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.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Pam (Sacramento, Ca Us) on 02/13/2013
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I am a diabetic and have tried L-Tryptophan for sleep. It works great for sleep but it raises my blood sugar. I searched for articles regarding this and found many that stated tryptophan can cause a rise in blood sugar levels. I had excellent control of blood sugar levels and started taking tryptophan. Everytime I took this supplement at night my blood sugar would be high in the morning. When I quit taking it, no problem. Such a bummer too, because the tryptophan helped me get a good night sleep without prescription sleeping meds. I am going to try GABA now and see how that works.
5 HTP and GABA
Posted by Barbara (FL) on 11/30/2023
★★★★★
5 HTP and GABA for Insomnia
This combination also puts me to sleep but I need to take it an hour or two in advance of bedtime. 600 mg of GABA and 100 mg 5htp. Pure Encapsulations brand. If I have anxiety, I take 2 5htp.
Block Blue Light
Posted by Rachel (Newark, New Jersey) on 10/13/2012
Hi all you unwilling Night-Owls: I came across some life-saving information on the benefits of blocking the blue part of the light spectrum before bedtime. Please look at the 3 links below, since they explain this better than I can. Note that blue light is emitted from all light bulbs, and most especially florescent and energy-saver bulbs, as well as from computer monitors and TV screens. You can wear special glasses that block these blue waves for a few hours before bed time. The first link is an inexpensive book, and you can read portions of it on the Amazon site. The author claims that blocking blue-spectrum light waves before sleep also slashes cancer risk by half, since blue light waves diminish melatonin, and melatonin is cancer-protective. Keep in mind that if you suffer from Seasonal-Affective disorder, you WANT the blue light waves. However, confine the blue light waves to your DAY hours, since getting them in the night hours can ruin your sleep, and thus contribute to depression.
Also keep in mind that taking melatonin as a SUPPLEMENT, I mean in pill or capsule form, can bring on depression. So if you have a depression issue, I recommend getting your melatonin (and good sleep) by blocking blue light waves at night, instead of by taking melatonin supplements. You can find online a lot more information about all this. Pleasant dreams!
Block Blue Light
Posted by Rachel (Newark, NJ) on 10/14/2012
Block Blue Light
Posted by Rachel (Newark, New Jersey) on 10/15/2012
The book I mentioned is by Richard L. Hansler, titled
Great Sleep! Reducd Cancer! : A Scientific Approach to Great Sleep. It's an inexpensive book, but you can read parts of it anyway on the Amazon site. Here is a press release from 2006:
Reducing the Risk of Cancer by 50 Percent Appears Possible by Blocking Blue Light in the Evening
Blind people have half the incidence of cancer, most likely because they make melatonin 9 or 10 hours a night according to a recent study at Harvard University. The body can only make melatonin when in the dark. For most people this is 6 or 7 hours a night. It's the blue component of light that causes melatonin suppression. Glasses that block blue light worn a few hours before bedtime allow melatonin to flow for 9 or 10 hours.
University Heights, OH (PRWEB) March 8, 2006
Blind people have about half the risk of cancer as people with normal vision according to a large study by the National Health Service. The most likely reason is that they produce melatonin and other secretions from the pineal gland for 9 or 10 hours a night while the rest of us only make them for 6 or 7 hours a night. Melatonin is a powerful cancer fighter, but the body only make it when in the dark. Exposing the eyes to light shuts down the pineal gland.
But there is good news. Not all colors of light cause melatonin suppression. It's only the blue rays that cause the problem. This means that blocking the blue light from entering the eye the pineal gland can continue making melatonin.
The fact that blind people only have half the rate of cancer was first discovered in the 90s and has been confirmed by more recent studies. A related study of women who consistently sleep unusually long found that the incidence of breast cancer for women who slept nine hours or more a night was only about one fourth that of women who slept 6 or 7 hours a night. A subsequent study found that women who slept unusually long made melatonin for a similarly unusually long time.
Concern about the use of light at night began when it was found that nurses who worked night shift from time to time had a higher incidence of breast cancer. Something about disrupting the circadian rhythm of the body was causing a higher risk of cancer. Studies in animals show that continuous exposure to light accelerates the rate of growth of cancerous tumors. The mechanism is thought to be the lack of melatonin.
