With These Natural Insomnia Treatments, You Can Say Goodbye to Sleepless Nights.

According to a recent Harvard research, one out of every four Americans suffers from minor sleeplessness.

That inability to fall and remain asleep might be the consequence of a short-term problem or a lifetime of bad sleeping habits. In any case, it isn't something that can be remedied with medicine for insomnia.

Here's why insomnia occurs, why prescription medications won't help, and how to create healthy sleep habits for a lifetime of restful sleep.

Why Does Insomnia Occur?

Insomnia can be a short-term or long-term problem. However, no matter how long you have to cope with it, it is never enjoyable.

Most of us will suffer from a brief spell of sleeplessness at some time in our lives. Stress, a change in habit (like starting a new job or having a baby), or drugs that disrupt sleep, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, allergy medications, and corticosteroids, are all common causes. The good news is that your sleep pattern will generally return to normal after you figure out how to deal with the circumstance.

In other cases, though, insomnia can develop into a long-term problem. This can occur as a symptom of a more serious health problem, such as sadness, anxiety, or sleep apnea. In certain cases, insomnia is caused by poor sleep habits, such as eating too many heavy foods before bed, sleeping in an uncomfortable location, or staying up all night staring at your smartphone or tablet.

Making Exercise a Priority

If you didn't get the word, being physically active is critical to getting a good night's sleep. Evidence is mounting suggesting those who exercise frequently sleep better than their couch potato colleagues, especially those who suffer from severe insomnia.

Sunlight as a Source of Healthy Melatonin Production

The sun may keep you awake in the morning, but it is also necessary for getting a good night's sleep. That's because your body uses natural light to identify what time it is and whether to produce energetic hormones or those that make you feel drowsy and calm, such as melatonin.

Taking Action to Reduce Stress

Stress may be robbing you of your ability to fall asleep if you find yourself laying in bed with your mind racing on a regular basis.

Consider Seeing Your Physician

If you've tried every natural solution and are still having trouble sleeping, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor about your insomnia. You can talk about your symptoms together, which might indicate underlying health conditions that are making it difficult for you to fall asleep. You can also go over any insomnia medications to get rid of insomnia.