Hello on a beautiful summer evening, and thank you for reading the Self Help Tips Blog!

Today I would like to share some of my favorite natural remedies for insomnia.

Think about the last time you had trouble falling asleep. Was your mind replaying the day's events? Were you worried you would not be able to complete all of tomorrow’s tasks? Was there a specific deadline at work that had you tossing and turning all night?

If there is something keeping you awake at night, do not panic! There are natural sleep remedies which can help. Let’s take a closer look at a few of these herbs and cures:

First we’ll start with my favorite remedy: drinking a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed. This herb has been effective in treating insomnia, and also soothes and calms at the same time. It does work! Another remedy is milk and honey. This combination is an old but effective method to induce sleep. In addition, having a luke-warm glass of milk alone can activate the sleep process.

Lavender is another herb which depresses the central nervous system similar to anti-depressants. One cup of lavender and mint tea can put you to sleep within a matter of minutes. Lemon balm tea is another fast-acting stimulant which will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. Don't be frightened by the word stimulant. Not all stimulants energize, many calm and relax… we just don't hear them in the news as often as the energy jolting type of stimulants.

While herbs can be of enormous value as sleeping aids, there are other methods you can use to attain restful, uninterrupted sleep. Try not to nap during the day, don’t drink caffeine before bedtime and avoid medications and alcohol which interrupt sleep.

Determine if your iron level is low. This is a problem which can readily be resolved with iron supplements. Have some turkey before going to bed. It contains an ingredient which causes sleepiness. (Remember Thanksgiving?)

Maybe your mattress is unsuitable for a restful sleep. If so, purchase a new one. There are many new types on the market and you are sure to find one that pleases you. If you can not afford a new mattress, try a bed topper for your mattress. They are available everywhere that sheets and blankets are sold.

Yoga exercises before bedtime can be of enormous value. Sitting quietly in a room for fifteen minutes can calm and prepare your body for relaxation. Soothing music can also be beneficial. Perhaps the sounds of nature or the ocean will be just the relaxation you need.

Rid yourself of any anxiety, which is what keeps most people up at night. Let go of today’s stress. Instead, fill your thoughts with tranquility by thinking of a place or a time which brought you great happiness.

Turn off the TV or any other stimulant that is keeping you awake. Read a book! Lie in bed, turn off the lights and just try to relax.

Remember the movie "Gone with the Wind?" In it, Miss Scarlett says "I’ll think about it tomorrow." Take her advice. Don’t worry about tomorrow, you will have plenty of time to think about it in the morning.

Sleep has a great affect on your overall health. If the problem persists, there may be an underlying cause for which you should seek advice.