Insomnia
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Insomnia: A Comprehensive Guide

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Waltz (Bangalore) on 01/19/2018
★☆☆☆☆

Hi All,

I am 38 years old, I have been suffering from restlessness for no particular reason for past 7-8 months. This is affecting my sleep to the extent that I am able to sleep only around 4-5 hrs a day on an average. I feel so sleepy some nights that I find it difficult to keep my eyes open but the restlessness does not allow me to actually fall to sleep.

I have consulted psychologists and psychiatrist who have told me its kind of post traumatic stress disorder due to the tremendously difficult time I had faced for 7 years until a year back. So even when the issues resolved, I am still struggling to free myself of this restlessness. Sometimes even when I feel like I am about to fall asleep, I automatically start thinking about this sleep issue of mine and wake up. It happens even in the middle of night. I struggle of keep myself in the same position in the bed for long and keep tossing and turning due to this restlessness.

Restlessness is mostly at night but sometimes face in daytime also but then I am able to distract myself with work. In night time, there is no respite because even though there is little in my life to worry me, this needless restlessness doesn't allow me to fall asleep.

Now I have started facing cognition, memory and low efficiency at work due to lack of sleep.

I have been suggested Ambien, Melatonin and Aplrazolam by Drs. Ambien and Alprazolam help more but they are addictive and full of side effects and cant take them regularly.

I have tried magnesium, all B-Vitamins, Vitamin C, DHEA, Boron, Zinc, Ted's carbicarb formula, ACV, Yoga, Pranayam, Ayurvedic treatments like full body and foot massages, basti etc. Hot water baths as well. I do not know what else to do.

Anyone having any ideas here? Please help.

Vetiver Oil
Posted by Sarah (Montreal) on 11/29/2017
★★★★★

Vetiver oil should be on the list for insomnia remedies! It's the main natural remedy I use for a restful sleep. It relaxes me so much and eases all those crazy thoughts that come up that prevent sleep from happening. I diffuse it at night or put some on the back of my neck. Combine it with lavender oil and its even better! :)


Neutral Bedding Colors
Posted by Sophia (Cork) on 02/02/2017
★★★★★

Staying at a guest house in Ireland, I had very bad insomnia every night. The sheets, pillow cases, duvet cover, and throws were red. When these were changed to neutral colors my sleep pattern returned to normal.


Skullcap and Valerian
Posted by Pacific Coast Lady (Crescent City, CA) on 06/15/2021

Hello Art,

I do take Magnesium, usually just Citrate works for me, 400 mg twice a day. It does help me with sleep as well as leg and foot cramps at night. I also started taking it every day to hopefully help with Essential Tremors but I feel I need more than just the Magnesium.

I am able to see ALL your posts thank goodness, just by clicking your username. Then it takes me to another page that has a link to all your posts over the years. I think maybe in each of our profile, I know mine has an option to check or uncheck a box that asks if we want to allow others to see our posts/replies, and I have mine selected "yes" and I am betting you do as well. Finally figured that out when I woke at 1 a.m. and the thought just popped into my head, LOL!

I need to get your feedback, and possible knowledge of Taurine for Essential Tremor. I've posted there..

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/essential-tremor.html

..and so hoping you see this and stop in on that thread if you might be able to help me with searching for answer for my tremors in head & left-hand?

Can't thank you enough for all your dedication to helping others Art, Denise


Iron
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/30/2015

Gal, I've taken Blackstrap Molasses for iron, when nothing else worked. I wonder if it would work for sleep.


Iron
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/30/2015

Dear Gal,

I think the best way to take Iron is with Blackstrap Molasses. A tablespoon once a day. I have also used Floradix. That works well, but it is expensive.

Using a cast iron skillet is also a great way to get iron into your foods. I use my cast iron skillet daily.

The herb, Yellow Dock is also high in iron.

~Mama to Many~


Niacinamide
Posted by Bama (Bama) on 03/03/2015
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Niacinamide lowers my blood pressure so much that I faint. I was taking 100 mg. Be careful.


