2225 West Alice Avenue - Phoenix, AZ 85021 USA
1-602-995-1580
Newsletter & Health News
Insomnia
The science of nutritional balancing focuses on balancing body chemistry rather than just
correcting symptoms. Insomnia, however, is so important that it deserves special attention. Sleep
is extremely essential for healing!
Tissue mineral analysis can assist you to find and correct the causes of insomnia. While
balancing body chemistry, you can also offer effective physiological, individualized remedies for
insomnia.
Calcium, Magnesium and Insomnia
Calcium and magnesium are among the "sedative" elements. They are needed to relax the
muscles and nervous system. Difficulty sleeping can arise when the tissue levels of these minerals
are low, when they are displaced by toxic metals such as lead or cadmium, or when they are
elevated but not available to the body. Serum levels of calcium and magnesium rarely vary much
and are less indicative of deficiency or excess than tissue (hair) levels.
Adults and children with low hair calcium and magnesium are often prone to insomnia. They
may be "wound up" and are prone to muscular tension. A similar situation may occur if the
calcium and magnesium levels are elevated above the ideal, but the levels are low in relation to
sodium and potassium.
Calcium and magnesium (Paramin) are often helpful, along with zinc and copper when
indicated. Additional dosages of these products with dinner, later in the evening, or even during
the night along with dietary and lifestyle changes, will often lessen the effects of insomnia.
Biounavailable Calcium and Magnesium
In other cases of insomnia, the calcium and magnesium levels are elevated. In these instances,
often the person has excess calcium in the hair, but it is deficient in the blood. An individual is
losing calcium and magnesium into the hair and other soft tissues. The effect may be similar to a
deficiency. The calcium and magnesium are what we call biounavailable. These individuals often
also have a copper imbalance contributing to their insomnia, as explained below. Especially when
the calcium and magnesium are very high, extra Paramin, or calcium and magnesium, especially in
the evening, may be helpful for sleep.
Note that it will take a while for a tablet to dissolve. For a rapid effect, it is best to chew or
grind up a tablet, or use a liquid preparation.
Copper and Insomnia
A hallmark of copper imbalance is insomnia. Copper has a stimulating effect on the brain,
causing the mind to race and exciting the emotions. High copper individuals often stay up late and
have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Insomnia before the menstrual period may be due to
elevated copper. Copper may be elevated or biounavailable and it can change from week to
week.
Indicators for copper imbalance on a hair analysis include a copper level greater than 2.5
mg%, copper less than 1 mg%, sodium/potassium ratio less than 2.0, sodium/potassium ratio
greater than 6, high calcium with a low potassium level, elevated mercury, or a zinc/copper ratio
less than 6:1.
Improving the copper balance often takes time. If the diet and regular supplement program are
not enough to combat insomnia, high copper individuals may benefit by adding extra
molybdenum (Moly-Cu) along with a little zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 (Endo-Doxine) in the
evening.
In some people, especially menstruating women, copper may at times be biologically
unavailable. This may cause insomnia as well. A hair analysis may indicate this by a low
sodium/potassium ratio or a copper level less than 1.0.
Insomnia and Sympathetic Dominance
The sympathetic nervous system make us alert and ready to respond to danger. Some people
have difficulty turning off this system. For these individuals, the above remedies will often be
helpful.
Also, in the evening individuals need to reduce physical or intellectual stimulation. Relaxation
exercises, deep breathing, meditation, or soft music before bed may be very helpful.
Diet and Lifestyle
Insomnia may be the result of drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol, or eating chocolate or
sugar close to bedtime. These substances alter body chemistry and can impair the natural sleep
process.
Not eating enough can also impair sleep. While a heavy dinner may impair sleep, a light dinner
or even an evening snack with protein can enhance sleep, especially for those who wake up at
night. Warm milk is a folk remedy for sleep, containing calcium, tryptophan and a little protein.
Any stimulating activity at night, even fun activities, may impair sleep. Some people find the need
to unwind after a late night at work or an evening on the town before they felt like sleeping. This
applies to physical, intellectual or social events.
Other Remedies
We already discussed the use of calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, zinc and vitamin B6. Other
remedies that may help include 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). Tryptophan is found naturally in
foods such as milk and turkey. Melatonin, the pineal hormone, helps some people. Health food
stores also sell relaxing herbal teas and homeopathic remedies. Use these remedies only as
needed, as the objective is always to balance the chemistry so that symptomatic solutions will not
be needed.
Avoiding stimulating supplements in the evening may also be helpful. These may include adrenal
and thyroid support such as Endo-Dren, Thyro-Complex and B-complex such as Hi-B.
Stretching, yoga or meditative exercises before bed may help relieve tension, clear the mind
and relax the body. If these fail, an individual can try a hydrotherapy method. One stands in the
back of the shower and runs very cold water on the legs and feet for about 3 minutes. This
draws blood out of the head and into the lower body. Withdrawing blood from the head
facilitates sleep.
A quiet, darkened room may assist sleep. When traveling, some people bring a familiar
cassette tape to listen to, earplugs or a white noise generator to drown out ambient noise. Going
to bed early is often helpful. Unplugging clock radios and other electrical devices that are next to
the bed occasionally is helpful. One's attitude can also affect insomnia. Do not take problems and
worries to bed with you.
Copyright © 2002
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
