If you suffer from insomnia, you know it's a miserable condition that can drive you to distraction. Insomnia is an inability to fall asleep normally, over a prolonged period. There are many possible causes, including diabetes, lung or heart disease and sleep apnea. Although there are several natural remedies that may bring relief, get a checkup to rule out diseases before using any natural insomnia remedies.

Some people with insomnia keep irregular hours, those proverbial night owls. What you may not realize is that circadian rhythms are, in large part, determined by exposure to natural light. If you're the night owl, be sure to get natural light exposure, both in the morning and late afternoon. Walking and exercise both contribute to your ability to sleep, so take a couple of short walks every day. You may be delighted with this most simple of insomnia remedies!

Several herbs have been used for centuries as effective insomnia remedies and are still used to good effect today.

Valerian is one of the best known natural insomnia remedies, widely used in Europe for this purpose. However, valerian doesn't work for everyone. Although valerian is well-researched, scientists are not certain of how it works, but only that it is often effective. As with many herbs, it may take two to three works before you realize results.

Kava kava is a popular and effective anti-anxiety remedy, which may prove helpful if your insomnia is anxiety related.

Relief from your insomnia may be as simple as a cup or two of chamomile tea taken an hour or two before retiring. Chamomile has a calming effect, relieving tense muscles, digestive upsets and anxiety.

Other herbs commonly used as insomnia remedies include passion flower, lemon balm, anise and skullcap. All have a calming effect on the nerves and some have a mild sedative property. These may be prepared as tea and taken as for chamomile.

Another popular and highly effective insomnia remedy is the hops pillow. Loosely fill a smallish (8" square) cloth bag with hops and lay it on your pillow when retiring. Some people say that sprinkling the pillow with oil of lavender increases the sleep-inducing qualities of the hops.

Diet plays an important role in cases of insomnia, consisting of a short list of "do's and don'ts". Avoid caffeine and sugar, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Try a complex carbohydrate as an evening snack to promote sleep. A baked potato or some crackers may be all you need. (That chocolate donut won't do!)

Some cases of insomnia are due to magnesium deficiencies, showing up in muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, irritability and an inability to fall asleep. A magnesium supplement, taken an hour before your desired bedtime can help.

Once disease has been ruled out, try a combination of these natural insomnia remedies. You'll soon find those which work for you. Sweet dreams!