Insomnia is a common disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep regardless of perceived tiredness. If you regularly have problems falling asleep, wake up repeatedly during the night or even wake up in the early morning, you might suffer from insomnia.
And you would not be alone: it is estimated that more than 10% of people in Europe may suffer from insomnia at some point.
Common causes for insomnia are incorrect habits, such as excessive caffeine intake, exercising late in the afternoon, or prolonged exposure to illuminated screens – all this inhibits melatonin production, altering sleep cycles. Other causes may include medications that alter the sleep-wake rhythm as a side effect, or even emotional stress, psychiatric disorders and inner or outer conflicts.
Generally, there are two types of insomnia
Primary insomnia results from frequent travels, stressful work shifts and traumatic or distressing events that can affect sleep routine. Secondary insomnia is associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety or chronic pain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is widely recognised that insomnia may, in turn, cause other daytime symptoms, notably loss of focus, anxiety, depression, irritability and chronic fatigue.
There are numerous techniques and natural remedies to combat insomnia and induce sleep, including phytotherapy, calming and hypnotic herbal teas and infusions, and aromatherapy essences with calming properties, such as bergamot, lavender and sandalwood.
In this article, however, we will focus on homeopathy as a precious ally against sleeplessness.
The homeopathic approach is based on a preliminary definition of the patient in terms of clinical, morphological and metabolic profile and pathological predisposition, so that targeted measures may be tailored to their needs. Possible classification methods in this respect include: type of homeopathic constitution (carbonic, phosphoric, fluoric or sulphuric), body type (long or short-limbed) or sensitivity profile based on the patient’s morphology, character, symptoms etc.
At the end of the consultation, a homeopathic remedy is prescribed in varying degrees of dilution.
Remedies such as Pulsatilla, Sepia and Thuya are often used in the treatment of insomnia. Some remedies are used in acute situations, including:
- Aconitum napellus: used to treat insomnia caused by fright, shock or fear, with severity typically increasing around midnight
- Coffea: used to treat insomnia when the mind is excited by nervousness, anticipation or over-elation. This is the go-to remedy for those who go to sleep reminiscing the events of the day, or thinking of the next day
- Gelsemium: one of the main homeopathic remedies for anxiety and panic attacks
- Chamomilla: mainly used for childhood insomnia, on children who only fall asleep when cradled.
All these remedies – and many more – can be used to successfully prevent insomnia and treat the patient as a whole. However, as with any homeopathic therapy, it is crucial to consult an experienced physician with the necessary skills to identify the patient’s constitutional type, as this is the basis for defining the most effective therapeutic strategy.
At the ADLER MED medical centres, all homeopathic therapies are tailored to the patient’s specific needs. The preferred method of administration is through alkaline thermal water mixed with homeopathic remedies, which the patient should drink within a period of 24 hours.
Dr. Med. Colomba Aura Romeo
ADLER Spa Resort BALANCE