Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 46
The sleep basics still matter
Herbal remedies are most
likely to help when they
sit alongside healthy
sleep habits. This includes
keeping a consistent wake
time, limiting caffeine
later in the day, reducing
alcohol, getting morning
light, winding down
before bed and keeping
screens out of the 昀椀nal
stretch of the evening
where possible.
It is also worth
remembering that
insomnia is not always
just a sleep problem.
Stress, anxiety,
depression, pain, restless
legs, sleep apnoea, shift
work, medications and
hormonal changes can
all play a role. Treating
the underlying cause is
often more effective than
simply adding a sleep aid.
For chronic insomnia,
cognitive behavioural
therapy for insomnia,
known as CBTi,
is considered the
recommended 昀椀rst
line treatment. It helps
address the thoughts,
behaviours and patterns
that keep insomnia going
and can be delivered
by trained clinicians or
through evidence based
digital programs.
So, should you try herbal remedies?
For some people, a herbal remedy may
be a gentle addition to a bedtime routine.
Chamomile tea, for example, may help
signal that the day is winding down.
Valerian may help some people, although
results are not guaranteed and it may take
time. Passion昀氀ower may be useful where
relaxation is the main goal.
The key is to keep expectations realistic.
Herbal remedies are not a magic 昀椀x, and they
are unlikely to resolve persistent insomnia
on their own. If sleep problems occur three
or more nights a week, last longer than a
few weeks, affect daytime functioning or are
associated with snoring, breathing pauses,
anxiety, low mood or signi昀椀cant fatigue, it is
worth speaking with a GP.
A better night’s sleep often comes from
a combination of small, consistent habits,
stress management, the right professional
support and, where appropriate, carefully
chosen treatments. Herbal remedies may
have a place in that picture, but they should
be used thoughtfully, safely and with a
healthy respect for the evidence.
