Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep and/or sleeping too lightly. Acute insomnia is when it persists for one to three weeks, and chronic insomnia is when it lasts more than a month and occurs at least three times a week. If treated in time, insomnia is usually overcome after a few weeks. However, some cases of insomnia have more serious origins, such as psychological trauma, for which treatment can take years.
Causes
Insomnia can be caused by several factors. Diet has a lot of influence on sleep, especially the evening meal. Thus, a light, fat-free, sugar-free, stimulant-free diet is recommended for dinner. Diets to be avoided are caffeinated or energy drinks, chocolate, but also alcohol and even certain medications. Tobacco and other drugs can also cause insomnia.
In addition to food, an environment that is not conducive to sleep can be a factor in insomnia, i.e., a place exposed to light, noise or too high or too low a temperature. Changes in the usual rhythm of life can also lead to sleep disorders such as moving, jet lag, longer than usual naps, etc. Obesity also reduces sleep while causing snoring and sleep apnea. Feelings of stress and anxiety, depression are also sources of insomnia.
Basic treatments
Homeopathy can treat insomnia, the remedies will be chosen according to the factor that led to the sleep disorder. The basic treatment that can be used regardless of the cause of the disease is composed of a sedative based on Passiflora incarnata. It also acts on stress and this basic treatment can be supplemented by other homeopathic remedies.
Treatment of insomnia in adults
The recommended treatments for disorders caused by strong emotions are: Gelsemium sempervirens 9 CH (a great sorrow), Aconitum napellus 9 CH (for a fear of death) and Ambra grisea 9 CH (for a patient constantly woken up by small worries). To restore good sleep to a person who often has nightmares, it is advisable to administer a dose of Stramonium 15 CH.
A dose of Lycopodium 9 CH before bedtime can help calm stomach pains during the night. If a person has a very restless sleep, he or she may take Causticum before sleeping. In case of overwork, for example due to work, the recommended remedy is Kalium phosphoricum 9 CH.
Treatment of insomnia in children
For a baby who wakes up easily at night because of small noises, it is advisable to administer 3 granules of Sulfur 7 CH. If the little one has nightmares, he can be given a dose of Stramonium 7 CH just before bedtime. If his nights are restless and he screams, he should be given 3 granules of Jalapa 7 CH, before he sleeps. If the baby needs to be rocked to fall asleep, 3 granules of Chamomilla vulgaris 7 CH are to be prescribed. In infants who have difficulty falling asleep, two remedies can be alternated (1 for one day): Chamomilla vulgaris 7 CH and Cypripedium Pubescens 7 CH.
The need for a doctor's visit As
soon as you notice that a healthy and suitable diet does not prevent your child from having sleep disorders, you should make an appointment with the doctor. In addition, if the patient is an adult and the homeopathic treatment mentioned above has not produced the desired effects or, on the contrary, has produced other more serious effects, it becomes essential to consult a doctor. If the symptoms are also accompanied by behavioural problems, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor. Similarly, if the insomnia lasts more than 3 weeks, the doctor should be notified.
