Definition:
Continued sleeplessness, repeated nightly, is defined as insomnia. Insomnia
can being unable to fall asleep when you first go to bed, or waking
during the night and not being able to get back to sleep. Approximately
35 million people suffer from this condition. Insomnia can be very
frustrating, and a long time problem may lead to serious health
problems. The causes of insomnia are many they include, hypoglycemia
(low blood sugar), muscle aches, indigestion, breathing problems,
physical pain, anxiety and stress, depression, jet lag, over consumption
of caffeine, use of certain drugs (especially found in cold and
allergy remedies), beta-blockers (medication used for high blood
pressure), appetite suppressants, anti-depressants, thyroid medication,
and chemical imbalances. This discussion will address stress, jet
lag and chemical imbalances.
Symptoms:
Constant sleeplessness.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
If you are taking any of the above mentioned medication, you need
to speak with your pharmacist or physician. Hypoglycemia can cause
insomnia, so you need to address that condition (see hypoglycemia).
Sometimes just eating something like cottage cheese before bed will
help. If you need to please call my office for a telephone consultation
to address the problem of blood sugar.
References:
Balch, J., M.D., and Balch, P, C.N.C., Prescription for Natural Healing, 2nd
ed., NY: Avery Publishing, 1997; Kirschmann, J.D., and Dunn, L. J., Nutrition Almanac,
2nd, ed., Nutrition Search Inc., 1984; Jan, J.E. et al, The Treatment of Sleep
Disorders with Melatonin, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 1994:36,
91-107; Dawson, D. et al, Melatonin and Sleep in humans, Journal of Pineal
Research, 1993:15, 1-2 .
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
