Is Your Energy Low? 5 Natural Remedies for Insomnia
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 4% of adults in the US rely on prescription sleep aids. Habit forming pills such as Ambien, Sonata, Restoril and Halcion are temporary solutions to underlying problems. At PIM, we address healthcare through identifying the underlying root cause and give you the tools to be well and care for yourself. We want you to thrive rather than strive!
A diagnosis of insomnia can be at the root of the cause. Rather than “putting a bandaid: or masking the symptom, one of our Functional Medicine trained providers can work with you to develop a comprehensive integrative medicine plan that addresses why you have insomnia in the first place.
Where Does Insomnia Come From?
To sleep well, our inner circadian (day-night) rhythm needs to be in balance. This biological rhythm is key for our brain to be awake and sleep in a self-regulated, healthy way that supports us to both rest and do what we want to do in life--and boy are these two connected! When we have “sleep-wake homeostasis” that means our biochemistry is balanced and our sleep inducing chemicals and wake-up chemicals are in the right proportion, at the right time. This lets our inner 24 hour biological clock synchronize and regulate our eating habits, hormones, body temperature, sleeping patterns...and our happiness!
Solutions
There are so many options for natural sleep aids that it’s overwhelming! Starting with changes to your lifestyle is the first step. Checkout our past blog on tips for better sleep overall.
One supplement I’d like to focus on is Kavinace Ultra PM by Neuroscience. This supplement is the exclusive provider of its blend of ingredients that improve the onset and quality of sleep. Kavinace Ultra PM contains a derivative of the natural neurotransmitter GABA, a serotonin precursor 5-HTP as well as melatonin. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that is necessary for calm and sleep. GABA and melatonin inhibit the production of “wake promoting chemicals” such as norepinephrine and histamine. Norepinephrine and histamine inhibit the production of GABA and melatonin, and vice versa. Increasing GABA helps us fall asleep, stay asleep and have sleep disruptions. It is important to work with a healthcare provider when making any change to your supplements.
Easily purchase supplements in our office or through our online dispensary.
PIM wants to hear from you! Do you have an experience with natural sleep remedies? Do you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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If you or your loved one are tired, not sleeping well, or perhaps are suffering from the effects of ongoing stress, mood or hormone imbalance, including thyroid imbalance schedule your a 20 minute free consultation or an appointment with Annmarie McManus, MMSc, PA-C, PT, IFMCP or Lauren Houser, MS, MSN, CRNP today. Not quite ready to schedule and have questions, quickly get in touch here. Many of our patients are educated health care consumers who may already be working with a practitioner but want a more comprehensive, empowering approach--and to partner with a provider who listens, cares and gets the root cause.
Resources:
https://www.cognitune.com/best-natural-sleep-aids/
https://www.neuroscienceinc.com/