Need help sleeping at night!
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kathryn
Cathlete
Valerian: it's a natural plant extract that usually has no side-effects (though anybody can be allergic to something, I suppose). Melatonin is another natural remedy, but I've read some contraindications on it. It may not be as safe as valerian.
You might want to look up Andrew Weil's site and see if there is any info on insomnia there. He may have some other suggestions.
You might want to look up Andrew Weil's site and see if there is any info on insomnia there. He may have some other suggestions.
scm
Cathlete
This article came from Natural Health Magazine. It mentions anxiety as well as sleeping. See what you think.
Herb Brief: Shankhpushpi
Ease anxiety with this natural supplement.
Originally featured in:Natural Health September 2002
Written by: Franceen Shaughnessy
p a g e 1 | 2 |
Health ClaimsProponents say shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) reduces symptoms associated with anxiety, including panic attacks and insomnia.
This morning-glory-like perennial grows on the plains of India. Practitioners of Ayurveda (India's holistic medical system) use it to treat the nervous system, much like the herbs kava-kava and valerian are prescribed by herbalists here. The herb recently began to appear in American stores. How It WorksPeople with anxiety have a tendency to overreact to everyday stress, explains David A. Frederick, Ph.D., N.D., an Ayurvedic practitioner and naturopath in Lancaster, Pa., and president of the American Ayurvedic Association, an organization of Ayurvedic health care practitioners.
This overreaction makes your body produce excess amounts of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which can make you hyperalert and anxious. Practitioners believe shankhpushpi calms your nerves by regulating your body's production of these hormones. As a result, you feel more balanced throughout the day and sleep better at night. EvidenceAlthough Ayurvedic practitioners have used shankhpushpi for centuries, no recent clinical research or well-designed human studies have been done on the herb. But a handful of small Indian studies were published in the 1970s and '80s. In one of these studies, published in an Indian medical journal in 1982, researchers gave 28 people diagnosed with anxiety 50 mg daily of an herbal formula with shankhpushpi as a primary ingredient.
After six weeks of treatment, 91 percent of the patients had more energy and 60 to 70 percent could sleep and concentrate better. Symptoms like nervousness also decreased. In a 1981 study published in an Indian journal, scientists gave 30 patients with anxiety 30 ml of shankhpushpi syrup daily. After one month, their anxiety levels decreased and the patients felt significantly better, although the researchers did not report by how much.
A study published in 1979 examined the herb's effect on insomnia. Researchers gave rats diazepam (an anti-anxiety drug), a placebo, or one of several forms of shankhpushpi. The rats that ate an alcohol extract of shankhpushpi slept for 74 minutes, significantly longer than those who ate the placebo (52 minutes) and only seven minutes less than those who ate diazepam (81 minutes). Other forms of shankhpushpi were not effective.
Susan C.M.
Herb Brief: Shankhpushpi
Ease anxiety with this natural supplement.
Originally featured in:Natural Health September 2002
Written by: Franceen Shaughnessy
p a g e 1 | 2 |
Health ClaimsProponents say shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) reduces symptoms associated with anxiety, including panic attacks and insomnia.
This morning-glory-like perennial grows on the plains of India. Practitioners of Ayurveda (India's holistic medical system) use it to treat the nervous system, much like the herbs kava-kava and valerian are prescribed by herbalists here. The herb recently began to appear in American stores. How It WorksPeople with anxiety have a tendency to overreact to everyday stress, explains David A. Frederick, Ph.D., N.D., an Ayurvedic practitioner and naturopath in Lancaster, Pa., and president of the American Ayurvedic Association, an organization of Ayurvedic health care practitioners.
This overreaction makes your body produce excess amounts of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which can make you hyperalert and anxious. Practitioners believe shankhpushpi calms your nerves by regulating your body's production of these hormones. As a result, you feel more balanced throughout the day and sleep better at night. EvidenceAlthough Ayurvedic practitioners have used shankhpushpi for centuries, no recent clinical research or well-designed human studies have been done on the herb. But a handful of small Indian studies were published in the 1970s and '80s. In one of these studies, published in an Indian medical journal in 1982, researchers gave 28 people diagnosed with anxiety 50 mg daily of an herbal formula with shankhpushpi as a primary ingredient.
After six weeks of treatment, 91 percent of the patients had more energy and 60 to 70 percent could sleep and concentrate better. Symptoms like nervousness also decreased. In a 1981 study published in an Indian journal, scientists gave 30 patients with anxiety 30 ml of shankhpushpi syrup daily. After one month, their anxiety levels decreased and the patients felt significantly better, although the researchers did not report by how much.
