Sleep and Alternative Medicine Essay Example

active state (NSF).

Brain activity during REM sleep leads to dreaming and is followed by another cycle of NREM sleep. Fibromyalgia, a health condition characterized by muscle pain, can disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbance in addition to widespread bodily pain. (Edelberg; "Fibromyalgia"; Mayo Clinic).

People who have fibromyalgia encounter disruptions in their sleep cycles characterized by abrupt brain activity, which hinders them from achieving deep sleep and results in feeling tired upon waking up and experiencing pain. The reason for this is the incapacity to attain Stages 3 and 4 for proper rejuvenation. Valerian and melatonin are two recommended remedies to deal with sleep disturbances among individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia (Mayo Clinic; Sleep Disturbances; Edelberg).

Valerian, also called Valeriana officinalis, is a natural supplement utilized in the United States to remedy sleeping disorders. This alternative medicine has been proven by several studies to enhance sleep quality and promote uninterrupted sleep. The combination of valerian root extract and Melissa extract can boost deep-sleep stages 3 and 4. On the other hand, melatonin, which is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, offers another option for addressing sleep problems.

Various sleeping disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea, can be treated with alternative medicines like melatonin. These medicines restore the sleep cycle, making them effective in inducing sleep when the cycle is disrupted. Those experiencing jet lag can benefit from melatonin's properties. Melatonin and other alternative medicines are also useful for treating insomnia, which is characterized by persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep (Wong).

Temporary interruptions in breathing during sleep, also known as sleep apnea, may result from airway obstructions or a lack of communication between the

brain and lungs. Meanwhile, non-traditional remedies such as herbal teas have been proven to be effective in reducing health risks associated with insomnia. It is important to note that these herbs do not target insomnia itself but rather address underlying physical issues that cause symptoms.

Among the herbs utilized for treating insomnia, Valerian is previously mentioned in the text while passionflower is another option. The Aztecs have once used passionflower as a sedative, and it is now commonly used to treat insomnia linked to asthma and cramps. This is because of the herb's calming properties that can induce sleep.

Jamaica dogwood has the ability to soothe insomnia by producing a calming impact, particularly for instances caused by anxiety or menstrual pain ("Therapies"). Moreover, various other relaxing herbs like hops, Californian poppy, chamomile, wild lettuce, and skullcap can also assist in inducing sleep.

There are several herbs that can alleviate insomnia depending on the cause. Hops is recommended for anxiety or tension-induced sleeplessness, while Californian poppy is effective for menopause-related insomnia. Wild lettuce helps restless children fall asleep and skullcap works well for those struggling with stress, fatigue, depression, tension or pre-menstrual syndrome. Chamomile is a widely used herb in relaxing teas ("Therapies").

Sedative herbs like St. John's wort and passionflower are effective treatments for insomnia, but the former is particularly good at improving sleep quality. These herbs can be consumed as extracts, teas, or infusions, and may also be used in baths. Kava is a dietary supplement herb that effectively reduces anxiety (Wong, Therapies).

Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration withdrew a certain market product due to its adverse effects (Wong). In terms of alternative medicine options

for sleep apnea, homeopathy provides a significant contribution as a sector of alternative medicine. Homeopaths offer remedies for individuals with sleep apnea (“Sleep Apnea”), but they first evaluate the person's specific needs before recommending any remedies.

The treatment of sleep apnea can be addressed with different homeopathic remedies. One such remedy is Arsenicum album, which helps alleviate respiratory issues that aggravate during nighttime. Symptoms of this may includes feelings of fear, agitation, restlessness, weakness, and exhaustion ("Sleep Apnea"). Another remedy is lachesis, which specifically targets breathing difficulties that worsen at the start of sleep.

Opium is a homeopathic remedy that works well for individuals experiencing jealousy, morning depression, fear of sleeping, and excessive talking. It is especially effective in treating sleep apnea for those who experience confusion due to the condition. Additionally, there are three other homeopathic remedies that aid in the treatment of sleep apnea: sambucus for those with asthma or nasal obstructions causing breathing difficulties at night, spongia, and sulphur. ("Sleep Apnea")

Spongia is employed for alleviating symptoms of respiratory issues that worsen when exposed to "cold air and lying down" ("Sleep Apnea"). It is most effective for individuals who feel tightness in their chest. Sulphur, on the other hand, is utilized for sleep-related difficulties resulting from nightmares and other disruptions to one's sleep cycle. Furthermore, sulphur provides relief to individuals with sleep apnea who also have skin rashes that escalate with warm temperatures. Sulphur is most recommended for individuals who enjoy cold environments and those who prefer constraints ("Sleep Apnea").

Alternative medicine offers not only alternative remedies, but also various therapies to ease sleep disorders such as insomnia. These alternative therapies encompass acupuncture, relaxation, meditation,

and exercise (Breus). Acupuncture has been used in the Chinese medical tradition for a long time to treat insomnia, involving the insertion of needles into specific skin points to enhance bodily functions.

According to Breus, clinical research indicates that the utilization of acupuncture can improve sleep quality for individuals suffering from insomnia. Additionally, relaxation and meditation are integral in treating insomnia, as tense muscles and disruptive thoughts can impede sleep. Various techniques can facilitate muscle relaxation, ultimately promoting the ability to sleep.

Alternative medicine, including meditation, acupuncture, relaxation, and exercise, can help individuals suffering from insomnia and improve the quality of sleep for both young and old adults (Breus). Incorporating these practices into one's routine can quiet the mind, promote deep sleep, and benefit those with sleeping disorders (Breus).

Alternative medicine is beneficial for sleep problems and can aid in restoring the sleep cycle as well as treating various sleeping disorders.