Almost 6 million people rely on prescription or over the counter drugs to aid in sleep every year. That is approximately one in four people who suffer from insomnia on a consistent basis. Those suffering from insomnia usually have two problems with their sleeping habits. The problems sufferers have is either getting to sleep or staying asleep. Also, consider the fact that everyone in the nation does not follow the same sleeping schedule daily or need the same amount of sleep. There are natural supplements that can help restore proper sleep patterns. If you can identify some key factors that may contribute to the loss of sleep you are experiencing, a few changes in your habits at night can do the trick and help you attain a good nights sleep.

Nearly half of all diagnosed cases of insomnia have been linked to physiological causes, treating those will solve the sleep problem. For example, people with hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, or yeast infections, may wake up in the night as a result of changes in the blood caused by these conditions. For hypoglycemic individuals, consumption of juice or fruit can usually relieve the symptoms, but one should consult a health care professional for other solutions because leaving diabetic problems unchecked can lead to more serious health problems down the road. Those suffering from yeast infections can change their diet consuming less starchy and sugary foods.

Those who are deficient in vitamin B6, vitamin B3 (niacin), magnesium, or l-tryptophan may be lacking in serotonin. By changing your diet and eating foods high in these vitamins can bring back the hormone levels individuals need for proper sleep. If changes in diet aren’t possible adding a vitamin supplement can help one attain the nutrients needed for better sleep. A health care professional will be able to do a blood test to tell if serotonin is the problem and what supplements one could take to address this issue.

A lack of calcium and magnesium may cause muscle tension, spasms and cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, headaches, anxiousness, nervousness and irritability. A good calcium and magnesium supplement formulated at one to one ratio for example: 500mg calcium/500mg magnesium per serving taken at bed time can help one relax and sleep better.

Another possible problem is daily stress. Reducing the levels of stress we experience during the day can be hard, and we are still on the go in the evenings after a hard days work. Daily stress can be a major source of anxiety and rob us of sleep. To compensate for the hard days work, your evenings after work should be your winding down time, take a nice long walk in the park, reading a book or a hot bath is great for reducing stress that has built up during the day.

Also, pay attention to your bedroom surroundings. Noise, light, temperature, and weather changes can disturb your sleep. Comfort levels can affect sleep as well; your pillow, mattress, bedding, and night clothes can all affect your sleep. If you suspect that one of these is the cause of your insomnia, try experimenting with bedtime surroundings and see how your sleep is affected.

There are some herbs that can also be used to help get you to sleep and keep you there. Start with reishi mushroom take 3 grams each day, hops steeped as tea may help as well. Look for valerian root and take 400mg to 500mg 30min before bed time. Skullcap and passion flower can also aid in attaining good rest. Your local health food store should also have kava kava, which is good for reducing stress and anxiety. Take kava kava right when you get home and one before bed time. Kava kava is an herb you do not want to take with MAO inhibitors (prescription drubs for sleep and anxiety). Always consult your family doctor before beginning herbal supplements if you are on medications.

Remember do not let insomnia get you down, fight back with proper nutrition and exercise two to three times a week. Always consult a health care professional if you think you have a sleep problem and give some of the above listed herbs a try. You can be well on your way to a better nights sleep in no time. Good luck.

It is common knowledge how a memory foam mattress can help you on the way to a truly relaxing sleep experience, but few companies selling memory foam products will give you details on how you and your body stand to benefit from owning such a mattress’
This article examines how sleeping on a memory foam mattress can benefit your body, from head to toe!
Head
Memory foam pillows are as widely available as the mattresses themselves, and these can help your head in a number of ways. They are an extremely valuable asset for fighting headaches and migraines by relieving the pressures which can build up around your shoulders and neck when laying on a conventional pillow. Doctors and medical experts also believe that memory foam can help prevent tinnitus ‘ which is a temporary ringing in your ears, often brought on by prolonged exposure to loud music!
Neck & Shoulders
Memory foam adapts to the individual contours of the users body, and it therefore helps to maintain proper alignment in your back, neck and shoulders, thus significantly reducing general aches and pains brought about when your body rests still for a long time in an unnatural position. This can prevent and even cure problems such as spondylitis (a form of arthritis which affects the spinal joints) and spondyl arthropathies such as Reiters syndrome and psoriatic arthritis.
Memory foam products can ease pain and discomfort in the shoulders brought on by fibromyalgia.
Arms & Hands
Regular sufferers of tennis elbow (a condition where the elbow becomes particularly stiff, tender and painful, can benefit immeasurably from the ‘shaping’ properties of memory foam. These shaping properties also make memory foam a particularly effective weapon for combating ‘pins and needles’, numb arms and ‘dead hand’ problems.
Upper Back
Kyphosis is a condition whereby the spine will begin to curve unnaturally due to prolonged abnormal pressure, and because your memory foam mattress will mould to your particular shape, it is great for preventing or even correcting this curvature (which can lead to serious discomfort) and many other common back problems.
Ribs & Ribcage
Your ribs and ribcage protect your lungs, and abnormal strain on them while asleep can lead to respiratory problems through the night. The adjustable properties of memory foam mattresses mean that it will adjust itself to suit your individual posture, significantly reducing the pressure on your ribcage, thus helping you to breathe (and sleep) much easier!
Lower Back & Hips
Memory foam products are ideal for people who suffer from lower back, sciatic and sacroiliac pains. A memory foam mattress will offer reduced pressure on your hips compared to a standard equivalent.
Knees
Memory foam can be a particularly useful purchase for people who have undergone knee surgery, however they can also benefit people who enjoy regular physical activity which often results in aching knees and legs.
Ankles and Feet
Pains brought about by restless leg syndrome and Achilles tendon problems can easily be overcome by upgrading to a memory foam mattress. Because this revolutionary mattress technology evenly distributes pressures exerted on your body while asleep, it is particularly useful for those people who find getting into the comfort zone in bed difficult.

Silk was fist discovered by the Chinese in 6000 BC. It soon became a popular luxury fabric that was in high demand. Emperors of China tried to keep silk a secret but by 300 Ad the practice had been establish in India.

Well known as the ultimate in luxury, silk also has extraordinary properties and health benefits for the skin and hair. Silk is breathable and has natural hypoallergenic properties making is excellent for those will allergies. Silk either traps air next to the skin to keep you warm in the cold, or draws it away from the body in hotter temperatures.

Silk fibres are extraordinarily strong and resilient. Weight for weight silk is stronger than steel. In fact until World War 1 some bulletproof vests were even made from silk.

There are many different types of silk including: chiffon, crepe de chine, charmeuse, jacquard & douppioni. The most traditional being charmeuse a shimmery satin
weave used for clothing and pure
silk bedding. The finest quality silk comes from the mulberry silk moth (Bombyx mori) that feeds on Mulberry leaves. It takes more than 5,000 silk worms to produce just one kilogram of silk.

The unit of weight traditionally used to measure the density of silk is called Mommes (mm). It can be compared to the use of thread count for cotton fabrics.

Overall silk is a hugely beneficial fibre and some better than any other bedding choice on the
market.