get a small bottle of water put in a teaspoon of bentonite clay (PH is 9.1) shake hard so it disolves in the water and take some sips. You will notice within the second sip the acid starts to calm down. A note; People with bad acid reflux have trouble sleeping, magnesium gets depleted when acid is on overload, a few sips of bentonite clay before bed you sleep like a baby. Magnesium' has a 'calming' effect for the mind and the physical muscles. There is magnesium in bentonite clay."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/08/2009: Leelannee from Sussex, Nj writes: "I read about using 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon of borax in water for various health issues, although not insomnia specifically. I decided to try it, and right away noticed that I was able to fall asleep easily and sleep through the night better. I've had insomnia & nightmares for years & have tried many natural supplements & remedies. I'm often tired but don't feel sleepy...after so many years of insomnia, I LOVE that delicious sleepy feeling! Magnesium has worked ok for me but gets expensive & sometimes I'd be awake for an hour or more after sleeping for just a few minutes. Perhaps the borax is detoxifying flouride or something from my body, or killing off a fungus that was affecting my health. However, I've skipped the borax twice in the last few weeks and had a horrible time that same night. I've read that boron helps you absorb calcium better, and calcium helps you relax and sleep, so maybe that's why it's helping me. In the morning I prepare a liter bottle with 1/4 teaspoon borax and sip it throughout the day. Even if I finish it in the early afternoon or drink the whole bottle an hour before bed, it seems to work."
EC: More about borax here.
09/10/2009: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Leelannee-any idea if this could by employed for a toddler? My granddaughter is 17 months old and is waking up during the night; since her crib rail has been removed, she crawls out of bed and sometimes is awake for an hour or more....this has been happening since the rail was removed and she started sleeping in her 'big girl bed'....part of it could be simply because she knows she CAN get out of bed - it's been happening for a month, or more, and her parents are pretty sleepy much of the time!!"
09/10/2009: Roy from Ocala, Florida replies: "We solved the problem of baby falling over the top crib rail by taking (sawing) one slat out of one side at the end of the crib. The baby found his way out, but it was a little bit tight, so he stayed in at night."
09/22/2009: Leelannee from Sussex, Nj replies: "Linda: Sorry, I don't know about recommending this for a small child. I use such a small amount, and I imagine a child would need only a fraction of that; but her sleeplessness could be caused by something totally different than mine, or something in her diet. When my son was little, I used homeopathic remedies (rather than herbs or supplements) because they are usually very safe."
09/22/2009: Janice from Coloma, Mi replies: "Leelannee, were you having problems sleeping and having nightmares due to anxiety? I just wondered if this relaxed you overall."
09/27/2009: Leelannee from Sussex, Nj replies: "I really have no idea what causes the nightmares--I guess it's stress or a nutritional deficiency, but these probably vary over time. The nightmares became worse for a couple of years after my boyfriend died in 2006, but I've had them and/or the sleeplessness for at least a decade...then sometimes I'll sleep better for a while, but I have no idea why. I also have bi-polar disorder, and sometimes would barely sleep for 3 days during a manic episode; however, I haven't had a severe episode in almost 3 years, since being on medication."
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2 YEA
[YEA] 09/14/2007: Margaret from Tallahassee, FL writes: "Insomnia -- This really works. Combo Vitamin of Calcium 1000 mg, magnesium 400mg, & zinc 25 mg. 1 hour before bedtime. Also take Valerian Root 530mg 1 hour before bedtime. I guarantee in 1 weeks time, you won't need sleeping pills anymore."
[YEA] 09/14/2009: Sasha from Sav, Jamaica replies: "This really works. I took it one evening and i was trying to remember what i ate or drank why i slept so calm and peaceful. Now that i saw this post, i realized that it was the calcium, magnesium and zinc combo. Thanks for sharing!"
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2 YEA
[YEA] 10/29/2008: Parag from Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA writes: "Castor oil is great to get that deep, restful sleep. Apply about a drop of castor oil to your eye lids only. It is okay if it enters your eye. This is the normal, regular castor oil you get at the stores. Initially you will fall to sleep the moment you hit the bed. So make sure you are ready to sleep when you use it. If you plan to sleep only 3 to 4 hours, i.e. not you full normal sleep, do not use castor oil as it will make getting up very difficult indeed! I use it when I have anxieties or when I find it difficult to sleep. I and my wife have been using it for decades now.
Hope it helps you too. Wish you sweet dreams!"
[YEA] 11/03/2008: Robin from Rural, VA replies: "This is amazing. I have been on a quest for a good nights sleep, which didn't include medications, for several months. I fall asleep in a reasonable amount of time, but wake up several times, sometimes for a few hours at a time. I have tried everything posted on this site, but the Castor Oil works! My boyfriend laughs at me and my crazy remedies. Well he has insomnia too, and I'm sleeping through the night. Does anyone have any ideas about why this works?"
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04/10/2009: Greg from Scarborough, Ontario, Canada writes: "Insomnia: This may sound a bit nutty but I'd try making a tea out of food grade catnip, it is a VERY old tea, and formerly the Major tea in all of the European continent, before black teas were introduced from trade with China and India."
EC: A store like Whole Foods might sell Catnip Teabags. It's easy to find online.
05/23/2009: One2die4 from Oxon Hill, Washington DC replies: "so do you drink the catnip tea or what? thanks"
EC: Yes!!
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/22/2007: Aimee from Honolulu, Hawaii writes: "I've had sleep problems for as long as I can remember and it doesn't help that I'm also bipolar. I've tried everything from mind tricks and herbal remedies to over the counter pills but one thing I found that seems to work like a charm is half a cup of chamomile tea mixed with half a cup of milk. The drink should be warm, not hot, so what I do is make cup of the tea by heating it in the microwave for about 2 minutes and then adding the milk afterwards allowing the tea to heat the milk. After drinking it, I'm asleep within half an hour."
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