Certified Homeopath, Cathleen Springer, has identified the following six common insomnia causes in her work with clients who are struggling with sleep issues:



1. Dietary issues. The standard American diet does not meet major nutritional guidelines; it focuses on too many fats and carbohydrates. American diets are sadly incomplete when it comes to fruits, vegetables and fiber. This high carb imbalance can disrupt the body's ability to self-regulate sleep.

2. Excessive worry and anxiety. Many poor sleepers spend the night reliving the day and each of the stressful situations they experienced during the day. These rehashing, anxious thoughts prove to be very disruptive to regular sleep cycles.

3. That old, bad bed. Older mattresses and box springs can contribute to sleep problems. Old springs and lumpy or sagging mattresses can cause your back to become twisted which then can lead to many hours of twisting and turning. No restful, deep sleep in that picture.

4. Unresolved emotional issues. Did you have a fight with your spouse before bedtime? Or maybe an argument with your teenager? Emotional stressors can prevent the body from slowing down and relaxing for sleep, especially if you keep replaying the event in your mind.

5. Body pain. Any type of pain, whether it is headaches, back pain, sore mouth, or stiff joints, can be a distraction when trying to fall asleep. Often pain will wake you in the middle of the night and can prevent you from returning to a restful night's sleep.

6. Hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal fluctuations caused by PMS or menopause can also disrupt a woman's normal sleep cycles. The wide swings in hormone levels affect sleep and mood.

Many of these sleep issues can result in long-term dependence on medication to fall asleep and stay asleep.

More and more Americans are turning to medication as the rate of insomnia reaches epidemic levels. In a 2002 study, the National Sleep Foundation reported that approximately 58 percent of American adults reported at least one symptom of insomnia each week. These symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep all night, waking too early, or waking feeling tired and unrested.

Failure to solve sleep problems can lead to chronic issues and can harm a person's long-term health and daily safety. For example, sleepy drivers are a danger to themselves and others on the roads. But with some effort, you can treat the insomnia causes and go to sleep easily tonight.

The foregoing statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Pursuant to California Senate Bill SB577:

Cathleen Springer does not claim to practice medicine, prescribe for or diagnose disease; does not hold out, state, indicate, advertise or imply that she is a licensed physician. The treatment provided in her practice is guided by the well-established principles of homeopathy as an effective form of natural health care. It will be your responsibility whether or not to pursue any advice you receive during a consultation.