Though the term insomnia is used loosely to refer to any kind of temporary disruption in sleep patterns, clinical insomnia is much more than that. It is a sleep disorder that occurs due to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other such psychological conditions. Some of the key symptoms of insomnia are

1. Extreme tiredness
2. Mental exertion
3. Fear and anxiety
4. Hyperactivity

Many people who suffer from depression and insomnia seek natural remedies for depressionsince conventional drugs are known to have many side effects.

Homeopathy is an alternative medical discipline that is natural and believes that a disease is a pathological disturbance in the body. It uses natural substances in a highly diluted state to treat the disorder. The principle that homeopathy works on is “let likes cure likes”. This basic principle assumes that a substance that causes a disease in its undiluted form shall cure the same disease in the diluted form.

Given the individualistic and customized approach that homeopathy has, different treatments are meted out to individuals for the same disease based on their characteristic traits, personality and condition. The Materia medica lists remedies along with all the possible symptoms that it can be used for.

Homeopathy treats insomnia with arsenicum since it has been used successfully in many cases. Arsenicum has also been used for treating depression related insomnia and shown positive results.

There are other homeopathic remedies that may be recommended in different cases of insomnia. These are

1. Nux Vomica – this is used in cases where the underlying cause of insomnia is drug or alcohol abuse.
2. Ignatia – used mainly in cases of insomnia caused by intense sorrow or depression.
3. Passiflora – recommended for those who suffer from insomnia due to extreme fear and anxiety.

Non-conventional treatments like acupressure and acupuncture have also been used in the past to obtain relief from lack of sleep. Herbal remedies, herbal massages and exercise regimes can also help in relaxing tense muscles and lowering brain activity levels. These in turn help in inducing sleep.

There are other effective ways of treating depression naturally. An awareness and understanding of sleep patterns, diurnal routines and lifestyle can go a long way in treating insomnia. Some common practices that should be followed to ensure better sleep are

1. Retire to bed only after you feel sleepy.
2. Do not carry work to your bedroom.
3. Shift the television out of the bedroom.
4. Quit smoking and reduce caffeine intake.
5. Meditate and learn to relax, physically as well as mentally.