5-HTP: a natural and safe alternative to L-Tryptophan is designed to regulate brain serotonin levels and is a compound synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is ten times more active than L-Tryptophan and is the immediate precursor to serotonin (5-Hydroxy typtamine or 5-HT) which is found in the brain, blood platelets, and duodenal mucosa cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Since serotonin is found in the brain and central nervous system, it has many implications on mood, behavior and sleep patterns and many have found it very helpful for improved emotional well-being and better sleep.
Needless to say, you should see your health care professional for the best treatment for persistent insomnia. In the meantime, a few non-medical things you might try are:
ADOPT A REGULAR ROUTINE: Get up and go to bed at the same times each morning and night.
STRETCH: When you go to bed, stretch your legs and arms as far as possible and it seems to work within 15 minutes.
PROPER ROOM TEMPERATURE: It seems to be a common fact that it is easier to sleep in cooler temperatures. Turning the thermostat to 60 degrees often helps.
TRICK YOURSELF: Fall asleep on the couch during a good movie. READ: One way many tell me they fall to sleep is to go to bed with an agonizingly, boring book.
STOP THINKING: Clear your mind as much as possible.
THINK ABOUT PROBLEMS: Remember those things you've been putting off because you don't want to think about them? Trying to solve them at night might exhaust you, though this isn't usually a good idea!
LISTEN TO TAPES: I have used some relaxation tapes to help me relax and fall asleep. Both the normal and subliminal recordings have helped at different times.
CAFFEINE, Yes or No?: Caffeine is quite often a culprit in lack of sleep. Cutting this substance out of your diet is a good thing to try. Some people, however, seem to need it. What is the moral here? Whatever works, use it! We're all different and what works for one may not work for all.
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