Just like eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated, getting enough high-quality sleep is critical for your overall wellness. However, about one in three American adults regularly doesn’t get enough sleep, resulting in serious health consequences, including high blood pressure, poorer mental health, and even elevated risk of heart disease or stroke. Because there are many reasons for poor sleep, managing problematic sleep can be difficult, but there is an equally diverse number of potential treatment options available.
If you have temporary or short-term sleeping problems, you may be able to take prescription sleeping pills to overcome them and get back on your typical schedule. If you have long-term sleep issues or diagnosable sleep disorder, though, you may need to explore other solutions to maintain your health. Depending on your needs, you may benefit from using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to improve and promote sleep.
CAM refers to “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine.” CAM itself has grown immensely in popularity, but many CAM practices are also being integrated into traditional healthcare treatments. Ranging from human mental health conditions to animals’ physical ailments, CAM can be used to treat a wide variety of health problems — including problematic sleep. Before employing any CAM techniques, it’s crucial to learn more about common sleep issues; their signs, symptoms, and health consequences; and available solutions so you can make the best possible decision for your health.
There are many ways that sleep can be problematic. If you tend to sleep too much, constantly sleep too little, or if your sleep is regularly interrupted, it can be indicative of a diagnosable sleep disorder. Some of the most common sleep disorders include:
A growing body of research shows that the prevalence of sleep disorders has increased in recent years. Some researchers even believe that insufficient sleep should be classified as a public health epidemic. Whether you have one of the above-diagnosed disorders or are simply experiencing issues with sleep, these conditions can cause you to experience sleep deprivation, which can have concerning effects on your health in and of itself.
Sleep deprivation is not a disorder in and of itself, but it can be an effect of a sleep disorder or health condition. Sleep deprivation occurs when you don’t get enough sleep to feel rested, regardless of the cause. Because it can have many different causes, most people experience poor sleep from time to time. However, chronic or consistent sleep deprivation is a growing issue affecting an increasing number of people around the world.
Though everyone has unique sleep needs, the CDC generally suggests that adults need at least seven hours of rest each night. Any less than that, and you may run the risk of experiencing sleep deprivation. Poor sleep quality can also contribute to feelings of inadequate rest, even if you meet or exceed the amount of recommended sleep. Like diagnosable sleep disorders, sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for your health. For this reason, you should still try to overcome the cause of your sleep deprivation and work to improve your sleep.
Similarly, there are many different causes of various sleep disorders. Some of the most common factors that can contribute to problematic sleep include:
It’s worth noting that some sleep disorders have very specific or distinct causes. With other sleep issues, it can be difficult to know the exact cause. If you’re experiencing problematic sleep, it’s crucial to pay attention to your specific symptoms so you’re better able to respond to them.
Whether from a sleep disorder or other cause, there are many ways to tell if you aren’t getting enough sleep. Different sleep disorders may have their own unique or discrete symptoms, but there are many signs that can indicate problematic sleep, including:
If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder or you may simply be experiencing problematic sleep. Either way, it’s important to be aware of your sleep habits and how they could be affecting you so you’re able to find the right way to support your sleep.
Depending on what type of sleep disorder you have or what symptoms you’re experiencing, you may be able to manage your problematic sleep naturally. While taking a sleeping pill can be an effective way to deal with problematic sleep, it can also be harsh on your body and come with other risky side effects. You should always follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to sleep aids, but there may be an opportunity to use natural and holistic techniques to promote sleep.
As a variety of new trends fuel the wellness industry, a growing number of people are opting to use natural products to promote sleep. Many of these products can be used in conjunction with CAM techniques and practices for a more holistic approach to sleep management. If you want to learn more about natural ways to support your sleep, consider which of the following CAM practices may work for you:
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting small metal needles into specific points on your body. Part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been used for a variety of purposes, such as reducing pain and decreasing stress. Traditionally, acupuncture has been thought to balance the energy in your body, though modern practitioners believe it can be beneficial because of how it stimulates your nerves and muscles.
Some researchers believe acupuncture could be an effective way to manage sleep disorders. However, acupuncture as a sleep solution needs further study, as western practitioners are still unsure of how acupuncture impacts the body to support sleep. If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture, make sure you find a certified and reputable practitioner who you trust.
Smell may not be the first sense you think of when trying to induce sleep, but just like what you see and hear, what you smell can impact your ability to rest. Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural plant extracts — including essential oils — for therapeutic purposes. Multiple studies suggest that aromatherapy can increase the quality of sleep, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that can make it more difficult to sleep. It can also increase the amount of time you experience deep sleep, or REM sleep, causing you to feel more rested and restored in the morning.
However, you must be mindful of what scents you inhale before sleep. Many plants and herbs have medicinal properties; if you aren’t careful, you could hinder, rather than help, your efforts to sleep. Some scents that are known to support sleep or relaxation include:
Try lighting a candle, diffusing essential oils, or applying a scented lotion while you’re getting ready to rest. Keep in mind that there may be some trial and error involved while you find a scent and product that is soothing for you. Some may be invigorating or result in an adverse reaction for you. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to talk to your doctor or an aromatherapist for guidance.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that is used to treat a variety of psychological conditions and improve mental wellbeing. It is a structured treatment that involves working with a mental health professional in a limited number of sessions. In these sessions, you’ll learn to identify negative thoughts or behaviors and replace them with ones that more positively impact your life.
