There is perhaps no aspect of life as fundamental to our health and wellbeing as sleep. Without a proper amount of deep, restful sleep our lives can be made very difficult. Insomnia is loosely characterized as a lack of sleep, or restless, poor quality sleep. Insomnia is also generally understood as a difficulty falling asleep, but can also refer to frequent waking throughout the night. Restorative sleep allows the body to recuperate and regenerate, and without it the body and mind can wear down and malfunction.

Benefits:
*Promotes sleep
*Allows for deep, restful sleep
*Counters insomnia
*Hastens sleep and eases jet lag

Insomnia is a common problem, and although many people are more susceptible to insomnia as they grow older, it can afflict people at any age. Many illnesses and viral bacterial infections have a greater risk when the body is not getting all the sleep it needs to stay healthy. Physical, emotional or psychological factors can all lead to insomnia, with stress being the most common contributor. Other factors like depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, and medical illnesses such as hearth disease, respiratory disease, or disorders of the digestive system that cause physical discomfort can all lead to insomnia. Heartburn, diabetes, arthritis, as well as lifestyle factors such as caffeine, alcohol, drug use, work patterns, and prescription medications are all causes of insomnia.

Sleep deficiency can take a noticeable toll on your body and wellbeing, such as constantly being tired, irritable and generally fatigued. Even if your body gets sleep, but that sleep is not deep and restful, your memory, concentration and patience can all decrease, and your mood can become very negative. Preoccupation with the need for sleep or anxiety over the lack of sleep is another common symptom of insomnia. In this sense a cyclical problem can occur, where the more you sleep the greater your anxiety due to not being able to sleep.

The most important factor in combating insomnia is to recognize that chronic insomnia is generally a symptom of a deeper problem, which can potentially hide a more serious physical or psychological factor. Treating these underlying causes of insomnia is crucial in order to see any improvement.

Healthy dietary practices are the most effective way of ensuring that your body is able to get restful sleep. And along with regular sleep patterns and exercise, making sure that the body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs and ensuring a proper balance of the natural bodily chemical structure is essential in achieving deep, restful sleep.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a neurotransmitter used to regulate serotonin levels in the brain and central nervous system. 5-HTP is the most effective overall natural treatment for insomnia, with the added benefit of improving the quality of sleep.

Melatonin is a very effective and highly used sleep aid. Melatonin’s main job in the body is regulating night and day cycles, or sleep-wake cycles. When it gets dark the body increases melatonin production, signalling the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production, and signals the body to get ready for daytime. And when melatonin production is low, or melatonin regulation by the body is out of order, problems getting into a sleep-wake rhythm can occur. Melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep cycles, giving you the restful and deep sleep you need.