Causes of Insomnia

The following are thought to contribute to insomnia:

• Diets including the following:
  • Caffeinated beverages
  • Food additives
  • Allergen containing foods
  • Eating sugary foods right before bed
• Illnesses such as:
  • Urinary disorders
  • Nasal and sinus problems
  • Reflux esophagitis
  • Asthma
  • Gall bladder disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression
  • Lack of exercise
  • Sleep apnea
• Light
• Nutritional deficiencies in the following:
  • Niacin
  • Magnesium
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Tryptophan
  • Vitamin B6
• Chemical exposure (over 100 chemicals are known to interfere with sleep.)

Supplements That Can Treat Insomnia

The following vitamins and supplements are used to treat the symptoms of Insomnia:

Supplement	Dosage	Precautions
Astragalus	4.5 to 8.5 ml of 1:2 liquid extract once a day or 1 to 4g of dried root three times a day.	Do not use after an organ transplant. If you have a gum allergy, or for an extended period of time.
Chamomile Flower AF	3 to 6 ml of 1:2 high grade liquid extract once a day or 300 to 400 mg of extract three times a day.	Consult a healthcare practitioner before taking if you are on a blood thinner. Do not take if you are allergic to other plants of the Asteracea family (such as ragweed, aster, and chrysanthemums).
5-HTP	100 to 200 mg once a day	Do not take with Vitamin B6. Consult your healthcare provider regarding use if you are taking antidepressants. Do not take at the same time as antidepressants or any serotonin-affecting drugs.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid	300 to 900 mg once a day	May make you drowsy, so you may want to take before going to bed.
Inositol	1,000 mg once a day	May stimulate uterine contractions. Women who wish to become pregnant should consult their doctor regarding its use.
Jujube	6 to 11.5 ml of 1:2 liquid extract once a day
Lemon Balm	3 to 6 ml of 1:2 liquid extract or 80 to 100mg of dry extract once a day.	Do not use if you have glaucoma.
Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate)	600mg once a day	Consult your healthcare provider for dosage if you have kidney disease. Discontinue use and see your doctor if you experience abdominal pain. Take a lower dose if it causes diarrhea.
Melatonin	1 to 6 mg once a day	Take directly before bedtime and while in the dark.
Passion Flower	1 to 2 g of either dried plant or tea, 4 to 6 ml of 1:5 tincture, 1 to 2 ml of 1:1 fluid extract, or 200 t 400 mg of solid extract once a day.