Sleeping aids

If one has trouble falling asleep, tension, overwork and mental strain are often the cause. Relaxing herbs are helpful here. Avoid working late and do relaxing exercises like stretching, mediation and breathing exercises. Massage or acupuncture can also be helpful. Insomnia can also mean that one falls asleep easily, but then wakes up after a few hours and finds it difficult to go back to sleep. This is often associated with a kidney or heart "yin," deficiency, or adrenal weakness. Consistent use of adrenal tonic herbs in extract form is essential. Either type of insomnia can be based on, or at least aggravated by, a neurotransmitter imbalance. Herbs and foods that help restore the proper serotonin levels in the brain, such as yogurt and St. John’s wort can be useful.