Last fall the results of a milestone study were published. The response of human breast cancers to blood with and without pineal secretions was studied. Breast cancers grew rapidly when exposed to blood without melatonin but only very slowly when the blood contained melatonin. Dr. Blask who led the study said that "Melatonin puts the cancer to sleep at night". Unfortunately exposing the eyes to light at night wakes up the cancer and lets it grow rapidly.
Wearing glasses that block the blue light for a few hours before going to bed lets people regain the long hours of melatonin flow that is experienced by blind people. The glasses allow the yellow, orange and red light to pass through so one can read, watch television or work on a computer with no problem. Users of the glasses also report a marked improvement in sleep, which supports the idea that more melatonin is being produced. This minor change in life style could cut cancer risk in half.
Block Blue Light
Posted by Gillian (Andalusa Spain) on 10/30/2013
Hi, will any sunglasses work or is it only a certain kind? If so where can I buy them. Thanks
Theanine, Taurine
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 10/05/2012 2048 posts
Steven, by another of those "cosmic connections" I, only minutes ago, recommended both Glutamine and Taurine to V to help mental function as well as sleep. Anyway, if you wish to increase your dream awareness during sleep, try any otc herbal sleep aid combination that includes at least Valerian and Passionflower. If this doesn't much good, try some Calea and Lucid Dream inducing music or any meditation/relaxation music (many of which found on YouTube). In addition to Melatonin, i've recently had real good results w/ 5HTP before retiring.
Reasons
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 09/02/2012
I just received this video and thought I should share it. This is an amazing video of Dr. Christy Weston speaking on why so many people have difficulty sleeping through the night. It's extremely informative and helpful in understanding what is going on.
She also talks about the importance of earthing. I use earthing pads in my bed and also when I'm in front of my computer.
Here's to health, Lisa
Nutmeg
Posted by Kevin (Burbank, Ca, Usa) on 03/01/2012
★★★★★
For insomnia, the best remedy I've ever used is a level teaspoon of NUTMEG. I know that sounds stupid to use a spice.... However I thought the same thing and I tried it. IT WORKS. Just don't take any more than two tablespoons at night or you might feel "high" the next day like you smoked weed. But that won't happen if you only take one teaspoon. NUTMEG is an MAOI drug so you need to follow a LOW TYRAMINE DIET when nutmeg is in your system otherwise you may get a bad headache/unwanted symptoms. But if you follow low tyramine diet and take the level teaspoon before bed you will see it works and after a few days probably will cure insomnia. A low tyramine diet is pretty much just eating veggies/fruits.
Ted's Alkalizing Remedy
Posted by Tina (Houston, Us) on 01/17/2012
Can you please specify what this remedy is, since I suffer from insomnia and am willing to try anything at this point.
Many thanks!
Ted's Alkalizing Remedy
Posted by Granny (Va) on 02/07/2017
Just a question. I'm planning to follow Ted's advice for insomnia--1/4 tsp Potassium Carbonate + 1/2 tsp Sodium Carbonate in a glass of water to alkalize my system. Do I do this once a day? In the evening before bed? or does that even matter? I tested my ph first thing this morning and it was all the way on the acid end. (my test strip is for fish tank, so not so accurate, I think). I have ordered strips specifically for humans saliva & urine. Thanks for all your help.
Ted's Alkalizing Remedy
Posted by Janet (In) on 02/07/2017
Granny, I use Ted's remedy in the morning. It seems to improve sleeping at night. 5 drops of magnesium oil or 2 magnesium malate 250mg.
Going further into his remedies as I have multiple problems. I have used dhea 25mg in the am and. 5mg melatonin at night. Including the potassium carbonate.
I was truly shocked that the pot. carb. was so effective. I mention the other as a fall back. Janet
Cilantro
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/17/2012
Hi Suzy, I had heard about the detoxifying properties of Coriander and even started growing it in our garden but now I read in the book Transdermal Manesium Therapy that one needs to be careful not to use Coriander without using something else to flush the toxins away as the Coriander alone does get them floating through the body but does't get rid of them. I think that you need to use it together with Vit. C and Chlorella. Is he right? I don't know....
Cilantro
Posted by Suzy (Cranbrook, Bc) on 01/18/2012
I have read that both cilantro and chlorella bind with heavy metals so maybe that author has found a powerful combination. I have taken chlorella before and noticed my eyes become lighter. Also cilantro works very well for my deep sleeps.
