Let’s face it, most of us don’t get enough sleep as it is. Either we’re preoccupied with work, watching a good film or hanging out in social situations, many days of the week we look at the clock and sigh when we realise how long we’ve actually got to sleep before we have to get up again.
However, once in bed, this problem only gets worse when we suffer sleep deprivation or insomnia, leaving us feeling weak the next day. Over time, this can build up, and before long, we’re stressed out, irritable and not feeling ourselves.
Whether this describes you perfectly and you’re suffering from insomnia, there’s no need to worry anymore. Ayurveda medicine has a wealth of formulas and guidelines that can help you get your sleeping back on track. Here’s a few of them to get you started.
Warm Milk Formula
This is one of the most tried and tested methods in the book. Even as kids, mothers used to give their children a glass of warm milk before bed to help them sleep. However, there’s a couple of ingredients you’ll want to add to make it even more effective.
In this warm milk, add a pinch of nutmeg, a pinch of cardamom and a couple of crushed almonds. Give the formula a good mix and drink it just before you get into bed. This is a sure-fire way to give the best sleep you’ve had in a long while.
Eat More Cherries
One of the Ayurveda guidelines is to increase your cherry consumption. Cherries have been scientifically linked to giving you a better night’s sleep, and it’s also mentioned in Ayurveda practices. It’s also a great way to get some fruit in for the day and have one of your five a day. So, instead of eating a bag of crisps for your snack, have some cherries instead.
Garlic Milk
This may not seem like the most appetising drink you’ve ever had, but it’s been proven to work countless times. Get one cup of milk, ¼ of a cup full of water and one single clove of garlic. Chopped the garlic up, mix all your liquids together and boil it. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how much better you feel.
Early Evening Drink
For some of us, we won’t want to drink something right before bed. Otherwise, we end up going to the toilet throughout the night which isn’t great if you’re already suffering from sleep deprivation.
If this is the case, try drinking a cup of tomato juice a couple of hours before you go to bed. Around 4-5pm is ideal. In this tomato juice, add two teaspoons of sugar as well as a pinch of nutmeg and then have your dinner shortly afterwards.
Sweet dreams!