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Sleeplessness! What can I do about it!

There are four main causes of sleeplessness or insomnia. The first step is to figure out what is the cause of your sleeplessness and then use the recommended supplements to help give your body what it needs so it can rest.

1. Hormonal Imbalance
   The following hormonal deficiencies are common causes of the inability to sleep:
   
   • Deficiency of progesterone
   • Estrogen dominance over progesterone
   • Low levels of estrogen after menopause
   • Low levels of DHEA. (Caution: do not use DHEA unless your blood levels indicate you are low.)
   • Low levels of melatonin (Caution: do not use a melatonin supplement unless your blood levels indicate you are low. Using melatonin when it is not needed can cause autoimmune disorders.)
   Solutions:For hormonal balance supplement GLA (gamma linolenic acid). GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid which your body uses to form prostaglandins, potent, hormone-like substances that help the body to regulate many normal bodily processes. Sunflower Seed Oil is another source of Omega-6 fatty acids. GLA is also used by women to help regulate their monthly cycle*.
   Balanced hormonal health - naturally.*
   If your sleeplessness is a symptom of menopause then add a standardized extract of Black Cohosh which promotes restful sleep, and helps to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes (which can wake you up) and to help reduce mild mood swings.*
2. Mineral Imbalance
   Lack of sleep is often due to lack of minerals:
   
   • Lack of Calcium and Magnesium is very common. Solution: Take calcium tablets one-half hour before bedtime. Look for clinically proven absorption.

     Additional Information: Read an informational pamphlet about this premium calcium supplement

   • Electrolyte imbalance (often a low level of Potassium). Root vegetables, bananas, celery, alfalfa and sports drinks are good sources of potassium. This sports drink is more than a sports drink. You can use it for children and adults experiencing flu or diarrhea and to bring down fevers. Helps to replace electrolytes after surgery, or for traumas, and periods of illness. Also is a healthy drink alternative to sugary soft drinks.
3. Stress
   Stress management is key at every stage of life, but as we age the glands associated with stress recover much more slowly from intense or chronic stress.
   
   • L-theanine, Ashwagandha, Beta-sitosterol & L-tyrosine has made sleep much easier for many.
   • Daily glandular nutrients are key: Protein, B Complex, Vitamin C and Zinc.
   • Valerian is a muscle relaxant, and is very valuable to help reduce insomnia due to stress. Valerian taken along with German Chamomile flower can provide a truly peaceful night’s sleep*. Look for valerian root extract, which contains a guaranteed 0.8% valerenic acid level along with chamomile and Passion Flower.
   
   

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   Listen to a discussion about the health impact of stress.
   This 31 minute discussion covers:

   • Costs of stress.
   • Causes of stress. How many are in your life?
   • What is the impact of stress on our body?
   • What is the stress response and how does it work?
   • What is chronic stress and how does it affect us?
   • Who is most at risk for stress related health problems?
   • How does stress effect our heart, cortisol levels, memory, and immunity?
   • How do men and women react differently to stress?
   • What can we do to lessen the effects of stress on our bodies?
   • How does stress effect weight? How does diet effect stress? What should we eat to help our stressed out bodies?
   • How can a cup of tea help?
   • What other supplements can assist with stress and how do they help?

   Additional Information: Read an informative pamphlet on a comprehensive stress relief supplement.

   Learn more about stress and find supplements to aid in blunting the effects of stress on our bodies.

   
   

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4. Low Blood Sugar
   People who tend to be hypoglycemic can experience insomnia, or the inability to sleep through the night.

   Solution:

   A soy protein drink before bedtime is fabulous if low blood sugar is the cause of your
   sleeplessness. It can also help you to wake up easier as your blood sugar levels won’t drop so low overnight making you “comatose” in the morning. We’ve seen parents give soy protein to children just before bedtime because they had a difficult time waking up in the morning. Parents are amazed by the results that very next morning and the children
   have a much better morning, too!

   A second solution is to not eat simple carbohydrates at bedtime!

The trick is to figure out which of the four causes of sleeplessness is the one that is keeping you awake at night. If you address the stress and it doesn’t work in terms of helping you sleep then you know that stress isn’t necessarily the cause of your sleeplessness and you should investigate other causes, by process of elimination you should discover yours. Of course some of you out there won’t have the patience to do things one by one, in which case just take all the supplements listed in this section! Something is bound to work! Just remember that you can’t overdose on vitamins, they are food supplements not drugs!

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.