| Having a sleep disorder can be very disruptive to | | | | supplement may alleviate some of the symptoms |
| everyday life. Sleep deprived people are usually | | | | of RLS. Many herbs are well known for promoting |
| excessively tired and sleepy. They tend to | | | | a natural sleep. A clamming tea of chamomile or |
| become irritable and very emotional. At times | | | | lemon balm can be very relaxing to many people |
| they become a danger, not only to themselves, | | | | that suffer from a sleep disorder. |
| but also to those around them. | | | | Exercise and relaxation techniques, whether used |
| Some people use alternative, natural ways to | | | | alone or together, can reduce stress and muscle |
| lessen the effects of their sleep disorder. Many | | | | tension. Many people that use these techniques to |
| people focus on diet and nutrition, while others | | | | lessen the symptoms of a sleep disorder do |
| use herbs and supplements. Still others believe in | | | | these before going to bed. They not only ease |
| the positive effect of exercise, relaxation and | | | | physical tension but they calm the mind and |
| sensory techniques, meditation or behavioral and | | | | prepare the body to sleep. These techniques |
| cognitive strategies. Often people use a | | | | include mindful exercise, progressive muscle |
| combination of these approaches to help alleviate | | | | relaxation, breathing exercises and yoga. |
| the symptoms of their sleep disorder. | | | | Meditation and visualization are also used by some |
| A healthy diet is essential for optimal energy and | | | | sufferers of sleep disorders to calm the body |
| a restful sleep. Avoiding certain foods is as | | | | before sleep. Two common forms of mediation |
| important as including others in your daily diet. | | | | are meditation on the breath and mantra |
| Eating a wide variety of foods and drinking plenty | | | | meditation. Both of these types can have a |
| of water will keep your body well- balanced and | | | | positive effect on relieving stress and calming the |
| provide a more stable energy level. Avoiding food | | | | body. Many people focus their energy on a healing |
| that is grown, treated or processed with | | | | visualization as a method of alternative therapy |
| chemicals, and limiting the amount of sugar and | | | | for their sleep disorder. |
| caffeine will also help your overall physical | | | | Sensory techniques that people use to lessen the |
| condition. Many foods promote a restful sleep and | | | | symptoms of their sleep disorder are |
| are helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of | | | | hydrotherapy, and aroma therapy. The two main |
| certain sleep disorders. Eating the proper snack | | | | techniques included in hydrotherapy, which means |
| before bedtime can increase natural serotonin | | | | water therapy, are relaxing in an Epsom salt bath |
| levels. Serotonin acts as a natural sedative and is | | | | and a lymph stimulating footbath. Aroma therapy |
| made in the body from the amino acid | | | | includes the use of therapeutic essential oils in |
| tryptophan. Foods that a re rich in tryptophan | | | | baths, massage oils, room sprays, and simple |
| include chicken, turkey, cheese, cottage cheese, | | | | inhalants. |
| fish, milk, nuts, avocados and bananas. | | | | Alternative behavioral and cognitive strategies |
| Many people use herbs and natural supplements | | | | used to combat the symptoms of a sleep |
| as an alternative approach to treating their sleep | | | | disorder include improving a person's sleep |
| disorder. There are many nutritional supplements | | | | hygiene, stimulus control therapy and journal |
| and herbal products on the market. It is important | | | | writing. |
| to know how a specific product acts on the body | | | | Alternative practices and techniques can help |
| as well as on the specific sleep disorder.. For | | | | many types of sleep disorders. Often they are |
| example many people with restless leg syndrome | | | | used in conjunction with traditional medication and |
| have an iron or folic acid deficiency. Taking an iron | | | | practices. |