Cilantro
Posted by Courtney (Granite Bay, Ca) on 01/22/2012
Suzy - Do you take the tsp. of Cilantro before bed? Or, did you find that taking 1 tsp. At any point during the day helped you sleep at night?
I want to give it a try, but also want to make sure I am taking it properly. Thanks!
Soursop Tea
Posted by Jacqui (Scottsville, Ky Usa) on 01/15/2012
I have a British Facebook friend who lives in the Carribean. I was telling her I have a lot of trouble going to sleep at night, and I wake up completely exhausted, this friend told me they use Soursop tea, and this will make me very sleepy. I looked up the Net about it, and this Soursop seems to be quite a remarkable tree, the fruits are used to eat with icecream etc, the leaves are for making Soursop tea.
This Soursop sounds quite an amazing tree. I was wondering if any of your readers can tell me more about it, and if it can be bought in USA, I would definitely want to know the soarce of where the Soursop came from too. I read where Amazon sell the dried tea cost around $7.. But some woman had left a review of her disappointment not on what the product can do for our health, but she said of the way it was packed etc, I mean, how would we know it was the real thing. If there was anyone out there who could help me find some leaves I can purchase online from a reputable soarce, I would appreciate please. I am a New Zealander living in Kentucky USA
Thank you, Regards Jacqui
bjbr[at]nctc[dot]com
Soursop Tea
Posted by Lanos (So.calif, Usa) on 01/16/2012
Jacqui, ... May I suggest you might search the tonic called 'GRAVIOLA' online. This is a soursop product.
Good luck..
Soursop Tea
Posted by Caribbean Gal (Atlanta, Georgia) on 04/30/2012
Try one of the Jamaican stores, I brought a pack recently for roughly $2.00
Sound Waves/ Vibrations
Posted by Jackie (Grand Rapids, Minn) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
i just found the videos on youtube that use sound waves or vibrations very helpful with sleep problems or trouble relaxing and very helpful in other areas such as boosting self esteem, boosting serotonin levels and self confidence. There are so many of them. The one that really helps me sleep is called Boost Your Energy Level with this Amazing Hypnosis Session and Feel Great. All you have to do is sit down and relax and go to youtube! Wish everyone health and happiness in the new year. Jackie
Sound Waves/ Vibrations
Posted by Susan (Sunnyvale, Ca) on 04/19/2012
Yeah try some guided meditations. Sometimes you just get the right voice and words and POW out light a lightbulb.
Sound Waves/ Vibrations
Posted by Beckywolf (Abbotsford, Bc, Canada ) on 04/15/2015
Last night I wasn't able to get to sleep till 1:30 am, then I woke up at 3:43 am, I wasn't able to fall asleep at 1:30 am till my long distance boyfriend called me, and now he's off doing something and I'm still unable to sleep, I am thinking maybe I can't sleep because I don't want to fall asleep without him. Any help?
Sound Waves/ Vibrations
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/15/2015
Dear Beckywolf,
An epsom salt bath before bed may be of help. 1 cup in a warm bath for 20 minutes. I take Natural Calm before bed (1 teaspoon) and sleep like a rock.
I hope you get some much desired and needed rest soon!
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 11/20/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Any suggestions for insomnia will be greatly appreciated.
I have tried magnesium, standard process min-tran, and terrible pills like ambien and lunesta, but nothing seems to help.
Ted can you please give some guidance.
Many thanks, T
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 12/16/2011
Small glass of tart cherry juice at dinner. Or, eggnog with nutmeg (or any drink like warm apple cider with nutmeg). Don't look at bright lights 2 hours before bedtime. Melatonin supplements are good--take one around an hour before bedtime or read the bottle.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ravi S (Dallas, Tx, Usa) on 12/26/2011
Tofu with soy bean sprouts, one hour before bed time works wonders for me.
Herb Tea
Posted by Jc (Boston, Ma) on 09/22/2011
I have and still use the Yogi Bed Time tea from time to time. I helps a little bit for me but not a significant difference. If you drink too much after 8pm it may wake you to urinate. This effect needs to be balanced with many herbal bed time teas.
I find the Nighty Night tea by Traditional Medicinals to be a biy more effective. But again, nothing dramatic, sublte and no urge to urinate at 4 AM.
