While the possibility of a long winter’s nap sounds very soothing
during the fast-paced, stressful holiday season, the reality is that
millions of people struggle through the holidays deprived of restful, restorative sleep. The 80 million Americans who suffer from sleep
disorders find that their insomnia worsens during this hectic time of
the year. Jam-packed schedules, increased sugar intake, economic
stress and the desire to make “everything perfect” for your family can
negatively affect your ability to get the amount of sleep you need.
The inability to get a good night’s sleep is not something to be taken
lightly during the holidays or any other time. Insomnia has been linked
to major disasters like plane crashes, traffic fatalities and serious
work related injuries. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, more than 100,000 serious automobile accidents a year
are caused by driver fatigue. 
Lack of sleep can also lead to health problems, including obesity. A
study conducted at Columbia University found that people who sleep five
hours per night are 75% more likely to become obese than those getting
seven to nine nightly hours of sleep. People getting six hours of sleep
are 27% more likely to gain weight than people who get the recommended
amounts.
Because insomnia is so prevalent, prescription sleeping pills are
prescribed by the millions and most of them have negative side effects
such as sleepwalking and next-day drowsiness. They can also be habit
forming. That being the case, millions of Americans have chosen to
treat their insomnia with natural remedies.
One of the most popular natural supplements used by people with
sleep problems is melatonin. In fact, more than 20 million Americans
use melatonin supplements to help them sleep. Sometimes referred to as
an “all natural nightcap” melatonin is a natural body hormone produced
by the pineal gland (a pea-sized structure at the center of the brain).
Melatonin is believed to regulate the “circadian rhythms” in the body.
Many studies have supported the use of melatonin supplements in
shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and reducing the number of
times a person wakes up during the night.
Talk to your holistic practitioner about other natural ways to
improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. There are numerous
natural remedies that can help you get the rest your body needs to
function at peak performance so you can enjoy every single minute of
the holiday season. So fluff up your pillow, snuggle down under the
blanket and settle down for a much-deserved long winter’s nap. Sweet
dreams.