Insomnia refers to a condition in which a person has difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, or there is a lack of quality sleep for about three or more nights in a row in a week. When such a complaint persists for three or more months, it is called chronic insomnia. It is a common complaint among the elderly. Individuals over 60 years of age are prone to insomnia. It is estimated that approximately 30% to 50% of older adults suffer from insomnia. A person may occasionally experience insomnia or restless sleep. However, if sleep deprivation occurs on a regular basis, it can have a negative impact on his/her health. Changes in routine, medical conditions that occur with aging, chronic stress and the use of certain medications affect sleep in the elderly.
Medical conditions that cause insomnia include high blood pressure, joint pain (arthritis), memory loss (dementia), depression, anxiety disorders, diabetes, thyroid problems and heart problems. Some other medical conditions include GERD, RLS, and OSA. GERD refers to gastroesophageal reflux disease in which stomach acid flows back into the food pipe due to the weakening of LES, i.e. the lower esophageal sphincter. RLS refers to restless leg syndrome, a condition in which a person has an irresistible urge to move the legs due to an uncomfortable feeling in the legs. OSA is obstructive sleep apnea where brief pauses in breathing occur during sleep.
Certain medications whose use can cause sleep problems include antidepressants and antihistamines. Alcohol and caffeine use can also lead to sleep problems. In addition, as we age, changes occur in our circadian clock and sleep-wake cycles. This is due to hormone changes that mainly include reduced production of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, which can impact sleep. A sleep cycle consists of four phases, including two phases of light non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and one phase of heavy non-rapid eye movement sleep, followed by rapid eye movement sleep phase. In the elderly, time in heavy NREM is reduced, which can keep them awake all night.
Symptoms
The symptoms of insomnia may include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up earlier than normal. The next day, drowsiness may occur, together with a tired feeling, concentration problems, memory problems, irritability, disturbed mood and aggressive behavior. Insomnia can also lead to depression or anxiety, or insomnia can occur as a result of depression or anxiety.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy has excellent options to help various complaints in the elderly. Among these complaints, it offers a wonderful treatment for insomnia. Derived from natural substances, homeopathic remedies treat insomnia naturally without any side effects. These drugs have shown great clinical results in such cases. These are effective for both insomnia and cases of restless sleep. Homeopathy is a symptom-based science, which means that medications are prescribed in each case based on the characteristic individual symptoms, after a detailed case analysis. The homeopathic prescription for a particular complaint therefore varies from case to case. It is advised to use any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic doctor.
Top Homeopathic Medicines for Insomnia
1. Passiflora – Top medicine
Passiflora is one of the most recommended medications for managing insomnia in the elderly. Individuals who require this stay awake at night and experience marked restlessness. When there is insomnia due to exhaustion, this drug seems to work well. In addition, Passiflora is well indicated for controlling insomnia in people who are constantly worried and overworked.
2. Kali Phos – For complaints due to stress and worries
Kali Phos is the next general remedy suitable for managing insomnia arising from some form of stress or worry. Those who need this remain sad, anxious, irritable and tired. They suffer from fatigue, both mentally and physically. In addition, they may have weak memory and forgetfulness. This medicine is also indicated for people who suffer from restlessness during sleep. The body may feel warm during sleep.
3. Coffea Cruda – For insomnia due to constant thought
This medicine works well in cases where a person cannot sleep due to a constant series of thoughts running through his mind. There is restlessness and tossing and turning in bed. This medicine is especially indicated if a person wakes up early in the morning around 3:00 am and is unable to get back to sleep afterward. It can also be given for disturbed sleep due to enormous dreams. When excessive coffee consumption has led to insomnia, this medication can be of great help. Finally, this medicine is recommended in insomnia that occurs after an acute illness.
4. Baryta Carb – For insomnia or frequent waking at night
This medicine is indicated when a person is drowsy but cannot sleep. Secondly, it is indicated when a person falls asleep at night, but wakes up frequently and continues to feel uncomfortable. There is unrest all night long. It is accompanied by a heated feeling in the body. During the day one feels sleepy. The limbs feel tired upon waking.
5. Calcarea Carb – When multiple thoughts crowd the mind
This medicine is effective in cases where insomnia occurs due to many thoughts arising in the mind. In some cases the same thought crosses the mind again and again. In most cases, insomnia lasts until 2:00 am or 3:00 am. People who need this may suffer from insomnia or have very light sleep and wake up often during the night. Before going to sleep, excessive sweating on the face may occur. This medicine is also useful if there is insomnia or nighttime restlessness due to migraine headaches.
6. Opium – For insomnia or restless sleep
Opium is a well indicated medicine for both insomnia and restless sleep at night. It is used in individuals who feel sleepy but cannot sleep and stay awake. They have a marked sensitivity to sounds and any noise even at a distance disturbs them and keeps them awake. It is also useful for people who are very restless at night and constantly toss and turn in bed. They keep imagining things.
7. Phosphorus – for restless sleep due to dreams
Phosphorus can be considered in cases where a person sleeps restlessly and often wakes up due to dreams. The person wakes up from sleep with a start and is anxious. There is restlessness all night and drowsiness during the day. The person feels a headache in the morning upon waking up. It is also useful if there is sleep disturbance due to a heated feeling in the body.
8. Arsenic Album – For insomnia with anxiety and restlessness
Arsenic Album can be given for insomnia due to anxiety with excessive restlessness. There is constant tossing and turning in bed. This complaint is worse after midnight. Those who need it have various concerns, such as concerns about health, about the future, about others and about various small things. They may be frightened and tremble, causing restlessness. Cold sweats may occur. Difficulty breathing, chest tightness and weakness may be felt.
9. Syphilinum – For insomnia after midnight
Syphilinum works well for people who are sleepless after midnight (12 noon) and cannot fall asleep again until 6 am. People who need this are very restless at night and cannot stay in the same position for long.
10. Sulfur – for those who cannot sleep despite feeling sleepy
Sulfur is beneficial for individuals who feel sleepy in the evening, but have little sleep at night and feel uncomfortable. They may wake up between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. and not be able to fall back asleep. They may experience different types of pain at night. They may have a tendency to sweat and itch at night. Muscle twitching may also occur. The person does not feel fresh in the morning and causes constant yawning, drowsiness and irresistible drowsiness during the day.