Niacinamide
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile, Tn) on 03/05/2015

HI U Timh, , , , , , , , , your posts of niacin and niacinamide are right on, but I fear some folks don't realize that these are two different compounds. One, as you say, is to clean out your blood vessels by dilating your capillaries which allows more blood into the cells. In his book Ron L. Hubbard used the niacin flush and saunas to detox his lSD buddies from the 60's.

We starting using niacinamide when the U of Calif at Erving published their study how they cleared alzheimers in mice in a few months. They stated that humans were next, but that study will never happen.

For our sleep, we drink a cup of hot Jasmine Green Tea with a scoop of Magnesium L Threonate. It calms you down and does not mess up your bowels. I appreciate the tip about niacinamide for sleep and will try that.

===========ORH===========


Copper and Zinc
Posted by Gabass (Atlanta) on 02/24/2015
★★★★★

I read that hypnic jerks are caused by a copper deficiency. I am currently taking a combination capsule of copper and zinc twice a day. I must say by the third day they have stopped.


L-Tryptophan
Posted by Janet (Anonymous) on 01/06/2015

I can't use melatonin, it triggers migraines. Maybe I'll do the tryp in that way, small dose an hour before the main dose. Thanks


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Audrey (London, UK) on 01/04/2015

Is black strap molasses any good for insomnia?

Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Janet (Illinois) on 08/29/2020

Hi Audrey,

I love Black strap molasses, although I find that it gives me energy, even with the calcium and magnesium. It has so many other nutrients too, and a lot of potassium. It gives my body what it needs, like a vitamin. I like to make it into a tea and I drink it in the late morning or afternoon for a pick me up.


Wheat
Posted by Carrie (Livonia, Mi) on 12/31/2014
★★★★★

I have been trying to find a solution to my persistent insomnia and heart burn. Since giving up wheat both have completely subsided. After years of otc and struggling to find a solution I am so relieved to be sleeping like I did when I was a child (41 years young now).


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Shannon (Bangkok, Thailand) on 07/06/2014

Hi, I really need a place to go to help with my insomnia. I have had this for over 18yrs or so and basicly just can't sleep. I hab=ve found some good information on the site but I feel like I need some direction. I am in Bangkok, is there a brick and mortar place I can come to? Thanks so much

Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Gertieg (Al) on 07/07/2014

Me, too! I've tried everything and nothing works. Most supplements give me diarrhea. I just read online about a 'sleep switch' that Oxford Univ. has/is studying--says there is an exercise one can do to 'turn off' the wakefulness. I wish!


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by KT (Usa) on 07/08/2014

Based on observing my husband, I think eating too much too late contributes to insomnia.


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Gertie (Va) on 07/08/2014

I have tried lavender essential oil and EFT. Neither worked for my insomnia.


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Karin (New York City, New York) on 07/08/2014

Sorry to hear people are suffering with this. Have you tried deep breathing and meditating at night before you go to sleep? The idea is to get into your right brain which will deeply relax you. It's very difficult to do when your mind is racing, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. You need to give it 20 - 30 minutes. Eventually the brain recircuits itself and sleep gets easier. I also know a few women who feel hormone balancing herbal formulas helped a racing mind!


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by KT (Usa) on 07/08/2014

Dear Karin I think you hit the nail on the head describing a racing mind---now I can justify mentioning the MSG factor. MSG is a nerve stimulant. All foods contains some source of MSG. Many sources are hidden under names you would never suspect.


Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/09/2014

Gertie, read up on magnesium for insomnia.


Skullcap
Posted by Ava (Seattle, Washington) on 06/12/2014
★★★★★

YES! Skullcap TOTALLY works! I've been drinking the tea form of it and it's just incredible! Like natural Valium! Rooibos is another good relaxing tea but Skullcap is a much stronger sleep aid. I just fall asleep practically immediately after drinking it! It's a must try for insomniacs!


