A Simple Effect And Safe Way To Get A Good Night S Sleep

Title:
A simple effect and safe way to get a good night's sleep.

Word Count:
629

Summary:
All too often stress can prevent us getting good restful sleep. There are alternatives, which are not addictive. Should our first choice be a non-prestricitve one?


Keywords:
5 htp, solgar, insomnia, solgar 5htp,


Article Body:
Why is it sometimes just so hard to get a good, restful night's sleep'

For many of us, every evening can frequently be one of "tossing and turning", where we are just unable to settle and get off to sleep.

Some of this grueling sleep deprivation is voluntary. But with "Too much to do'" "Too much to see'", "Too many responsibilities'" - All this can lead to not sufficient sleep.

For many people, sleep is a desperate requirement. People toss and turn, but the sleep does not come. Others get to sleep only to awaken later in the middle of the night. The following morning, millions of people head off to work bleary-eyed, trying to be productive. It's a vicious cycle.

In due course exhaustion can get bad enough that a person seeks help from their doctor, who obligingly writes a prescription for some pills. At first, they work well and the insomniac person gets some much needed relief.

However, the real nightmare is all to often about to start. After a while, the sleeping pills just stop working. Unfortunately, by then, the person is addicted. The doctor has been told the drugs are not addictive by the drug manufacturer. Anecdotal proof, often hidden from us however, suggests drug manufacturers aren't telling doctors the whole story. There's big money in having a 'non-addictive' sleeping pill. As the saying goes, 'Money Talks.'

It turns out that there is alternative way, but not one health insurance or the National Health Service will pay for. Because there are no large drug companies established behind this alternative, health insurance companies or even your own health care provider just don't recognize it as a health-giving alternative choice.

Contrary to what doctors almost always are taught , both in medical schools and from drug companies, nutrition plays a large part in getting a good night's sleep.

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that strengthen sleep. An Internet search for 'insomnia vitamins' and 'insomnia minerals' provides a wealth of information about these nutritional supports.

Staying off nicotine, caffeine and alcohol helps in obtaining a good night's sleep, as does having a good diet and obtaining regular exercise

Amino acids are lesser known for their worth in being able to get sufficient sleep, but they are just as vital. L-Tryptophan, for example, is called 'essential' for a reason. Individuals can't survive without it.

Without adequate L-Tryptophan, or its easier-to-get cousin, Solgar 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy Tryptophan), human beings are not able to calm down. Sound familiar' Generally, about 100 mg of Solgar 5-HTP provides enough relaxation that sleep becomes an option for an average adult.

(5 HTP might not be commonplace in some health food store, but it can be bought on-line here -

http://www .solgar .co.uk/modules/shop/view .asp'catid=18&Prodcode=5-HTP2 )

Experimentation to find an proper dosage is safe and easy.
Sleep becomes an opportunity with enough L-Tryptophan in the brain. This is where L-Theanine, another commonly available amino acid, comes in. It's a sleep time amplifier, providing more rest in less time. A dose of 100 mg at bed time is a good starting place.
Finally, GABA (yet another amino acid) works for some people. Most sleeping pills work on the same part of the brain that uses GABA . Sadly, for technical reasons, just taking GABA does not always work that well. Trying 200 mg at bed time is a good starting place. It may or may not work.

Anyone having trouble getting a good night's sleep can leave the sleeping pills in the cabinet. Instead, trying some Solgar 5-HTP, as an economical option. This supplement is a safe and non-addictive substitute.

For more information on Insomnia, please visit:-

http://www .solgar .co.uk/healthnotes/healthnotes.asp'org=boots&ContentID=1222004

BONUS : Title:
A Sleepless Nation 70 Million Strong

Word Count:
395

Summary:
A new report by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine shows that between 50 and 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep problems. To win the battle over sleepless nights, many Americans are turning to medication.


Keywords:
A Sleepless Nation 70 Million Strong


Article Body:
A new report by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine shows that between 50 and 70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep problems, and according to the United States Surgeon General, sleep deprivation and disorders cost the nation $15 billion in health care expenses and $50 billion in lost productivity each year.

A lack of sleep can take a toll both psychologically and physically, from daytime sleepiness to weakened immune systems. Long-term sleep deprivation leads to problems that can include memory lapses, depression, irritability and impaired work performance.

To win the battle over sleepless nights, many Americans are turning to medication. In 2005, 42 million prescriptions for sleeping pills were filled. An analysis by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. found that the number of adults ages 20 to 44 using sleeping medications rose 128 percent between 2000 and 2005, and was up 114 percent among 10 to 19-year-olds in that same time period.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting between 30 and 40 percent of adults within a given year. Other sleep disorders include sleep apnea-a temporary suspension of breathing that occurs throughout the night-and restless leg syndrome, which is characterized by intense discomfort, mostly felt in the legs when at rest. One of the first steps to relieving sleep problems is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it.

Here are some tips for insomniacs:

• Keep to a regular sleep schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at about the same time each day, even on weekends.

• Exercise regularly: Exercise done early in the day can reduce stress and help put you to sleep at night.

• Watch what you eat and drink: Avoid alcohol, caffeine and meals close to bedtime, but a cup of warm milk can help make you sleepy.

• Unplug: This is particularly important for teens with sleep problems-make sure the bedroom is free of computers, video games, TVs and phones.

Sleep troubles can be a symptom of a physical or psychological condition that requires treatment, so it's important to see your doctor if your sleep problem persists. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may recommend a behavioral therapy and possibly drug treatments for serious sleep disorders. Medications include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs called hypnotics. Drug therapy is usually only recommended for short-term use. A combination of medication and behavioral interventions is often more effective than either approach alone for those with chronic insomnia.

As many as one in four Americans report trouble sleeping.