See also ‘Valerian Hops Complex‘, a natural supplement containing Lemon Balm, Passionflower, Lavender, Hops and Valerian – to promote restful, uninterupted sleep. Taken as drops in a little water.

IS YOUR INSOMNIA CAUSED BY STRESS AND DEPRESSION?

SEROTONE 5-HTP CAN BE THE SOLUTION

Millions of us (one in three in the UK) will go to bed tonight dreaming of a good night’s sleep – only to find it sadly elusive.

Insomnia comes in eighty different guises, from irregular and short term to chronic – and can wreak havoc on health. The value of good quality sleep should never be underestimated; it is nature’s way of recharging the body, to keep us functioning well, both physically and mentally.

Unfortunately, diminished sleep is a natural feature of ageing. Causes vary from stresses and strains of every day life, aches, pains and illnesses associated with later life – and lowered melatonin levels. Melatonin, responsible for the body’s ‘circadian rhythm’ (when you sleep and wake), decreases with age. In fact, by the age of 60, your body is producing half the amount of melatonin it did at age 20.

Chronic insomnia – sleep deprivation of more than three weeks’ duration – is equally likely to be prompted by psychological reasons (depression or anxiety) – as physiological (too many stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, pain or physical ailment). If you think your insomnia might have its roots in a psychological issue, it’s wise to seek professional help for this underlying cause.

Boosting melatonin levels

You can, however, boost your melatonin levels by increasing your natural production of serotonin; a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) involved in the manufacture of melatonin. To increase serotonin you need a high intake of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – as found in carrots, cheese, avocado, fish, lentils, peas, potato, spinach, sunflower seeds, wholemeal flour, milk, turkey and bananas. Eat more of these, take a good supplement and cut out high sugar foods which de-stabilize blood sugar levels (white rice and bread being examples of these).

In summary, a high carbohydrate basis to your diet (quality wholefoods) is calming and will contribute to restful sleep. Finally, a word of warning. Don’t be fooled into thinking a nightcap will help you to sleep; alcohol is

a stimulant and can actually cause wakening in the small hours.

Help at hand from The Nutri Centre

Available from the Nutri Centre – Europe’s leading supplier of natural and complementary products – Serotone 5-HTP is a popular supplement prescribed by nutritionists to help people suffering from insomnia. A natural amino acid, it works by increasing the level of the brain’s serotonin – a substance which helps modulate mood and sleep. Serotone 5-HTP is also useful for jet lag, although it doesn’t kick-in immediately. This supplement is ideal if your insomnia has its roots in stress or depression.