subject: A Hot Bath Is One Of The Best Natural Insomnia Cures [print this page] If you go to your doctor complaining of sleeping problems, chances are you'll be given a prescription for sleeping pills. Unfortunately there are a lot of side effects with sleeping pills, so you'd be better off in the long run treating yourself using natural insomnia cures.
This reliance on sleeping pills is symptomatic of the way we automatically look for the "quick fix". Whilst there are good reasons to go for the fast and easy solution at times, sleep and sleeping difficulties are not best treated that way.
We need about 6 - 8 hours per night, on average, and numerous studies have shown that the odd night with less sleep does not harm us. Many people can't cope with a nights interrupted sleep because they take it far too seriously!
If you can, view your sleeping problems philosophically - the occasional night with bad sleep is part of life. Unless your insomnia is frequent and actually disrupts your life, try to regard episodes of less than perfect sleep as a gift of extra hours!
But of course we all recognise the strong wish to go to sleep!" If that happens now and then try natural insomnia cures before reaching for sleeping pills - your body will thank you!
An age-old method of getting ready for bed is to take a warm bath, and adding some drops of essential oils makes it even more beneficial.
These are just a few of the essential oils to try - singly or in combination. Everyone is unique, so you might find that combining two or more works really well for you.
# Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia). Has been in use for hundreds of years and has a very unique and pleasing scent.
# Sandalwood (Santalum Album). Has a velvety fragrance and appeals probably more to men than the other oils mentioned here. Often found in men's after shaves and lotions.
# Sweet Marjoram (Origanum Majorana). It will make you feel relaxed and sleepy. Do not mistake it for "Spanish Marjoram", which has different properties and is a thyme species.
# Neroli (Citrus Aurantium). A member of the citrus family, it has a distinctive fragrance and is often said to be specifically effective for treating for insomnia and sleep difficulties.
When using essential oils be aware they are very potent! Check they are not diluted and mixed with other ingredients (check the latin names!)and use only 6-8 drops. For people in poor health, and also for children and older people, use slightly less than suggested.
Essential oils will have no side effects if used as described, instead they will make a warm bath even better.
Finally - strangely enough a warm bath works so well because you need to cool down a little to go to sleep. The bath warms you up, but once you are up your body over compensates, cooling you down!