A study published in 1979 examined the herb's effect on insomnia. Researchers gave rats diazepam (an anti-anxiety drug), a placebo, or one of several forms of shankhpushpi. The rats that ate an alcohol extract of shankhpushpi slept for 74 minutes, significantly longer than those who ate the placebo (52 minutes) and only seven minutes less than those who ate diazepam (81 minutes). Other forms of shankhpushpi were not effective.
Susan C.M.
candi
Cathlete
Erin, is this a new problem for you? I don't know how old you are, but at 44 I started having this issue. Oh, I could fall asleep, but then I would wake up every 1 to 2 hours. Very frustrating and I found myself feeling exhausted and cranky. I found out my problem was onset of peri-menopause. It went away as soon as my Gyn started me on a low dose birth control pill.
Just some info here because I had no clue what my problem was until I talked to a physician and had tests done.
Just some info here because I had no clue what my problem was until I talked to a physician and had tests done.
kathryn
Cathlete
I just saw a segment on melatonin on FitTV. It's derived from tryptophan (I didn't know this before). They suggest only using it if you are over 40, and to use .5 millgrams in the evening, but not every night. It is contraindicated for those who are pregnant or who have any form of cancer.
I have a Bodyclock Alarm Clock. It has a big light that gradually dims to darkness over half an hour (sunset), then in the morning, the light gradually comes on over half an hour (sunrise). It helps me get tired at bedtime, and helps me wake up in the morning. It's great in the winter - like waking up in the summer!
Cheshire Cat
Cathlete
Walm milk all the time does it for me. I'm an insomniac and have had sleeping pills in the past but then the following day was always ruined because I'd feel like a zombie! However, I've found that warmed milk just before I go to bed resolves the problem much better - and as a bonus at least this way when I wake up in the morning I'm feeling as fresh as a daisy! I very rarely wake up in the early hours when I drink warm milk. If I decide not to have the drink (ie I'm feeling very tired so feel I might not need it) then you can guarantee it'll take several hours before I eventually do nod off only to awake within 2 hours then I have no choice, I have to have a small cup of milk. For a treat I add double cream to it to cool it down and my goodness does that taste nice!
Sweet dreams!
Sweet dreams!
Candi:
I'm 38 years old and noticed my sleeping pattern more probablematic about 2 years ago. My doctor did mention that if I go on a low-dose birth control pill (Yasmin) that it would help with my insomnia - it could be peri-menopause related he said. I had blood work done and everything was okay. The birth control definitely did help me fall asleep and keep me calm during the day. I'm in excellent shape and feel I'm a perfectionist in many ways. Can't help it. I've been working out with Cathe's tapes over 1 year now and have gone from a size 8 to a size 2. I have a very clean diet. I'm very determined to get the things I want and feel that it puts a lot of stress on me which causes me not to fall asleep at night. I'm working to overcome this.
Thanks for your advice.
Erin
I'm 38 years old and noticed my sleeping pattern more probablematic about 2 years ago. My doctor did mention that if I go on a low-dose birth control pill (Yasmin) that it would help with my insomnia - it could be peri-menopause related he said. I had blood work done and everything was okay. The birth control definitely did help me fall asleep and keep me calm during the day. I'm in excellent shape and feel I'm a perfectionist in many ways. Can't help it. I've been working out with Cathe's tapes over 1 year now and have gone from a size 8 to a size 2. I have a very clean diet. I'm very determined to get the things I want and feel that it puts a lot of stress on me which causes me not to fall asleep at night. I'm working to overcome this.
Thanks for your advice.
Erin
Susan,
I also forgot to mention that my doctor prescribed diazepam to me and boy do I get a good nights sleep with this medication. I've cut my dosage down to 1/2 and taking extra magnesium/calcium before I go to bed. I feel that I'm getting addicted to the diazepam and want to stop taking it due to the unknown effects it could do to me later on. I will definitely try the shankhpushi and will let you know the results.
Erin
I also forgot to mention that my doctor prescribed diazepam to me and boy do I get a good nights sleep with this medication. I've cut my dosage down to 1/2 and taking extra magnesium/calcium before I go to bed. I feel that I'm getting addicted to the diazepam and want to stop taking it due to the unknown effects it could do to me later on. I will definitely try the shankhpushi and will let you know the results.
Erin
Erin,
I've been struggling with this issue, too. I'm 37. Lately, I've noticed an increase in PMS misery, trouble sleeping and I'd even wake up with what I guess are mild hot flashes. A friend loaned me the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause." What an eye opener!
Instead of going on birth control, the authors make the case for using natural progesterone cream as most of us already have too much estrogen in our systems. The cream is available OTC at drugstores or healthfood stores. Regular use helps many women with a variety of problems - dry skin, PMS, endometriosis, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
I'd suggest reading this book to anyone over 35. I just started using the cream and am anxious to see if this month goes better. My friend says it's made a huge difference for her and her girlfriends.
