"Insomnia is a gross feeder. It will nourish itself on any kind of thinking, including thinking about not thinking." Clifton Fadiman

Solutions for Sleeplessness

Many individuals do not want to take powerful, possibly addiction prescription medications for their sleep problems. They can turn to the two other principle types of sleep remedies; herbal and holistic remedies. Among herbal remedies, the gentlest one is melatonin, which relaxes the body. The sleeper can rest all night. Melatonin is available in doses small enough for small children. Slightly stronger is chamomile tea, which can be taken as a capsule or brewed as a tea, which the body absorbs more quickly than the contents of capsules. Chamomile soothes the body's muscles and nerves, easing tension and letting them drift into sleep. Stronger than melatonin or chamomile is valerian root with its sedative effect. It also promotes the health of the nervous system and helps it relax. The sleeper wakes up rested and energetic.

Holistic remedies have a long history of success. One very pleasant one is to fill a bathtub with hot water and add pure Epsom salt and lavender oil scent. Some like to add chamomile for added efficacy. Another popular holistic sleep aid is the venerable art of yoga. Yoga has an ancient tradition of inducing tranquility and relaxation, of melding mind and body into one calm state. The yoga practitioner can fall asleep easily if in a state of great peace and calm. For anyone fortunate enough to have someone who is willing to gently massage their neck and back, they should ask them to do so using some lavender oil. The fragrance and calming effects of the oil just before bedtime will greatly enhance the sleep experience. It helps melt away the day's stress that has built up in the nerves and muscles, and that can prevent falling asleep normally.

Individuals struggling with getting to sleep will find both these sleep remedies very efficacious when used correctly and consistently. Another great sleep remedy is SleepSoGood which is an all natural sleep remedy. This is a great product without the worries of side effects and addiction. Use these great ideas to lull yourself to sleep.

Foods for Sleep

Foods that are high in carbohydrates and calcium, and are medium-to-low in protein make for an ideal sleep-inducing bedtime snack. Examples: apple pie and ice cream, whole-grain cereal with milk, hazelnuts and tofu oatmeal and raisin cookies with a glass of milk. It takes around one hour for the tryptophan in the foods to reach the brain, so don't wait until right before bedtime to have your snack. Contrary to what we are led to believe, chocolate is not high in caffeine. Two chocolate chip cookies may contain less than 5 milligrams of caffeine, a packet of cocoa mix contains 5 milligrams, and one chocolate candy bar contains around 10 milligrams. In fact, many find chocolate desserts that also contain dairy products to actually be a sleep inducer because of the combination of tryptophan and carbohydrates.

Cinnamon Chip Apple Cookies

Ingredients * 3/4 cup butter, softened * 1 cup packed light brown sugar * 1 egg * 1 tablespoon apple juice * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats * 1 (10 ounce) packages Hershey's cinnamon baking chips * 1 cup apple, peeled, cored and chopped * 1/2 cup raisins

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Lightly grease cookie sheet.
• Beat butter, brown sugar, egg, apple juice and vanilla in large bowl until creamy.
• Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• Add to butter mixture; beat until blended.
• Stir in oats.
• Add cinnamon chips, apple and raisins; stir until blended.
• Drop by teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
• Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.