Homeopathy... it can send you to sleep...

and not just in that glazed over way when I know I've gone too far, got too passionate about something I'm very passionate about and really lost someone's attention span (I do try to do that far less in these days with much more distance from qualification although in the early days... well apologies to anyone who I went on and on and on at! In my defence, I'm just as passionate, well probably more so than then, I just try not to talk as much!)

I've been acutely aware of a lack of sleep for the past three weeks since I woke up the most terrified I've ever been to an incident in the middle of the night.  At the time (the following night anyway) I thought that I would return immediately to my usual sleep pattern which went something like - go to sleep, hear birds, open eyes, hello morning!  It was not to be so.  I was also at the time in the middle of a proving experiment (aware of the eyes glazing so to keep it short) where a group of healthy volunteers (usually homeopaths) under supervision take an unknown remedy and record the effects they experience.  I didn't really want to affect the proving by taking other remedies and was in a sort of curious place so observed on myself how a lack of sleep can be from a stress related incident. 

With an incredible amount of energy considering I was having between 4 and 6 hours sleep a night I had lots of fun and played with different ideas - a great impromtu party, fab bonfire and midnight hula hooping under the stars, experimented with where I slept (tent, different houses), when I went to bed (later was much more fun!) and generally how I coped.

There were definately some differences but nothing really lasting enough to get properly back to how things were before.  So back to what I know and love.  Homeopathy has long been used in insomnia and sleep disturbances and also mindful meditation which I'd spent my second month in my 13 challenges of the year practicising and had really enjoyed as well as finding it beneficial (one amazing side effect would have to be the increased amount of spontaneous joy I experienced - a bonus for anyone!).

There's over 800 remedy pictures in the homeopathic materia medica that show some extent of sleeplessness, and that's just after a quick scan - there could well be loads more.  Homeopathy has always worked with individuals - prescribing a remedy most effectively is when their characteristics are taken into account and the remedy prescribed is based on these symptoms and not a more generic picture.  So I would suggest that if insomnia were a chronic issue that it would be worth seeing a Homeopath for consultations and work together on improving sleep.  For more temporary insomnia or sleep disorders it may be worth trying remedies yourself at home, and it is for this that I'm approaching the remedy suggestions following.

Aconite 
The homeopathic remedy Aconite napellus is indication in many types of nervous and panic disorders - particularly useful here where insomnia caused by pain and fears. People needing this remedy may be woken from their sleep by anxiety, panic or fears and may sleep walk.

Arsenicum album
Arsenicum album is made from elemental arsenic. The person needing this remedy can be very tired but too restless to sleep. They are often anxious about small things, and wake unrefreshed. Those needing Arsenic wake frequently during the night and may have many dreams, for instance dreams of storms, fires, and darkness. They may experience a burning sensation under the skin.

Belladonna
Belladonna is made from the Deadly Nightshade. This remedy helps those who are very restless and are woken up by their nightmares. They may also experience jerking while sleeping and may be drowsy in the evenings with much yawning at this time. They may experience a pounding in the blood vessels of the head or be kept awake by hearing the blood pulsing in their head. Their dreams are anxious and vivid: of fires, robbers and assassins. They may also wake with a headache.

Calcarea phosphorica
Calcarea phosphorica is a mineral remedy that can be helpful to children who wake from growing pains in the legs. Any aches in the bones and joints that prevent sleep may be helped by this remedy, in both children and adults. Those needing this remedy have difficulty getting to sleep because of the pain and discomfort and then have difficulty waking from sleep. They can wake frequently during the night as well.

Coffea

As it sounds, a homeopathic remedy made from coffee.  People who will benefit from this as a remedy may be experiencing over sensitivity of nerves - making them over exciteable and over sensitive.  Pain, noise, touch and odours may be intolerable to them.  They may be suffering from the ill effects of fear, fright, over tiredness and would often be showing great restlessness.

 

Nux Vomica

Often indicated where someone works hard and plays hard - seen frequently in people who stay late at the office under a lot of mental strain then go and party hard to feel better.  They may turn to alcohol, rich stimulant food and sedative drugs then suffering the next day from them.  (It is a commonly used hangover remedy too)  There may well be digestive disturbances and twitching may also be seen.  They are likely to feel chilly.

 

This is just a few remedies which may be helpful in sleep disorders, there's lots more and feel free to get in touch for anymore advice - do Duck Duck Go (my new Google!) search Mindful Meditation and I also have previous blogs mentioning it:

 

'Slow down - you're moving too fast...';
Thoughts on joy...

Let the Waves Pass

I'm a big fan of stopping, appreciating the moment and not getting lost in the past or future. Or at least I'm working on it anyway!  

Sweet dreams!

 

 

 This blog is not intended to replace medical advice or to help with diagnoses in anyway. Always contact your Doctor if you require medical assistance.