Insomnia

• PASSION FLOWER- This herb eases anxiety-induced insomnia. It's very calming and eases muscle spasms that can be very painful and keep you awake. One warning: Passion flower can cause sleepiness, so it would be advisable to avoid driving for a few hours after use.
• PEPPERMINT- Used as a tea, it eases digestion, relieves gas and helps with insomnia. Don't take peppermint if you are on iron supplements as it tends to interfere with the absorption of iron.
• RED CLOVER- Take as a tea for inner cleansing.

  It has been used for years as a spring tonic. It's also very relaxing. It has been mentioned as a cure for cancer but talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.

• REISHI MUSHROOM- Another surprising entry on a list of herbal remedies, but the Chinese have long known that his strange looking mushroom eases anxiety and calms the nervous system. A common ingredient in Chinese cookery, it is also a help for those with insomnia. Some research has been done as to its usefulness in AIDS treatment.
• SAGE- Good old garden variety sage eases depression and is good for the nerves. Use it when you cook the evening meal, or as a calming tea. The variety known as Clary works best.
• ST. JOHN'S WORT- This herb was named for St. John the Baptist who was beheaded. The red resin is said to resemble blood. St. John's wort is good for mild depression and anxiety, and it improves the quality of sleep. Although it has been shown to be poisonous to cattle, it is safe for human consumption of taken in the prescribed dosage. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight so avoid over -exposure. also, don't take St. John's wort if you are taking a medication that contains MAO inhibitors. This herb is being studied for possible use in HIV and AIDS treatment.

• St. John's Wort doesn't actually poison cattle, but if taken in VERY high doses, causes sun sensitivity to them, as it does to humans. It is necessary to inform your physician that you are using St. John's Wort if you are preparing to undergo surgery.*

• SIBERIAN GINSENG- Unlike most of the other herbs I have mentioned, Siberian Ginseng gives you a lift. It's good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome. Don't take this herb if you are already hyperactive or if you are suffering from nervous tension.. It should also be avoided by those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure.)

• Usually ginseng will keep you from sleeping because it "pumps you up."*

• SPEARMINT- Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.
• THYME- Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.
• VALERIAN- This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used as the package suggests, and it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the Valium of the nineteenth century.

  WOOD BETONY- Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

Some children just wake up more than others. The reasons can vary with age, but there are usually some simple explanations.

Babies need to get into a routine. If you just hear them stirring, or even whimpering a little, it doesn't hurt to just settle themselves back in. They usually will fall back asleep on their own. If they begin crying, and continue to cry, they are usually trying to let you know they are not comfortable. They could be hungry, wet, or just in need of a little comforting. Some say that you will spoil them by going to them in the night, but after raising my own, that simply isn't true. As long as you take care of their needs, and then lay them back in their own bed to go back to sleep, you are simply helping them to get a better night's rest. This will help establish patterns, even if it wears you out in the beginning. In the long run, it will pay off. There are other issues that can also be a problem. Colic is somewhat common in infants. If their little belly seems blown up, or they just cry and cry, and you cannot comfort them, this could be an issue. Check with their doctor. It is usually easily treated with a new formula, or anti-gas drops.

As toddlers get older, the reasons begin to change. If they are waking up throughout the night, it could have to do with a smaller bladder. They may need to use the restroom, or they may have wet the bed. If bedwetting is a consistent problem, keep a change of linens and pajamas on hand. Do not fuss at them, or make them feel bad. They couldn't help it. Having the stuff on hand makes it so it can be dealt with quickly, and they can get right back to sleep. Also, their imaginations are beginning to grow, so they may be insecure. Any noise can be the monster under the bed. You may also want to consider factors such as passing headlights, nearby train tracks, and hot water heaters that click on throughout the night. Also, the mattresses in most toddler beds are pretty cheaply made. Try laying on the child's bed. See if you are still comfortable in twenty minutes. In our youngest daughter's case, a new mattress made all the difference. Other toddlers are coming into an age that they want to test their limits. Three year olds can sniff out weakness like a lioness. You have to be firm, consistent, and as drama free as possible. After you talk to them, and make sure there is no real problem, promptly walk them straight back to their bed. Keep in mind that you children are full of energy. If they spent the afternoon watching television or sitting in their room playing with toys, you are probably not going to get them to stay in that bed. You have to do something to burn off the energy, give them their bath, have a little quiet time, and then send them to bed.

Sometimes, there are more serious or deep seated issues going on.

• Sexual/Physical Abuse
• Night Terrors
• Hallucinations
• Schizophrenia
• Sleep Apnea

These are more rare, but can be a possibility. There will often be daytime symptoms to go along with these problems. If the issue seems very severe, or persistent, you need to talk to your child's doctor. They can evaluate the situation, and maybe even order a sleep study. There are therapies, changes in habits, natural cures, and in some situations, medications that can help.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be acompany insomnia. Statistics show that 72 percent of arthritis sufferers over age 55 have a sleep disorders, with more than half of them suffering from insomnia.I have a pretty serious case if the disease however I have never had a problem with insomnia. I have been woken up as a result of rolling onto a painful spot but that is not insomnia.