 5 Things That Could Help Improve Your Sleep 1. Sleep in a dark room - When going to sleep at night make sure the drapes are drawn, the computer is off or out of the room, and any other possible sources of light are blocked out. Your brain responds to darkness by producing more of the 'sleep time hormone' melatonin, so if there is too much light you may not be producing enough melatonin to send you off to a good night sleep. 2. Keep a regular bedtime and wake up time - Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to support your circadian rhythms, which is the natural rhythm your body develops that runs all your physiologically processes in a given day. Having a consist sleep time will allow your body to know when to prep for sleep so you get better sleep easier. 3. Decrease the Stimulants - Anything that contains caffeine (coffee, black tea, most soft drinks, etc.) can contribute to sleep problems. Stimulants have the effect of increasing our sympathetic response, also called the fight or flight response. The body needs to be in parasympathetic mode in order to rest. Consuming less or cutting out stimulants can be very helpful with getting more sleep.
4. Herbal Teas
- A nice soothing cup of tea before bed can make getting to sleep that much easier. There are many ‘sleepy time’ type teas on the market at the grocery store, health food store or local tea shop. One common tea is chamomile, which is very soothing for the nervous system, among other properties. Consider consulting a health care practitioner, such as a Naturopath, for herbal suggestions that will best suit your needs. 5. Acupuncture - Acupuncture has been used for all kinds of conditions for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, can be very effectively addressed through Acupuncture. A preliminary report in 2004 found that in patients with anxiety, acupuncture increased nighttime melatonin production and total sleep time. The patients who received acupuncture fell asleep faster, woke less during the night, and were less stressed. The researchers concluded that, “Acupuncture treatment may be of value for some categories of anxious patients with insomnia.” Note: This does not represent an exhaustive list of possibilities for dealing with insomnia. If you suffer from insomnia and require more information, contact your Naturopathic Doctor to find out how they can help you with your health care needs. References: 1. Spence, DW. et al. (2004). Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety: a preliminary report. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. Winter;16(1):19-28. 2. Nutrition and Healthy Eating. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211. Copyright Oct. 1, 2011.
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 Troubleshooting Colic
Colic: - A catchall term referring to when a baby is fussy, uncomfortable, or distressed even though they are dry, warm, well fed, and comforted. Colic may be caused by any number of things, and some babies seem to be more prone to colic than others. One of the more common theories is that the digestive process is upset or not occurring properly in some way. Remember that your baby is growing and changing quite a bit every day and their digestive tract is really no different. The following are some suggestions for preventing colic, but keep in mind there is no foolproof method and most babies do outgrow it naturally by 4 months. - Avoid eating members of the cabbage family (broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards) turnips, garlic, onions, spicy foods, fried foods, peanuts, caffeine, dairy foods, eggs, beans, and wheat. - Exercise baby’s legs by ‘bicycling’ their legs up to baby’s abdomen. Press the legs up to the belly (both, then individually), then extend them back out and down. Perform each motion 5 times slowly and smoothly. - Nursing in a quiet environment with minimal distractions to help prevent indigestion - Various herbs and teas can also be helpful with colic. However, each case is unique and it’s best to do a full assessment to determine yours and your child’s particular needs Like many health issues, it is best to seek help from your Naturopathic Doctor to assess the best course of action for your child. References: 1. Romm, A. 2003. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health. Celestial Arts. 2. Skowron, JM. 2009. Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics. CCNM Press. Print. 3. Simkin, P et al. 2010. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, 4th Ed. Meadowbrook Press. |
Sarah Connors
I am a Naturopathic Doctor and Doula providing care in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I have a passion for helping people with their health issues and improving the birth experience for Moms, and their babies. I also have a life long love affair with soccer, curling, and the alto saxophone. Archives
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