11275893 - clock with sleep at night. woman can not sleep.

What is insomnia? Does it mean you get no sleep at all, partial sleep, or you just can’t stay asleep? What you really want to know is what is it, do you have it and what does that Doc know, who told you that you have it?

Insomnia means “sleeplessness” or a “want of sleep.” If you are reading this then you are having problems with sleep, or you are more tired than you think you should be. It is definitely not something that you catch.

It is not a specific term, though you are lead to believe that it is. It is not a diagnosis, but a one-word descriptor for “lack of sleep”. If you think you are having problems sleeping, then you are having problems sleeping. Save your time and money and don’t go to a physician that will tell you if you do or don’t have insomnia.  Do something about it and be prepared to take a little journey to get to sleep.

You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” Bob Dylan

Treatment Options

I can write about pap machines, drugs and dental devices, but I don’t want to.  You have either googled them already or want me to tell you to look into it.  So, look into it.  If that is where you want to go next then do it.  I know people who use these aids and it helps.  It fits their lifestyle; and they do not want to change their lifestyle (or think they can’t- I am guilty of this too), so that is why they use them.  I have also met people where this has not worked.

There is also Cognitive Behavior Therapy, sleep hygiene, yoga, exercise, dietary changes, food allergies, hormone imbalance and blah, blah, blah.  It all works on some level and at various degrees.  They work because people have found what their body needs to find sleep.  Find out what works for you.  We are all different and unique.

The Most Important Things You Need to Know

1. Your lack of sleep or energy is a sign that your body is off. It is a lesson.  Ask yourself, why is something that was so easy to perform is now so hard?  No, I mean it, ask yourself that.

2. If you quit looking for “the answer” you will find your answer. This will teach you more than a class, a book or a blog about you, your mind and body.

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3. Our bodies’ are trying to adapt to a new world.  We lived in the confines of Mother Nature for millions of years and dramatically moved into the rocket ship of lights at night, news around the world, debt, lack of a trusted community, etc. To grasp what I am saying, read Lights Out by T.S. Wiley.

In sum, you live a time in human history where the human body is in an environment that makes it difficult to rest well.

4. You need to get to sleep.  Do not push this to the side.  Sleeping allows the body to process the day, rebuild tissue, detoxify, heal, clear out oxidation, reset its hormone cycle, allow the brain to reboot, make you a nice person and it is ultimately a foundation to your health.  It will add years to your life and life to your years.

Things I’ve Found That Can Work

Pretty much anything can cause insomnia.  At a minimum, you need to quit watching your TV/iPad/computer/phone/screen thingys at least one hour before bed.  No caffeine after 12:00 PM and do what you have to, to chillax (chill out and relax).

If you can’t do that, then see a chiropractor. Me, preferably (of course), and see if you have spinal subluxations that are affecting your nervous system.  Yes, I said a chiropractor because that is what I do to help people and it can work.  Chiropractic is a fantastic form of health care that was discovered in the U.S.A. and is made here!  We have fought to stay as a stand alone profession, and have fought and beat the AMA (wilkes).  That is why you do not know about it or have a bad opinion based on decades of misinformation.  It is a fantastic approach to any nervous disorder and is relatively affordable.  In my practice I have helped people with insomnia where many other attempts have failed.

If you wake up because you have to pee often.  This is a common problem for the beautiful and wise middle aged.  Men seem to have this problem more.  I had this problem before in my mid-30’s and my diet changed this.  I sleep through the night without having to urinate.  For me, as well as other patients eliminating or greatly reducing sugar and carbohydrates can really help with this problem.  Carbohydrates such as breads, pastas and potatoes is what I am specifically talking about.  Give it two weeks and you can see results in days.  If this does not work, take B vitamins and see your physician for a bladder infection.  A great sacrum adjustment has been known to help as well.

If you cannot get to sleep try 500 mg of Tryptophan as 5HTP with 250 mg B6 (P5P) daily and Zinc.  Low dose of Melatonin can work as well.  However, I recommend the 5 HTP route with zinc and B6 first for 2 weeks.  If that does not work go for the Melatonin.  Another option is to take Cataplex G from Standard Process.  Google practitioners who have it in your area.  Of course there is the herbs Kava Kava (be careful) and Valarian.

If you wake up and cannot get back to sleep try having a small glass of unfiltered apple juice by the bed and drink it and see if that helps.  Not being able to get back to sleep can be that you blood sugar is off.  If this works then you are having the beginnings of a blood sugar regulation problem (pre-diabetic).  Get the carbs and sugar out of your diet, or eat like you are now and be a future diabetic.  It is always up to you my glorious reader. Standard Process Cataplex G works well for this type of sleep.

Now the big finale!  There is amazing testing for your stress hormones that is relatively inexpensive.  The tests can be done in your home and can be either saliva or urine testing.  You can get these test through many Naturopaths and some Chiropractors.  Precision makes a urine test that is very good and Diagnostics make a great saliva lab kit.

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To put this all to bed, you need to get your insomnia/lack of good sleep addressed. Not getting proper sleep can cause many problems with your health, your safety, work performance and being a nice person.