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Insomnia and 5-htp

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Posted 1/31/2012 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Many of us suffer from insomnia since its one of the main symptoms of LD. Its one of my main symptoms and is not improving so much. Getting good sleep is so important to healing and body restoration.

I've tried so many different sleep aides - some work just ok and most do not. Mostly I suffer from night time awakening. I'd like complete resolve on this symptom.  Have not tried the hormone 5-htp and wondered if others have?

My acupuncturist does not want me to start on this until my liver is functioning better -- from her assessment antibios are taking a toll on my liver.  However, I'd like to try it to get my sleep cycle back to normal. Melatonin has not worked for me...

Any thoughts?

 

Posted 2/1/2012 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
I use a SAM-e to help re-regulate my sleep cycle. Perhaps that would be easier on your liver? You would have to consult with your doctor.
Posted 2/1/2012 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, i did not realize that the lack of sleep was that big of an issue with Lyme? This makes sense to me now, my husband sometimes only gets 3-4 hrs a night, has a hard time falling asleep, or wakes up constantly. I thought it was just a seperate issue. He has been taking Ambien every night for 4 yrs, this scares me, I'm sure it's bad for your liver too! I'm glad you posted this about other things that might be helpful for sleep, I would love to find another way for him. I'm sorry you suffer from this awful sleeping disorder as well = (
Posted 2/2/2012 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
It might be helpful to do a sleep study to figure out exactly what's going wrong in your sleep cycle - although I have to admit, while this has been suggested to me numerous times, the idea of it just freaks me out - being observed while sleeping - so I've opted out, at least for the time being!

I've taken either lunesta or ambien every night for more years than I can count - I wouldn't recommend getting hooked on prescription sleep aids because it's pretty tough to do without them.

I've found melatonin to be very helpful - when my sleeping pills fail, that tends to help out - it gives me that warm and fuzzy "I can't wait to go to sleep!" feeling. I used to take GABA supplements to help me sleep, which worked pretty well but made me a little too forgetful over the course of some time and as I was a student with finals coming up, I decided to stop.

Another option is brainwave technology if you have it available to you - I'm pretty sure they sell machines but I have a (free) application on my phone where I can listen to delta waves before I go to sleep, and it's really nice.

Haven't tried 5htp - though my grandmother has and has told me it's helpful. I just have issues with anything affecting my serotonin levels so I have to stay away.

Good luck!
Posted 2/2/2012 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
 Thanks,  this is  good to discuss with folks that are familiar with the issues.

I've considered a sleep study, however,I am hestitant about the reaction to the rigid antibios treatment I am on and the blank stare of "chronic lyme disease" that you get from regular MDs.

One thing I am trying the past weeks is altering my b-vitamin timing and intake.  Apparently b-12 and b-6 can rev up your system and may cause sleep disturbances in some people. Its a double edge sword however....I need the Bvits for energy during the day that was lost to the disease.

I am finding that these treatments and supplements are so individual and may react differently depending on each person. Its costly to keep on trying stuff but when you find something that works...you hit the jack pot to healing.

keep on plugging along.....

Posted 2/2/2012 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Have you tried using valerian yet? I have trouble with falling asleep, staying asleep and getting restorative sleep. I find that I can't hardly sleep without using valerian - and several other things.eyes It's all natural and can be bought over the counter or at any health food store.
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