Magnesium
Posted by Tom (Fort Worth, Texas) on 09/24/2013

Wendy: Thank you for that great post on the use of magnesium and insomnia. I have insomnia problems that herbals haven't seemed to help. (Worry about work I think.) But I'll try the mag at night as you recommended.


Magnesium
Posted by KT (Usa) on 04/11/2014

Compelled to provide this warning: according to a nutrition almanac, high levels of magnesium can cause skeletal paralysis, respiratory depression, coma and death. Magnesium is generally well tolerated but there are exceptions and when in doubt, a physician should be consulted. Sometimes less is better.


Magnesium
Posted by Gabrielle (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/16/2014

Magnesium Chloride, liquid form 2 teaspoons 3 X a day. Magnesium Glycinate (tablets), and liquid Magnesium Citrate all have been very effective for me in helping me relax and having a good, sound night's sleep.


Magnesium
Posted by Yc (Virginia) on 01/17/2017

I took 400 mg magnesium glycerinate an hour before bed for 2 nights and had severe insomnia both nights. Does that mean I am not MG deficient? Or should I take them during the day? I have been having menopause based insomnia, I think, for over 5 years, and so eager to find something that can help me sleep.


Selective Insomnia
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/01/2013

Father's Daughter: sometimes older folks have some similarities to babies. In this case, if he was used to having his wife/children home, he would be subconciously uneasy if they are not home. Just like small children do not take to changes so easily and do not sleep well if they are not surrounded by the people they deem important to them.


Eliminate EMFs
Posted by Mary (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) on 07/15/2013

Hi Michele: What type of timer did you use and exactly how did you connect it?

Thanks


Borage, Borax, Inversion
Posted by Precisely (Mineral Hill, New Mexico, Usa) on 05/19/2013
★★★★★

Hi TrudyG and all others suffering from insomnia,

First, taking a nightly capsule of organic borage oil, regular dose, an hour before bed got me deeply asleep, deeply dreaming, and very calm/confident-feeling the next day. It does take about 3 weeks for most people to have results, although I seem to recall it was more like 10 days for me. After a while I ran out and forgot to take it, only remembered while reading here.

Next, I got an inversion table. You can set it so that you start with a relatively low angle of inversion, by tying the strap underneath--say, 20-30 degrees for at least 10 minutes. That feels like plenty to me. If your heart is lower than your feet by 17 degrees, apparently the lymph glands release and clear. Other benefits I've noticed: practically no asthma, NO INSOMNIA, back pain decreased and overall well-being increased. Not to mention, better circulation.

However I am forgetful so the latest thing I take is borax. This is actually covered in depth at http://educate-yourself.org/cn/boraxconspiracy03jul12.shtml.

In my case, I was looking for help with my out-of-control restless legs syndrome, which, on the first day, diminished almost to nothing (now my Requip prescription of. 25 mg is more than sufficient, where before even 1mg spaced throughout the day barely controlled it. ).

Now I take the borax right before sleep, and I sleep deeply and w/o interruption for 8plus hrs. And I wake up feeling crisp! Also my asthma, which had me audibly wheezing prior to the borax, is slowly disappearing. It's also a fabulous detoxer, and is anti-microbial and perhaps also alkalining too.

At first I took the Borax in the morning, but after 3 weeks, it started to make me very sleepy so I switched to bedtime. It's very fast-acting--one minute I'm lying in bed wide awake, wondering when it's going to start knocking me out, and the next minute, I'm so deeply asleep I haven't even noticed I was getting sleepy, it's so immediate a response.

My friends who are also taking borax find that they have more energy. I MAY be feeling more energetic, but the stuff still knocks me out, so experiment on a laid-back, no-driving-etc-day to see how it affects you.

The other reason I was taking borax is that it balances the whole body's hormone, endocrine, and glandular system over time. I've been taking it now for at least 3 months. I've increased my dose to a tablespoon (from a teaspoon). Just last week it seemed to me that my post-menopausal dryness was no longer an issue. I intend to continue taking this forever.

Oh yes, another borax good result: my neighbor, 70 yrs old, fell off a horse and broke 2 ribs. Since he won't go to doctors, I gave him some borax. He says his ribs healed fast, and with much less pain than the other times they have broken.

