The American Council on Collaborative Medicine publishes an excellent newsletter on health issues. Their June, 2009 issue focused on sleep. A good night’s sleep is important to help control pain, relieve stress, and prevent cardiovascular problems. The most common sleeping pill is probably Tylenol, simply because it eases pain. Antihistamines are often taken over-the-counter because drowsiness is a side effect, but continuing drowsiness into the next day is common. Prescriptions include Ambien, Rozerem, and Lunesta. These meds work but they can be habit forming (despite claims to the contrary), and they can cause bizarre side effects, such as sleep walking and sleep eating. Natural substances include tryptophan or its less potent cousin 5 hydroxy-tryptophan, melatonin, L-theonine, valerian, hops, lemon balm, and other herbal preparations. Each person is different in his/her response. If depression is a problem, it should be treated, preferably with an appropriate natural product, like St. John’s Wort or SAMe. Acupuncture can also be more effective than medication.
See ACCM, 3575 N. Beltline Rd., No. 365, Irving, Tx 75062, annual subscription $19.95. Wang XY, Acupuncture Electrother Res, 2008; 33: 33-41.
No comments:
Post a Comment