Sleeplessness

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. Research shows that musculoskeletal pain and dehydration may prevent sleep. Studies also show mental component, with depression and stress being the predominant triggers to inhibit sleep (Biotics research).

As a massage and 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 2 hours and go back to sleep around 4:00 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. The most effective changes a person can do to start sleeping better are lifestyle changes. I worked to reset my circadian rhythms by getting more sunshine and walking outdoors for two miles, 30 minutes after I awoke by direction of Dr. Neil Nedley. I started consistently going to bed earlier at 9:30-10:00pm.

I found research that stated that 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. As a nutritional therapist I knew that GERD or other digestive issues can really affect one’s ability to sleep. I even considered that thyroid or adrenal dysfunction are other potential exacerbating factors. The biggest change that I started to make was by making sure that I was getting a custom blend of supplements and nutrients that would work for the bio-individuality of my body.

I also found research published by Biotics, that promoted 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 reuptake 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 muscular events exacerbate sleeplessness.”

Personal Story was contributed by Shelly Slocum, Nutritional Therapist
shellyslocum@hotmail.com
www.lifemapnutrition.com/massage

Research was provided by:
Biotics Research http://www.bioticsresearch.com;
Dr. Neil Nedley -created a Christian based program to aid people with Depression