The Insomniacs Guide to a Perfect Night's Sleep

Sleep: that magical time between evening and morning when the body relaxes and rejuvenates. Unfortunately, for nearly 40% of Americans, this time is usually filled with tossing, turning, and frequent waking. These are textbook symptoms of insomnia, the most common sleep disorder in the United States. With some easy changes in both the sleep routine and daily life, nighttime can return to it's original purpose.

The easiest and most readily available sleep remedies can be found at any natural foods store. Aromatherapy is a great way to start. Lavender is the scent that works best to relax the body and the mind. I adore the scent, but it can be too strong for some. If this is the case, mix it with another warm scent such as vanilla. Baths are also known to relax, so try taking a bath with lavender-scented bath salts, a candle, or aromatherapy oil will prepare the body for a good night's sleep. Of course, not everyone has the time to take a bath because of daily commitments. In fact, stress is the leading cause of sleep disorders. After an exhausting day, the irony of sleeplessness can be extremely frustrating. This is where some simple visualizing, self-hypnosis and even music can help to induce sleep.