Insomnia

Adequate sleep is absolutely necessary for long-term health and wellness!

Sleep allows the body to regenerate. Many different physiologic processes occur during sleep, but perhaps the most important are the increased secretion of growth hormone and the scavenging of free radicals (which produce chronic disease) in the brain.

Insomnia represents one of the most common complaints seen by physicians and is a symptom that can have many causes. Insomnia or sleep disturbance can be categorized into two basic groups: Sleep-onset insomnia and Sleep-maintenance insomnia.

The causes of sleep onset insomnia include:

◦ Anxiety or tension

◦ Environmental change

◦ Emotional arousal

◦ Fear of insomnia

◦ Phobia of sleep

◦ Disruptive environment

◦ Pain or discomfort

◦ Caffeine

◦ Alcohol

The causes of sleep maintenance insomnia include:

◦ Depression

◦ Environmental change

◦ Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

◦ Restless leg syndrome

◦ Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

◦ Pain or discomfort

◦ Drugs (many prescription medications)

◦ Alcohol

* Hormonal imbalance

* Adrenal fatigue

In addition, a number of medications or foods may contribute to insomnia including:

Thyroid medications
Oral contraceptives
Beta-blockers (used for blood pressure and heart rhythm control)
Marijuana
Coffee or tea
Chocolate
Appetite suppressants
Antidepressants
Stimulants

Insomnia also may accompany a number of medical conditions including:

Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Adrenal fatigue
Male or female hormone imbalance
Vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies
Neurotransmitter (brain chemical) imbalance

In the course of a year, 30% of the adult American population suffers from insomnia, and roughly 10% of the adult population suffers from chronic insomnia (lasting over 6 months).

The Wycoff Wellness approach to insomnia begins with an initial consultation consisting of a review of your past medical history and an appropriate physical examination.

After the initial visit to Wycoff Wellness, further testing may be recommended. This testing is designed to help us delineate the precise reason or reasons for your sleep disorder. Common tests that we may consider include:

Blood testing
Saliva hormone testing
Sleep study (which may be performed in your home)
Neurochemical testing (urine or saliva collection)

Based on your history, physical and testing, Dr. Wycoff will develop an individualized treatment program including the following components:

Exercise - regular physical exercise improves sleep
Progressive relaxation techniques
Establish an appropriate sleep environment
Appropriate nutrient replacement
Optimize hormone replacement (with bioidentical hormones)

Natural supplements may be suggested such as:

◦ Melatonin

◦ Passion Flower

◦ Valerian Root

◦ 5-HTP (tryptophan)

◦ Magnesium

◦ Vitamin B6

◦ Niacin (vitamin B3)

The Wycoff Wellness Center unique approach can help identify the cause of your sleep disorder and can provide a comprehensive program to treat the cause of your underlying problem.

Call today to schedule an appointment for an initial visit!

FOLLOW THIS EASY 3 STEP PLAN TO PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR INSOMNIA:

1. Start each day with