Dosing excerpts from midway through the link at beginning of this post:

Firstly, dissolve a lightly rounded teaspoonful (5-6 grams) of borax in 1 litre of good quality water* free of chlorine and fluoride. This is your concentrated solution. Keep the bottle out of reach of small children. (* I''m using distilled water)

Standard dose = 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of concentrate. This has 25 to 30 mg of borax and provides about 3 mg of boron. Take 1 dose per day mixed with drink or food. If that feels right then take a second dose with another meal. If there is no specific health problem or as a maintenance dose you may continue indefinitely with 1 or 2 doses daily. "

(elsewhere in my reading people taking the borax-in-water cure seem to take it for 5 days, stop for 2, then start again for 5 days, off for 2 days, and so on. )

"If you do have a problem, such as arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions, menopause, stiffness due to advancing years, and also to improve low sex hormone production, increase intake to 3 or more spaced-out standard doses for several months or longer until you feel that your problem has sufficiently improved. Then drop back to 1 or 2 doses per day. "

http://g2cforum.org/index.php/list/other-alternatives/20552-the-borax-conspiracy-how-a-mineral-vital-to-health-was-suppressed

http://g2cforum.org/index.php/list/other-alternatives/2910-big-island-dairy-farmers-fight-radiation-with-boron

BTW... Trazodone HCL does work for my insomnia. At first I had to double-dose but now I can take 1/4 pill and that will also knock me out.... But why bother when borax is much safer and helps with so many cures.
...............

Last I would like to thank Joy and Everyone about mentioning the water cure. I think adding the right salt will help w my frequent urination, thirst, and allergies. Had forgotten that histamine is a dehydration response. Beginning to wonder if I was developing diabetes. Would diabetes show up in a hair sample?

Many Blessings!


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bradshad (North Prov., Rhode Island) on 03/27/2013

You need to cleanse your liver. Just my guess.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ejules (Woodbridge, Va, Us) on 03/28/2013

Try "Insomnia" by Hyland. I"ve used it for years and it has worked for several people who I've recommended it to (I always offer to buy their bottle if it doesn't work for them). It's a tiny homeopathic tablet that dissolves under your tongue. One or two should solve your sleeplessness and a bottle of 50 costs less than $10 so it's definitely cost effective. Totally counterintuitive as to why it should work but it does. It's more effective than melatonin, ambien, and all the other things I tried. Now, I always have some at home by the bed and definitely when I travel. Especially good for those nights when the tape in your head won't turn off or if you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep. I've taken one tab to get back to sleep when I had to be up in 2-3 hrs; two or three when first going to bed, if needed. You won't have a 'hangover' like some of those others give you. Hope this helps you get some rest.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 03/29/2013

Hi Trudyg; Insomnia has been a problem for me too, and like you, I've tried many supplements and herbs. It is still difficult. What works for many, sometimes will have the opposite effect for me.

I try to keep a record of supplements, herbs, even foods that have a stimulating or relaxing effect.

I take B vitamin supplements, but most are stimulating, so I take them in the morning. ( I take extra B12 sublinguals. BTW, it helps my hot flashes. ) B12 suppresses melatonin in the day, allowing it to increase at night.

I do take Niacinamide, (B3), in the evening, it relaxes me. ( I take 250 mgs.)

I still take 1mg. of Melatonin in the evening. It helps, but it doesn't work alone for me.

This past year, I've had good results from taking 15mgs. of Zinc in the evening. ( It may help people with elevated evening cortisol, or possibly, elevated blood sugar.)

I take extra Potassium as a supplement, it also relaxes me.

There are many supplements that work miraculously for other folks, such as : Vitamin D, Magnesium, etc. , but I seem to have a paradoxical reaction to them - worsened insomnia. (I'm sure many folks could have this same reaction to the supplements that work for me.)

I believe my best success with insomnia is from finding the substances that interfere with sleep.

