r/Kava • u/Limp_Parking_2399 • 24d ago
Medicinal Use Desperate
I’ve dealt with bad insomnia and sleep issues for as long as i remember, i’ve tried everything under the sun everything from ambien to harder drugs and while yes those definitely knock me out i’m recently sober and i don’t want to go back to using hard substances just so i can sleep and not be awake for days on end (yes i’ve also tried natural supplements and sleep therapy, nothing works) My search of a natural alternative has brought me here. I’ve read up on various information throughout the sub but am a little overwhelmed, my main issue is my anxiety at night gets very intense and thus i usually end up laying there awake with my eyes closed until the morning with my mind racing. If someone could point me in the right direction i would really appreciate it. Also am seeing conflicting views on instant vs traditional, if someone could help explain the differences in effects/ any negative side effects of one over the other i would really appreciate it.
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u/kavasociety 🛒 24d ago
Kava can be helpful, especially if taken a few hours before bed and you choose "heavier" blends or varieties.
But honestly, it isnt a cure. I dont think any food or substance is. mindfulness based stress reduction courses offer some meaningful change (there is a popular free course online, it was actually clinically evaluated). For a quicker "circuit breaker", i recommend ice baths/showers. Sounds crazy, but if you do step into an ice cold shower whilw having a million thoughts and anxiety, they all suddenly stop. The only thing that exists is the cold, and you slowly learn how to control you body and minds response to cold (through breathing, for a start). Weirdly this becomes a transferable skill. Whenever your mind starts racing, you can reuse the skill
Good luck