Thu, 01 Jan 2009
Are you getting enough sleep?

Scientists tell us that on average humans require about eight hours sleep per night, but studies also show that individual needs vary dramatically, from person to person. As we get older, our sleeping habits change.

Sleep plays a vital role in our daily regimen, it recharges and rejuvenates weary body organs and tissues, and restores the body to an alert state necessary for our nervous system to work properly. A person's lifestyle is another variable in the amount of time needed to achieve this healthy balance, and to feel well rested upon awakening.

The quality of a person's sleep is also important. When we drift off to sleep, we either fall into a deep, restful sleep, or into a shallow, light sleep. One who normally requires eight hours of sleep, but sleeps shallowly, will most likely awaken feeling tired. In contrast, if the same individual sleeps fewer hours, but lapses into a state of deep sleep, he may well awaken refreshed and invigorated.

At times, you may miss out on a good night's rest. This may be due to a hectic lifestyle, emotional troubles, depression, caring for a sick child or other factors beyond your control. Smoking, drinking and exercise can also affect your sleep dramatically.

Many studies make it clear that sleep deprivation can be dangerous. A brief nap during the day may cause a slight delay in travel plans, but it could save lives. Sleep-deprived people who are tested, perform as badly as or worse than those who are intoxicated. Some studies suggest that sleep deprivation affects the immune system in detrimental ways leaving us drowsy and unable to concentrate the next day.

So if you are amongst the people who have problems sleeping, it just might be time to consider some natural alternative to other medication. Valerian root¹ has been used in western herbal medicine for centuries, not only for sleep disorders, but also for nervous unrest, tenseness and restlessness.

The following herbal mixture²  is another excellent natural alternative to sleeping tablets and will help you to fall asleep easily and improve your quality of sleep:

• 40 Valerian
• 30 g Hops
• 30 g Lemon balm.

Weigh the listed herbs into a bowl and mix well.  Store the herbal mixture in a glass jar away from sunlight. Infuse one heaped teaspoon (1.5 g) of the mixture with one cups of boiling water, stand for 10 minutes and strain. Drink 2-3 cups during the day and one cup before bedtime.

¹conveniently available in capsule form.

²this recipe is readily available (pre-mixed) in teabag form.