Good Wishes.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tamara (Bellevue (formerly Ft. Collins, Co), Wa) on 03/31/2013

Hi Connie, have you tried switching around when you take vitamin D? I noticed that you mentioned you take your B vitamins in the morning. There's mounting anecdotal evidence (since no one is doing a study on timing of intake) that vitamin D supplementation in the morning improves sleep in lots of different facets. For me, it made me drowsier at night so it's easier to fall asleep and my mood was better when waking (to me indicating that I was more rested). I believe that it acts like liquid, chemical sunshine and helps set our circadian rhythm. Seth Roberts has collected a sample of people's testimonies of morning vitamin D supplementation here: http://blog.sethroberts.net/category/sleep/vitamin-d3-and-sleep/


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mary (Mn) on 07/10/2018

I'd put money on Microscopic Colitis.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 05/15/2013

Joy, niacinamide does not cause flushing, niacin does. In fact, niacinamide is what's recommended for those who want the benefits of niacin, without the flush.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Adrian (Haslemere, Uk) on 05/22/2013

Try drinking just before going to bed about 300ml of water then on your tongue put a pinch of 50/50 mixed natural unrefined (rock or sea) salt and Epsom salt (you will have to mix this yourself) let it stay there for 20 seconds before washing it back with a little more water. Have a good sound night's sleep.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 10/12/2015 2048 posts

Extended use of Nutmeg is not recommended as it is mildly toxic and hallucinogenic. Can induce wild dreams or nightmares, dry mouth, and constipation.

One could safely include Nutmeg with these herbs: Valerian, Hops, Avena Sativa, Passionflower, Kava, and Chamomile for a more pronounced effect.


Oat Straw Tea
Posted by 1947hoppy (Star City, Indiana) on 02/27/2013
★★★★★

I am new to the site and I must say that I am impressed. I enjoy reading what real people have to say about treating their ailments, and what they treat them with. It's been educational. There is one thing that I looked for here that I didn't find was OAT STRAW TEA. I've done a lot of reading about it in other places, and even saw a segment about it on a television show. I was impressed enought that I got some to try out. It is said to be good for a number of ailments from high cholesterol to increasing your libido. I have been using it for a short time. When the coffee pot is empty (my only vice) I make up a tea bag and let it steep. I really don't know yet what it might be doing for my cholesterol, but it does seem to be aiding in a good night's sleep.


Cherry Juice
Posted by Konkneeswell (Coral Springs, Florida, Usa) on 04/02/2013

Hi, what brand of cherry juice did you use?


Xiao Feng San
Posted by Sophie (Sydney, Australia) on 08/21/2012
★★★★★

I have been suffering from insomnia for a few weeks, mainly caused by hypnic twitches. My problems involve trouble falling asleep and waking up and having trouble falling asleep again. I tried magnesium citrate and magnisium oil on the skin which I think helped a bit. I saw my TCM acupunturist who gave me Xiao Feng San for inflammation and sleeplessness. I could fall asleep as soon as I went to bed, but I was still having trouble with waking up in the middle of the night and taking a bit to get back to sleep (caused by stress). It worked the day I started taking it, and when I ran out of it I couldn't sleep again. If you suffer from this please see a TCM specialist, just give it a try. Oh and it also worked for the inflammation.


Ted's Alkalizing Remedy
Posted by Megabells (Philadelphia, Pa) on 01/17/2012
★★★★★

I took Ted's Alkalyzing remedy for my candida and it cured my insomnia! It helped my husband's long standing insomnia issues too. We are sleeping through the night!

Cilantro
Posted by Suzy (Cranbrook, Bc) on 01/16/2012
★★★★★

Chinese Parsley (also known as Cilantro or as Coriander) I started to take Chinese Parsley when I read about its great ability to clean the system of heavy metals - but I found out that the very first day that I took some I had a very deep sleep. Now if I stop taking it for awhile and my sleeps start to break up again I just start taking it again and the deep sleeps immediately continue on the first night.