Can anyone recomend any Chinese Herbs for sleep?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Milk of Magnesia
Posted by Randy (California) on 05/30/2017
Could this be used to make alkaline water or a sports hydration drink?
Castor Oil
Posted by L (Private) on 05/02/2011
You say that the Castor Oil is helping you to sleep, how are you using it, are you taking it by mouth, or just applying it to your eyes? Its would be nice to know of something else natural to help people sleep.
Castor Oil
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 05/04/2011 113 posts
If you need help to sleep take Melatonin, it is marvalous, read up on it, it does a lot of good for the body, it is given to children also to help sleep, and it is not a narcotic.
Sea Salt
Posted by Janice (Seattle, Wa) on 10/25/2011
What brand of sea salt did you use for insomnia?
Lavender Oil
Posted by Saffordshire Born And Bred (Burntwood, Staffs, England) on 01/03/2011 2 posts
★★★★★
I have heard and read about people on the net that cannot get to sleep, they don't want to go down the tablet route and ask advice? For years now I have used Lavendar Oil. It's safe and none addictive. Just a couple of drops on your pillow and you will get a good nights sleep. Regards
Lavender Oil
Posted by Trudyg (Anon) on 05/09/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Not me, I was up all night thinking of how bad the smell was. Tried again after a week, put some on a cotton ball, same thing. Moved it farther away so no smell, but still no sleep.
Lavender Oil
Posted by Jo (Nm) on 04/16/2014
The last distillation of lavender produces a "water". There is term for it which I have forgotten. We found it in CA, but anyone distilling the plant should have it. Sprayed on the face and pillow, it induces sleep. Gentle enough for the babies, and tho fragrant, does not have the intense scent of the oil. Works as well as warm milk or chamomile, but not well enough to overcome the intense pain of neuropathy.
Magnesium
Posted by Pam (Marlborough, Ct, Usa) on 10/26/2010
Hi, I have had trouble sleeping for quite a while, and also have the twitching problem so bad sometimes that I feel like I want to run around the block. It doesn't happen every night but, I would sure like to sleep like you are I am going to give it a try. Thanks Pam
Magnesium
Posted by Robert (Chicago, Il) on 01/16/2011
Magnesium that has the best absorption is magnesium citrate. Be sure to always check labels.
Magnesium
Posted by Mike (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) on 01/17/2011
Magnesium
Posted by Surulere (Bloomfield, Nj, Usa) on 01/18/2011
Maria, can you kindly email the name of the brand your are using to solve the insomnia issue. Surulere(at)gmail(dot)com
Chrysanthemum
Posted by Gean (Salina, Ks) on 10/18/2010
I'm wondering if red chrysanthemums will work. I googled mum tea and only saw white and yellow mentioned for tea, but all I have is red. Any idea why red would not be edible?
Chrysanthemum
Posted by Jp (Ottawa, Ontario) on 02/16/2011
How does this work for insomnia? I'd be a little nervous as pyrethrum is also used as a pesticide.
5 HTP
Posted by Lila (Kodiak, Ak) on 04/29/2010
★★★★★
I have been able to sleep less and less over the last few years. I have tried so many things to help get past my insomnia (I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep). I heard about your website and searched for things to help me sleep. The only thing I had in the house that night was 5htp. I take it for mood but have always taken it in the mornings. I didn't think it would help but felt desperate so i tried it. I have been taking it for 9 nights and have only had trouble sleeping 2 of those nights; a HUGE improvement! Thank you!!!
5 HTP
Posted by Judy (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) on 11/07/2012
I am having a real hard time finding something to help with my sleep problems. I have tried the magnesium, niacimide and soda with apple cider vinegar. No luck so far for myself but, amazing results for insomniac daughter. Thinking about trying 5 htp next. Any thought or suggestions would be appreciated.
Iodine
Posted by Flying Frog (Grass Valley, Ca, Usa) on 04/05/2010
Hello! I want to suggest you look into/try kelp tablets for your hypothyroidism--I prefer it to other sources of iodine because, of course, kelp is "found in nature" & contains many nutrients in a form that I feel is more compatible with the body than a synthesized form. Peace!