CBT can also be used to treat sleep issues, particularly insomnia. CBT is thought to be an effective way to support sleep, as it works to address the root causes of your sleep problems. Some researchers recommend CBT as a “first-line treatment option” for sleep disorders because it is so beneficial. In CBT for sleep improvement, you will work to overcome any thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that negatively impact your sleep. If you’re interested in trying CBT, you will need to work with a trusted, certified mental health professional or CBT specialist, either in person or online.
Your dietary choices can have a profound impact on your sleep. It’s not only what you eat; it’s your other dietary habits that can hinder or help your ability to rest. To improve your sleep, consider:
It’s important to consider your own dietary habits and how they could be affecting your sleep. Further, there is also a clear connection between what you eat and the quality of your sleep. Simply put, while some foods can hinder your sleep, others may improve it:
Eating these foods may or may not have the intended effect on your sleep. Depending on your body, there may be some trial and error involved in finding a diet that supports your sleep.
Just like your diet, your exercise habits can affect your sleep. Not only is regular physical activity an important part of living a healthy life, but it also can help you get a better night’s sleep — especially if you have a diagnosed sleep disorder. It’s thought that physical activity can help with regulating your circadian rhythm (or your sleep and wake cycle). Exercise may also increase the duration of your deep sleep phase during your nightly sleep cycle.
When exercising to promote sleep, it’s best to be as consistent as possible. Find a form of activity that you enjoy, so you look forward to moving and are able to maintain the habit. Further, you don’t have to do hours-long, intense workouts, as moderate activity is more effective for boosting your sleep quality than vigorous exercise. Finally, try to avoid working out too late in the evening or day; doing so can be energizing, and make it more difficult to fall asleep.
Hypnosis is a trance-like state in which you experience increased focus, relaxation, and receptiveness to suggestion or influence. Also called hypnotherapy, it’s thought that hypnosis offers greater access to your subconscious, which could be useful in encouraging you to fall asleep.
Some research suggests that hypnosis could be highly beneficial for inducing sleep, and even for promoting deep, restorative sleep. One study found that over half of participants reported improved sleep outcomes after hypnosis. Further, hypnosis is a relatively low-risk technique and if it doesn’t work well for you, you’re unlikely to experience any adverse consequences. If you’re interested in trying hypnosis, you can explore countless online resources and recordings that are available; however, it may be best to get in touch with your doctor or a mental health professional for a referral to a certified hypnotherapist or specialist.
Commonly used to treat mood disorders, light exposure therapy involves exposing yourself to artificial light that imitates the natural light you’d encounter outdoors. It’s not completely clear how light exposure therapy works, but researchers believe it can help your body’s circadian rhythms by affecting brain chemicals that can impact your mood. With the help of full-spectrum light, your mind and body are able to better “wake up” in the mornings — especially during the shorter days of fall and winter.
For this reason, light exposure therapy can also be helpful for treating sleep disorders as well as generally problematic sleep. You can purchase a light therapy box online or from a drugstore, although you should look for a full-spectrum light that also blocks out harmful UV rays. Generally, light exposure therapy is fairly safe, though you can experience minor side effects like eye strain or headache. To minimize these side effects, it’s best to do your therapy sessions for the same period of time and at the same time each day.
Many plants have medicinal properties that can be beneficial for your health, and there’s a variety of herbs and supplements you can take to support your sleep. Some of the most popular include:
When used correctly, natural supplements can boost your wellbeing and help you live a healthier, more balanced life. However, these plants can still have serious impacts on your health, such as causing unpleasant side effects or interacting with other medications or supplements. For the best results, you should always discuss your desire or intention to take a supplement with your primary care provider.
From increasing productivity to maintaining mental wellness, there are countless ways that meditation and relaxation can improve your health. Meditation has multiple benefits for sleep, including reduced insomnia symptoms and lessened feelings of daytime fatigue. Some techniques you can use to relax and meditate for sleep support include:
Relaxation and meditation have minimal side effects and risks, making them a great option for anyone struggling with sleep. You can do these exercises whenever you want to calm down or even in conjunction with other natural sleep aids to get the rest you need.
Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, rituals, and behaviors you follow each night before going to bed. Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential to consistently getting an adequate amount of high-quality rest. There are several ways you can improve your own sleep hygiene:
By making these small shifts to your sleep hygiene, you can make sleep a bigger priority in your life — and enjoy more restful nights naturally and more easily.
White noise, such as that from a fan or air conditioner, is a static and consistent sound that remains constant over different frequencies. Because of its regularity, white noise can mask or drown out disruptive sounds in your sleep environment. White noise has benefits for inducing sleep in infants, but it may also improve sleep quality and duration in adults. You may already have a way to create white noise in your home, such as with a fan in your bedroom. If not, you can find a white noise recording online or purchase a white noise machine.
Pink noise is similar to white noise. It is a consistent ambient sound, but it is more intense at lower frequencies. Many examples of pink noise can be found in nature, such as steady rain or rustling leaves. It’s thought that pink noise can promote deep sleep, making you feel more rested in the morning. You can find pink noises on various websites and mobile apps, or use a pink noise machine.
Peruse the following resources for more information on how you can support your sleep or manage your sleep disorder:
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research: Part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this organization conducts research on sleep and circadian rhythms. They take a multidisciplinary approach to their research and education to learn as much as possible about sleep.