Sleep Disorders, Chronic Insomnia

Insomnia is an inability to get to sleep or stay asleep during the night. Chronic insomnia can be a debilitating condition and can be associated with a number of emotional and physical disorders. Stress, depression, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, hyperthyroidism, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease are only a few of the conditions that can cause insomnia.

Signs and Symptoms

• Inability to fall asleep at night
• Waking up several times during the night; hard to fall back to sleep
• Disturbance in daytime functioning

Possible Causes or Contributing Factors

1. Stress and emotional factors - anxiety, depression, nervous tension, fear of sleep and fear of insomnia
2. Poor diet
3. Drug and/or alcohol abuse, including caffeine
4. Poor adrenal function - increased cortisone levels
5. Illness - gastrointestinal problems, nerve problems, bladder infections, asthma, depression, hyperthyroidism
6. Electromagnetic disturbances - electric blankets, waterbeds, power lines, clocks, etc.
7. Environmental sensitivities
8. Food allergies/sensitivities - histamine release alters brain chemistry and can alter sleep patterns
9. Hypoglycemia
10. Chronic pain
11. Nutrient deficiencies, especially calcium and magnesium
12. Hypothyroidism and other endocrine problems
13. Medications
14. Pregnancy

Dietary and Lifestyle Applications

1. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid caffeine and allergy foods.
2. Avoid alcohol and drugs when possible.
3. Practice relaxation exercises -massage, yoga, deep breathing, meditation.
4. Follow an elimination/rotation diet to identify food allergies.
5. Check for hypothyroidism and other endocrine imbalances

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