“Sleeplessness and its associated challenges represent one of the most common complaints seen by physicians. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, inadequate sleep affects approximately 60 million Americans each year. Typically, sleeplessness worsens with age, and is more prevalent among women. Physiologic causes such as musculoskeletal pain and dehydration are known to adversely affect sleep. Studies also show a strong psychological component, with depression and stress being the predominant triggers in that category. Lack of exercise, disruption of natural circadian rhythms, i.e. shift-work, jet lag, etc. are also recognized to be key triggers. The night-time use of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, niacin amide, riboflavin, etc.; certain medications, herbs, and other substances including alcohol are known to precipitate sleeplessness. GERD, sleep apnea, excess weight, bladder issues, and thyroid or adrenal dysfunction are other potential exacerbating factors.”– Biotics
As a nutritional therapist often times I am faced with nutritional challenges of my own I need to resolve before I can be most effective for my clients. Sleeplessness was a major challenge for me because I would sleep from 11:30pm to 2:00am; stay up for 3 hours and go back to sleep around 5:00 just to wake up a couple hours later. It was a nightmare and I always felt tired. Luckily I found a few things that helped. I worked to reset my circadian rhythms by getting more sunshine and walking outdoors for two miles,
30 minutes after I awoke. I started consistently going to bed earlier at 9:30-10:00pm. I also found a combination of valerian, hops, and passiflora that can be used to support normal sleep function. “Valerian (Veleriana officinalis) is an herb whose use dates back to ancient Rome. Long valued for its antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and sleep-inducing effects, valerian is also known for its ‘unique’ odor. Valerenic acid, one of the components of valerian, has been shown to inhibit the breakdown and the re-uptake of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads directly to longer, improved sleep. Like valerian, hops also shares a long history for use as an aide [supportive] for sleep and anxiety. Passiflora, commonly referred to as passionflower, is a new world herb that was favored by the Aztecs. Its known active ingredients are alkaloids and flavonoids which have anxiolytic, antispasmotic, and calmative properties and may be especially helpful when neuromusculoskeletal events exacerbate sleeplessness.”–Biotics
Research was provided by www.bioticsresearch.com; Dr. Neil Nedley
Story was contributed by Shelly Slocum, Nutritional Therapist
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