World Sleep Day is an event organised by the World Sleep Society, which aims at raising awareness about the importance of sleep and prevention of sleep disorders. This year, it is being observed on March 15.
Insomnia is a disorder where people find it difficult to fall asleep, staying asleep or finding quality sleep. It is prevalent among youngsters because of their haywire schedule and humongous screen hours. Stress, anxiety, and lack of physical activity can be a few factors that can lead to sleeplessness.
OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Shreepad Khedekar, MD & Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery to help us with homoeopathic ways to tackle insomnia.
A recent study among corporate employees in India showed a prevalence of insomnia in 13.8% of participants, of which the undiagnosed population was 96.4%.
Homoeopathy has many effective natural remedies for acute insomnia. According to Dr Khedekar, before prescribing remedies, homoeopaths take an account of a person’s constitutional type, which includes physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup.
Also read: Can Ashwagandha Prevent Insomnia? Here's What One Should Know
Homoeopathic Remedies For Insomnia
Based on the symptoms of individuals, homoeopaths may recommend one or more of the following treatments for insomnia. Dr Khedekar, helped us list down the following remedies.
1. Kali Phos: This remedy is perfect for insomnia which is mostly derived from nervous exhaustion or fatigue especially after intense periods of mental or physical strain and even associated with worry or anxiety.
2. Coffea: For temporary insomnia conditions, coffea is helpful. These conditions occur due to excitement or an overactive mind such as those triggered after attending social gatherings or having consumed too much coffee.
3. Nux Vomica: Sometimes, sleeplessness occurs because of overdoing intellectual work or studying. At this time, Nux Vomica comes to your aid. “It also helps at times when you wake up at 3-4 am with irritability,” Dr Khedekar explained.
4. Aconite: Good for patients experiencing sleeplessness resulting from fear, fright, anxiety; restless agitation and tossing about may respond well to this remedy.
5. Chamomilla: It is generally used to treat the sleeplessness occurring due to pain like toothache, menstrual pain or colic. Dr Khedekar said, “Chamomilla calms unbearable pain prompting restful sleep.”
6. Sticta: Indicated for cases where there is no sleep after surgery, injuries or accidents, Sticta offers gentle relief during recovery.
7. Arnica: Sometimes, jet lag can also cause sleepless nights. Giving a solution to this, Dr Khedekar said, “Arnica is most suitable for jet lag-related tiredness especially when fatigue does not end in sleep. It also deals with general body aches and discomfort.”
8. Ignatia: According to Dr Khedekar, Ignatia is useful in cases of insomnia accompanying sorrow or grief especially if the nature of sleep is light and disrupted by sudden starts.
9. Cocculus: May be used to assist those finding it hard to sleep due to tiredness, arising from overwork. This may be marked together with symptoms like vertigo and weakness.
10. Avena Sativa: Used when sleeping becomes difficult because of nervous exhaustion or drug abuse (alcohol/narcotics). It equalises the nervous system.
11. Passiflora: Dr Khedekar says, this remedy stops excessive thinking, calms the nerves and thereby normalises sleep patterns among restless people; it is very good for corporate employees who work too much or are persistently worried about something.
12. Pulsatilla: For persons prone to sentimentality, especially women and children who do not like sleeping alone. This remedy may also work when a warm room aggravates insomnia.
Also read: Insomnia Management: Daily Habits To Promote A Good Night's Sleep
Conclusion
Although these remedies often help control acute insomnia, chronic insomnia requires more individualised treatment plans by qualified homoeopathy doctors. Concluding, Dr Khedekar said, “Chronic cases may be a result of previous trauma, persistent anxiety or depression, hormonal changes such as menopause as well as other underlying causes.”
(Disclaimer: This article backed by expert answers is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing insomnia, we advise you to contact a healthcare professional and seek help.)