There are numerous homeopathic remedies to choose from that can help you get the rest you need. Select the one that most accurately fits your sleep disturbance pattern. You may have all of the listed symptoms, or just one of them.

Aconite: You are extremely anxious, restlessness, have a fear of dying. You experience heart palpitations, are drowsy during the day and awake at night, may have nightmares or disturbing dreams. Fresh air makes you feel good. : Worry and anxiety keep you awake, especially between midnight and 2:00 a.m. Your insomnia worsens your anxiety. You are restless in bed and may get up to make a cup of tea. You like warm drinks and being warm.

Chamomilla: You’re irritable or in pain and can’t get to sleep. You like cold water and sour lemonade. You don’t like coffee.

Coffea: You have an overactive mind and are often wide-awake at 3:00 a.m. You’re particularly sensitive to noise, light, touch, and caffeine from any source.

Ignatia: You sigh and yawn a lot, but can't sleep. You have wide mood swings and are both high-strung and emotional. Grief keeps you awake. Breathing deeply, moving around, and being alone make you feel better.

Nux vomica: You’re irritable, impatient, and frequently wake up at 3:00 – 4:00 a.m and have difficulty falling back to sleep. When you finally do, you wake up tired. It’s difficult for you to switch off your mind and stop thinking about problems at home or work. Alcohol, caffeine, or eating rich, spicy foods keep you awake.

Pulsatilla: At first you feel too hot and throw your covers off, then you feel too cold and pull them back up. One thought keeps repeating in your mind and keeps you awake. You sleep with your hands above your head and wake up feeling overheated.

Sepia: During the day you’re tired, but at night you have difficulty falling asleep. You’re depressed, and your inability to get a good night’s sleep is depressing. You wake up early, can't get back to sleep, and feel sleep-deprived in the morning. Your fatigue gives you headaches and causes dizziness. Exercise helps, and just sitting around makes this condition worse.

Using homeopathics
Don't be confused by the many dilutions available. The dilution you want for a sleep remedy is 30C — considered to be a medium potency. This means that one part of the original substance was diluted 30 times in 99 parts of water. Nothing remains in the tiny pellets or liquid except the energy from the original substance. There’s no trace of any chemicals it once contained. The more times a remedy has been diluted, the stronger the effect. Low potency remedies have been diluted up to 15 times.

Take the remedy once at night for 10 days, an hour before going to bed. Repeat for one more cycle if necessary. You can find the remedies in this article at most health food stores or through www.homeopathic.com (800-359-9051).

Homeopathics are compatible with most medications. However, they should not be taken with antibiotics, antifungals, chemotherapy, steroids, or narcotic drugs. Don’t use them an hour before or after coffee, mint (toothpaste), garlic, and other strong tastes or odors. These could cancel out the effects of the remedies. Take them first thing in the morning or just before bedtime.

If you don't get relief after using a homeopathic remedy for one or two 10-day cycles, you may need some help finding the specific remedy your body needs. Ask practitioners of integrative medicine (doctors, acupuncturists, naturopaths) or at health food stores to help you find a homeopath. I’ve seen homeopathy work wonders in my patients and me. It’s a safe, inexpensive solution to numerous health problems — including insomnia.

Cummings, S., MD and D. Ullman, MPH. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines, Jeremy P. Tarcher, 1997.

Reichenberg-Ullman, J., ND, MSW. Whole Woman Homeopathy, Prima Health, 2000.

Trivieri, L., Jr., and J.W. Anderson. Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Second Edition, Celestial Arts, 2002.