Homeopathy combats the symptoms by “treating evil with evil”, i.e. using substances which give the same signs as the disease which one wishes to combat, but in infinitesimal doses, in order to provoke a reaction of the organism. But it also strives to treat the patient’s terrain, that is to say his predisposition to develop such and such a disorder, in order to prevent them from recurring or becoming chronic. This original approach has a major consequence: the remedy is not the same for everyone and it takes many details into account.
“Like any doctor, we will distinguish recent insomnia from insomnia installed“, explains Dr. Gwenaël Greppo, homeopathic general practitioner. “But, among the ten drugs we have, we will also choose according to other signs: the times of awakening, the triggering causes, whether the patients are calm or nervous when they sleep badly, whether or not they have nightmares, etc..
When the mind ruminates
That ideas follow one another and prevent sleep, or to go back to sleep when awake, there are three main remedies:
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If the excitement is rather due to a happy context (child waiting for his birthday) and is accompanied by an intolerance to noise: Coffea tosta.
In a positive context, but which leaves rather pensive, “between two waters”… and constipated: Opium.
If the hypervigilance is linked to worries, especially if it is accompanied by nightmares: Hyocyamus niger.
Following a grief or annoyance
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When insomnia is accompanied by sadness, a tightness in the throat during the day, and jerks in the legs when falling asleep or at night: Ignatia.
In people who overwork themselves, abuse pleasures (table, drink, tobacco, etc.) and are quite angry (all the more so if they combine difficulty falling asleep and waking up around 3 or 4 a.m.): Nux vomica.
In case of anticipatory anxiety
When insomnia occurs before an exam, an important appointment, or simply out of fear for the future.
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If the hyperemotivity results rather in depression and great fatigue, tremors and body aches: Gelsemium sempervirens.
If the anxious ground results in waking up at 1 a.m.: Arsenicum album.
For the anxious who run from morning to evening, often have hoarse voice and digestive disorders: Argentum nitricum.
In case of intellectual overwork
When insomnia occurs while preparing for an exam or work overload : the remedy is Phosphoricum acidum.
“All these drugs are to be taken in 15 CH, at the rate of 5 granules at bedtime until the symptoms disappear”, says Dr. Greppo. “If you hesitate, you can take two remedies simultaneously, but by separating the doses by half an hour.”
There are also ready-made homeopathic cocktails, such as Sedative PC®, Passiflora compound® or Dolisedal®, but inevitably, they risk being less accurate.
Unlike sleeping pills, homeopathic medicines may take a few days to work, but they cause no side effects.
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