HTH,
Angela
I've been struggling with this issue, too. I'm 37. Lately, I've noticed an increase in PMS misery, trouble sleeping and I'd even wake up with what I guess are mild hot flashes. A friend loaned me the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause." What an eye opener!
Instead of going on birth control, the authors make the case for using natural progesterone cream as most of us already have too much estrogen in our systems. The cream is available OTC at drugstores or healthfood stores. Regular use helps many women with a variety of problems - dry skin, PMS, endometriosis, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
I'd suggest reading this book to anyone over 35. I just started using the cream and am anxious to see if this month goes better. My friend says it's made a huge difference for her and her girlfriends.
HTH,
Angela
Yes, I agree with Angela. The book is great and it made perfect sense to me. I started to use the progesterone cream, but then I had blood work done and it revealed that in the last year, my hormone levels have been cut in half. SO, we don't all have too much estrogen in our system. I would advise reading the book, and then having blood work done to test for levels of female sex hormones estradiol (estrogen), progesterone, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone).
It may be preogesterone cream you need, or it may just be a low dose birth control pill.
Check with your doctor, but read the book first so you are informed
Clare
It may be preogesterone cream you need, or it may just be a low dose birth control pill.
Check with your doctor, but read the book first so you are informed
Clare
Bobbi
Cathlete
Hi, Erin! I have a lot of experience with insomnia and I have a question for you. Since you are posting here, I think I can hazard a guess you work out and watch your diet. Do you limit caffiene and never drink it in the afternoon? Have you tried relaxation techniques? Deep breathing and relaxing can be very helpful if you tend to be high strung. I do! I tried valerian but it did not work for me and I don't like the idea of using melatonin since I fear affecting the natual ebb and flow of my hormones which invariably check out fine when I suspect they are affecting my health.
Benedryl contains the same ingredient as Tylenol PM without the potentailly liver damaging acetaminophn and is considered a safe and very effective short term sleep aid.
If this has plagued you for any length of time, see your doctor. More oftenthan not, my insomnia takes the form of frequent waking but lately I have had difficulty with early waking--ridiculously early waking and I reached a point where I was becoming a danger to myself, very clumsy and befuddled. I know I spent to much time stressing about not getting enough sleep and it made me more sleepless. I just tried Ambien but it did not work for me. My doctor discussed a class of drugs that help keep insomniacs alseep but I have not yet gone that route. If this is a major bout of insomnia I think you should consider letting your doctor guide your decisons. There could be an underlying problem thatt bears looking into! I hope you find a solution! i feel for you!
Bobbi "Chick's rule!" http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif
Benedryl contains the same ingredient as Tylenol PM without the potentailly liver damaging acetaminophn and is considered a safe and very effective short term sleep aid.
If this has plagued you for any length of time, see your doctor. More oftenthan not, my insomnia takes the form of frequent waking but lately I have had difficulty with early waking--ridiculously early waking and I reached a point where I was becoming a danger to myself, very clumsy and befuddled. I know I spent to much time stressing about not getting enough sleep and it made me more sleepless. I just tried Ambien but it did not work for me. My doctor discussed a class of drugs that help keep insomniacs alseep but I have not yet gone that route. If this is a major bout of insomnia I think you should consider letting your doctor guide your decisons. There could be an underlying problem thatt bears looking into! I hope you find a solution! i feel for you!
Bobbi "Chick's rule!" http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif
scm
Cathlete
>Do you know where I can buy it?
You can purchase from the following company.
http://www.naturesformulary.com/Shankhpushpi.html
Also, just on the side, I had insomnia for over two years before I went to a doctor. He gave me Ambien. That is the BEST product ever. I had tried other OTC's and herbs (I didnt try Shankhpushpi) but nothing worked like this drug. It has no side effects and helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. I would fall asleep ok, but would wake up around 2am and go back to bed around 5:30 am and sleep for an hour before I had to get up for work. I wish I'd gone sooner. But it's better to try something more natural if you can I believe.
Susan C.M.
You can purchase from the following company.
http://www.naturesformulary.com/Shankhpushpi.html
Also, just on the side, I had insomnia for over two years before I went to a doctor. He gave me Ambien. That is the BEST product ever. I had tried other OTC's and herbs (I didnt try Shankhpushpi) but nothing worked like this drug. It has no side effects and helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. I would fall asleep ok, but would wake up around 2am and go back to bed around 5:30 am and sleep for an hour before I had to get up for work. I wish I'd gone sooner. But it's better to try something more natural if you can I believe.