Iodine
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 04/05/2010
Flying Frog...How much Kelp do you take a day? Do you take it every day? Thanks
Iodine
Posted by Kelp (Louisville, Kentucky) on 04/07/2010
I'm currently using kelp, two teaspoons twice a day, I saw the post about potassium iodide and found it interesting because I just ordered some potassium iodide. I'll keep your post in mind in terms of the number of drops that you started with. The kelp hasn't helped with sleep so far, iodide is much stronger so that may be the issue. Another consideration is that there are various types of kelp, bladderwheck is the strongest, so that one may work. I've only taken it once so far, was using dulse, and I noticed the difference, it certainly is stronger!
Iodine
Posted by Jp (Ottawa, Ontario) on 02/16/2011
Don't take your iodine late in the day, as that can worsen sleep.
If you use kelp you 1) don't get a lot of iodine and 2) may be getting heavy metals along with it. Check your source
Lugol's or Iodoral are sources of both Iodine and Potassium iodide, both forms of iodine that the body uses. You can make Lugol's yourself. Iodoral is the same proportions in tablet form.
Iodine
Posted by Mamallama (Deerfield, Ma) on 01/26/2012
★★★★★
I agree, iodine has helped my insomnia. I would have to take 2-3 mg melatonin every night and hated feeling dependent. I have been taking Lugol's for 5 days now (started with 2 drops of the 2% solution and have increased to 4) and I see an improvement. I have been able to decrease the melatonin to 1.5 mg and I feel pretty confident that I'll be able to eliminate the melatonin entirely! Even when I was woken in the night (something that would have me up for hours, normally), I was able to fall back asleep within 10 minutes or so.
BTW, I take the iodine in the morning, in cranberry juice.
I have had other positive effects with the iodine but will post about them after I've been using it for a couple of weeks.
Iodine
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/27/2012
Hi, I have just ordered Lugol's (5% iodine, 7% potassium iodide) because I am quite sure that I am iodine deficient. As you can't buy it anywhere in Europe I ordered it online. It is Hulda Clarks recipe and I have no idea how many drops to take. I saw the label on the site and it says one should take 6 drops a day, max. 3 days. This sounds like nonsense to me.... The lady selling it told me that in Hulda's book she advises 6 drops 4x a day for up to a week for stomach bacterial infections. All very confusing...... Dr. Brownstein says in his book that 1 drop of Lugol's 5% iodine and 10% potassium iodide amounts to 12,5mg. I think that the fact that Lugol's can come in so many combinations makes it very difficult to know how much to take. Right now I am at a loss so if anyone can help I would very much appreciate!
As far as insomnia goes I also hope that Lugol's will help me. Please keep us informed of any other changes you notice, I will do the same. I will be taking Lugol's for the insomnia, falling, weak hair, puffy eyes, dry skin..... By the way, I thought that Melatonin was a great thing after reading a book about it. It is not sold here in Europe so it is not something I can try!
Iodine
Posted by Lisa (Rabat, Morocco) on 01/27/2012
Francisca, one drop of Lugol's (5% iodine, 10% iodide) is 6. 25 mg. There isn't really a set amount to take, it all depends on the person. I think it is generally believed that a maintenance dosage is 50 mg. Many people take more depending on what illnesses they may have. It might be best to start out slow and gradually increase your dose since many people can have detox symptoms. I have been taking Iodoral (pill form of Lugol's) since last March and I am up to 62. 5 mg. I have some thyroid issues and uterine fibroids along with sluggish adrenal glands. It is also recommended that you supplement iodine with Vitamin C, magnesium, selenium and unrefined sea salt (like Celtic). I think it is best to take it all at one time early in the day since taking it too late can cause sleep problems in some.
If you want to get some really good information I would suggest joining the iodine Yahoo group. The moderators are very knowledgeable and have lots of experience using iodine. The group owner had thyroid cancer and used very large doses of iodine to help cure herself.
Iodine
Posted by Eva (A'dam, Nl) on 01/27/2012
Francesca, you can relatively easily buy iodine in Europe, just need to google it while entering the right keywords. By the way, Melatonin is sold in drugstores in the vitamin section, I did not enter a store yet where it was not sold and I have also seen it in several countries. I am not sure if you live at a really small place, or you don't look at the right place, but I would be more careful with generalizations about what you can and can't find in such a large area as Europe.
Iodine
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/28/2012 2048 posts
Francisca, if Melatonin is on the EU ban list, try 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) before retiring as it stimulates the penial gland to secrete melatonin. If 5HTP is not available try regular L-Tryptophan or foods high in T like Turkey.