I take about 1 tsp. of dried Cilantro (with my favorite syrup and take it down with a liquid- really it can be taken down any way you want! )

I've also used 1-2 fresh sprigs (stem and all for me with my meal)and that works the same but the bunch of them start to wilt before I can finish them that is why I buy it dried.

Suzy

Cilantro
Posted by Toni (Brea, California) on 10/27/2012

I store the fresh cilantro in a plastic container in the refrigerator with water to soak and it stays fresh for about 2 weeks.


Herb Tea
Posted by Nicholas (Edison, Nj Usa) on 09/01/2011

I've not been getting good sleep for a couple of weeks. I had no problem falling asleep, but slept only a couple hour, on and off. Very dissatisfying... left me weary.

I checked this fabulous website and saw it recommended different teas to help sleep. I found I had two ... Yoga brand "Bedtime" tea and Sunrider brand Calli "night" tea. I boiled both of them separately... 3 cups of water each pot. I slowly sipped a full cup of the Yoga tea after my evening meal, and then slowly sipped a full cup of the Sunrider during the hour before sleep.

I had a good night's sleep, had great dreams and awoke in a positive mood. Tonight I will drink only one of them to see if it's sufficient to the task.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Bachcole (Colorado Springs, Colorado, Usa) on 07/11/2011
★★★★★

My herbalist friend Bonnie Rogers suggested this treatment for insomnia. It works GREAT. 7 parts of Apple Cider Vinegar to 2 parts of Milk of Magnesia (MOM). Doing 3 parts ACV to 1 part of MOM means that the mixture is more basic and taste pretty bad. If you increase the ACV then it becomes more acidic and tastes better. And anyway, ACV is just plain good for the body. Adding water is fine. I sip a large cup of watered down ACV MOM through out my day and I sleep fine. Of course, if you get too much magnesium, then your stools tend to fall apart; this tells you to pull back on so much magnesium.

Also, yogi types have suggested inverted poses for insomnia. I added the plow and the shoulder stand to my usual yoga regime, and it greatly helped my insomnia.

So the combination of the ACV MOM and the inverted poses have completely solved my insomnia problem.

I have also discovered that a lack of sleep is inflammatory.

I see that many people are combining ACV with baking soda (or bicarbonate of soda). This means that they are adding sodium to their diet. This is either bad or neutral, depending upon the person. But if one adds magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) to ACV, one is adding magnesium to one's diet, which is either good or neutral. And the MOM helps to neutralize the ACV. Adding Milk of Magnesia to ACV works much better than adding baking soda. Magnesium is a part of about 800 different reactions in the body, in particular enzyme reactions.

Castor Oil
Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/04/2011

Hi L, I either put a drop of Castor Oil straight in each eye, or take a drop on the tip of my finger and apply it onto each lid. I don't do this every night now since my body seems to have adjusted to a certain time to sleep. It does do the trick though.

I've used melatonin, as Merryanne has suggested, but I don't like to use animal hormones unless it was a dire situation. Instead of melatonin, I use the herb Valerian. It doesn't taste the best, but I got used to it. Buy the tincture and most instructions say to use 30-60 drops in a glass of water. When I take it, I usually do so before dinner at home.


Sea Salt
Posted by Sarah (Melbourne, Victoria) on 03/20/2011
★★★★★

I cannot describe in words how it feels to sleep without any problem. And after taking sea salt for the past one week I never have trouble in sleeping. Salt should be unrefined to be effective. One other thing I have included and that is oil pulling with mustard oil. It stings a little but in ayurveda mustard oil is highly placed for improving dental and gum problems with a pinch of salt and turmeric. But I do not add turmeric to my oil pulling. Every day before sleeping I take a pinch of sea salt and then water. You can also take it by dissolving in water. And it also reduced my cramps and painful joint condition. I have tried many things like acv, omega 3, wheatgrass etc but sea salt made the effect very quickly.

Earlier I was doing oil pulling with sunflower oil. I have also included green smoothies in my diet and also apply urine on my face and my face glows now. I was always weak and my face never glowed but these things have made the difference.



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