Sleeping difficulties - a living nightmare!
What are the potential causes of insomnia?
- Anxiety, worry and uneasiness are major culprits when it comes to sleep. Our thoughts keep us from sleeping, therefore it's so important for us to relax before we go to bed. When we don't, it's difficult let go of our fears and worrying thoughts.
- Watching TV or using your computer/mobile phone late at night negatively affects your quality and ability to sleep. These days, many people and children are very vulnerable to this.
- Working or exercising late at night is another culprit for disturbed sleep.
- Eating late at night, drinking caffeine, alcohol and energy drinks may keep us from sleeping.
- Snoring, sleep apnea and physical disorders could, among other things, seriously reduce the quality of sleep.
- A hormone imbalance or disoriented biological clock is also an important factor.
If sleep problems arise for more than three weeks, it's recommended to see a doctor for a check-up.
In the UK, nearly a third of the population are suffering from insomnia which is negatively affecting their health. In Belgium, 30% of people suffer from sleep problems, while 13% take sleeping pills and tranquillisers in order to get a decent night of sleep. In the Netherlands, sleep is the third most prevalent health concern.
But there are several things that you can do yourself in order to improve your quality of sleep:
• Implement sufficient exercise throughout the day, such as sports and outdoor activities.
• Choose healthy food and drink plenty of water.
• Schedule your sleeping time, and stick to it.
• Limit medications, nicotine, caffeine and alcohol, as they disturb your quality of sleep in the long run.
• Sleeping rituals are good! This could be taking a bath, reading a book or listening to peaceful music.
• Relax through yoga and breathing exercises.
• Avoid tension late at night (such as conflict, violent movies, loud music, games).
• Pick a good quality mattress and make sure your room isn't too hot or too cold.
• Avoid having a TV or PC in your room. After all, your bedroom should be a place of rest. • We sleep optimally in a dark room, good curtains or blinds are a must.
• A foot or body massage can have a very relaxing effect as well.
In case these tips haven't proved successful, Valerian and passion flower, the principal herbs in Trust herbal drops, may be able to remedy the situation.
Trust herbal drops are a synergy of six plants that contribute to a restorative night's sleep.
How do you use Trust herbal drops to alleviate insomnia?
• Adults should take 10 drops at dinner and another 10 drops before bedtime with a little water.
• For children aged 3 years and up, 3 drops per dose.
• From 6 years, 5 drops per dose.
• Between 10 and 12 years, an average of 5 to 7 drops per dose.
What ingredients are in Trust herbal drops?
Hydroalcoholic extracts of agrimony, passion flower, St John’s Wort, garden angelica, valerian, and verbena – Alc. 50% vol.
If you take prescription medication, please inform your doctor or pharmacist. Trust herbal drops contain St John’s Wort which may not be combined with prescription medications such as sleeping pills or antidepressants.
If you take prescription medicines, opt for Trust Mild (St John’s Wort-free) or the Trust Cream for external use. Ask advice from your doctor.Not to be used when pregnant.
Sincerely,
Lieve Plasch - Lic. Psychology.