Susan C.M.
gelfling
Cathlete
Relaxation/Meditation CDs: particularly Yoga Nidra (all you do is lie still and listen: no yoga and no experience required) and one of Kelly Howell's CDs. I recommend the Healing Meditation CD. I hardly ever make it up the mountain before I ZZZzzzzzzz 
The Yoga Nidra CD is available at Amazon and elsewhere for around $16.00 but it's worth it's weight in gold especially for insomniacs and stressed out folks. It's full title is "Experience Yoga Nidra" and it's by Swami Janakananda Saraswati. (a little tip for the full practice: make your intention (mentally) to sleep, if that is your intention else you will finish it feeling wide awake and full of energy! - great for waking hours but no good for the small hours )
The Healing Meditation CD is by a company called BrainSync who specialise in this sort of thing. It's full title is "Healing Meditation: Nourish Mind, Body and Spirit" and the author is Kelly Howell.
I've been suffering insomnia for about 2 years and I can't recommend these CDs enough. Exercise and particularly Yoga have helped me tremendously but these CDs are the ones that help me to sleep when nothing else will.
ATB,
- Lisa
The Yoga Nidra CD is available at Amazon and elsewhere for around $16.00 but it's worth it's weight in gold especially for insomniacs and stressed out folks. It's full title is "Experience Yoga Nidra" and it's by Swami Janakananda Saraswati. (a little tip for the full practice: make your intention (mentally) to sleep, if that is your intention else you will finish it feeling wide awake and full of energy! - great for waking hours but no good for the small hours
)The Healing Meditation CD is by a company called BrainSync who specialise in this sort of thing. It's full title is "Healing Meditation: Nourish Mind, Body and Spirit" and the author is Kelly Howell.
I've been suffering insomnia for about 2 years and I can't recommend these CDs enough. Exercise and particularly Yoga have helped me tremendously but these CDs are the ones that help me to sleep when nothing else will.
ATB,
- Lisa
candi
Cathlete
Angela and Clare,
I read several books when I started this peri-menopause journey, and read how it affects everyone differently. The common factor though is the imbalance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that occurs as your body prepares for menopause. My tests revealed my levels of all horomones were dwindling, therefore, the LD BC pills worked for me.
I know there are dangers of taking synthetic horomones, but for me it was a "quality of life" decision. I suffered from panic attacks in my early twenties that I eventually overcame, but they started recurring. The doctor said it was a common symptom during peri-menopause. If you have a tendency to be anxious or depressed, you can experience symptoms in an exaggerated fashion during peri-meno. She said it's your body is looking for the estrogen, cannot find it and therefore it becomes stressed. Yes, the same thing that causes hot flashes. My other symptoms were sleeplessness, weight gain, mood swings, getting extremely angry over the stupidist little thing (poor DH), yeast infections, UTIs, acne and vaginal dryness. Interestingly, these symptoms from month to month were either simultaneous or just a couple symptoms at a time, doctor said it was again, due to fluctuating horomones that can be controlled taking BC pills.
Since starting them about 3 years ago, I am finally under control and feel really good. I make sure I have my mamograms and paps and keep my fingers crossed. I exercise religiously, eat right, get the sleep I need and hope for the best.
The book I like best is "The Power of Peri-Menopause" by Stephanie Degraff-Bender. I found it informative and unbiased as to treatment options.
I read several books when I started this peri-menopause journey, and read how it affects everyone differently. The common factor though is the imbalance of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone that occurs as your body prepares for menopause. My tests revealed my levels of all horomones were dwindling, therefore, the LD BC pills worked for me.
I know there are dangers of taking synthetic horomones, but for me it was a "quality of life" decision. I suffered from panic attacks in my early twenties that I eventually overcame, but they started recurring. The doctor said it was a common symptom during peri-menopause. If you have a tendency to be anxious or depressed, you can experience symptoms in an exaggerated fashion during peri-meno. She said it's your body is looking for the estrogen, cannot find it and therefore it becomes stressed. Yes, the same thing that causes hot flashes. My other symptoms were sleeplessness, weight gain, mood swings, getting extremely angry over the stupidist little thing (poor DH), yeast infections, UTIs, acne and vaginal dryness. Interestingly, these symptoms from month to month were either simultaneous or just a couple symptoms at a time, doctor said it was again, due to fluctuating horomones that can be controlled taking BC pills.
Since starting them about 3 years ago, I am finally under control and feel really good. I make sure I have my mamograms and paps and keep my fingers crossed. I exercise religiously, eat right, get the sleep I need and hope for the best.
The book I like best is "The Power of Peri-Menopause" by Stephanie Degraff-Bender. I found it informative and unbiased as to treatment options.