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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Insomnia
From the Natural Pharmacist website http://www.tnp.com
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep.
During daylight, the pineal gland in the brain produces an important neurotransmitter called serotonin. (A
neurotransmitter is a chemical that relays messages between nerve cells.) But at night, the pineal gland stops
producing serotonin and instead makes melatonin. This melatonin release helps trigger sleep.
The production of melatonin varies according to the amount of light you're exposed to; for example, your body
produces more melatonin in a completely dark room than in a dimly lit one so to naturally increase melatonin produced
by your body add thicker blinds to your bedroom windows to darken the room completely.
Melatonin hit the news in 1995. Not only was it recommended as a treatment for insomnia and jet lag, but for various
theoretical reasons it was also described as a "wonder hormone" that could fight cancer, boost the immune system,
prevent heart disease, and generally make you live longer. But all we really know is that it helps people whose natural
sleep cycle has been disturbed, such as travelers suffering from jet lag and swing-shift workers.
Contrary to earlier reports, it does not appear that melatonin levels decline with age.
QUESTION: Since going off the pill, my daughter is having difficulty sleeping.
Which herbs are recommend for sleep inducement? Would apprciate
any info available.
ANSWER:
The simple answer to your question is Scullcap, Kava Kava, Valerian, Hops and Passion Flower.
My questions to you are, does she have anything else going on in her life such as pain, anxiety, can't turn mind off,
stress or lots of caffeine before bed. It is an interesting correlation between the ending of the pill use and insomnia. If it
is stress, try Ashwugandha, which is a relaxing adaptogen.
We have a tea and tincture blend called Rosemary's Relaxing Herbs which has been successfully used by our
customers and clients to relax before bed.
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