Iodine
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/28/2012
Eva, I do live in a small town now but I used to live in France near Switzerland and Germany. I looked everywhere but I never found any melatonin, they told me that it wasn't allowed in the EU, only melatonin percursors. I am not sure but I think that I also asked in De Tuinen when I was in Holland last year. I am going to the UK next week and I can try again in a very good health food store where I mostly go to.
Iodine
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/28/2012
Lisa, now I feel even more hopeless... You say that one drop is 6,25 mg, Dr. Brownstein says it is 12,5mg.... I will try to find that Yahoo group and maybe I just start with one drop. I am taking vit. C, 1000mg a day, am using magnesium chloride transdermally (dilute myself in water) and will buy some selenium soon (I do eat walnuts most day as I picket a lot during the Autumn). I also take a bit of Celtic Salt now and then, apart from what I take in my food!
Iodine
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/28/2012
Thanks Timh, yes, melatonin percursor are allowed here. I tried one but it didn't really have any effect. I am not waiting to go the the UK next week and pick up the Lugol's I ordered on the Internet at my sister-in-law's. Actually my biggest problem is my husband's snoring. Once he wakes me up I have trouble going back to sleep and by now I am not used to sleeping all night anymore. When he leaves early in the morning I often sleep like I am in a coma just then I wake up too late and have difficulty sleeping in the evening again!
Iodine
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Connecticut) on 01/29/2012
Francisca, I am taking the same strength as you, although I bought mine from J. Crows. I began with 1 drop a day (which is 6. 25 mg) and worked up to 8 drops a day (which is 50 mg) as Dr Brownstein reccommends. I'll continue with that dose for 2-3 months and then taper down to a daily maintaence dose of 2 drops a day (12. 5 mg) for life as recommended.
Just be sure to take it on an empty stomach and wait an hour or so before before eating or taking any supplements (read my post earlier in this thread).
Linda :-)
Iodine
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/30/2012
Thanks Linda, I will pick it up on Friday evening so will start on Saturday morning. Funny enough I can't find the instructions of how to take it in Dr. Brownsteins book. Are you sure that one should take it one hour before eating? I hope that it can be done during the day or else I will have to wait for 1 hour before having breakfast, which is not always possible! I underline the books I read in order to find anything of importance more easily but I couldn't find that information....
Iodine
Posted by Linda (San Francisco, Ca, Usa) on 02/09/2012
To Francisca from Zug,
The number of milligrams per drop can differ very widely dependent upon the size of the dropper used, and additionally the exact mg amount will differ dependent upon whether the drop is released from a dropper held exactly vertically, or from a dropper which is slanted sideways at the time the drop is released. So it is a ballpark, but not precise to talk about how many drops = 1 milligram, etc.
Exact precision with Lugol's 5% (that's what I have) is not usually critical, unless there is some special case-specific medical circumstance. Lugol's has been in extensive use in the USA for more than 100 years. Its use and effects are well-documented and easily findable on the web.
Dr. Brownstein is a good source of info on this. Also there is an Iodine Supplementation forum (VWT Forum) on Curezone where many knowledgeable folks have posted their own experiences with it for several years.
I have taken from 1 drop per day to more than 15 with a standard-sized eyedropper orally off and on for months at a time, for probably 12 years now. So IMHO not necessary to stress about a milligram difference here and there. Just always start with less and err on the side of caution, and work up very slowly. I would not take it without having food in my stomach *first*.
If I am uncertain about its effects, I can paint it on my skin.
Linda
Iodine
Posted by Linda (San Francisco, Ca, Usa) on 02/10/2012
Hi Francisca, I think you're way safer ingesting it with food and water, than off by itself. Iodine is some pretty strong stuff. I like to have a buffer around it, just the same as when I take Cayenne Pepper. Just because you can get it past your teeth and down the hatch doesn't mean it won't burn something else. Those are tender little mucous membranes down there.
I take 5-8 drops of Lugol's every morning, I just drip it into the last half-inch of coffee in the bottom of my coffee cup and slug it down during breakfast :-).
I also drop it into Orange Juice if I'm not having coffee that day :-).
I like strong tastes to wipe out the chemical flavor of Iodine.
I think about it this way: after Iodine was removed from bread is when more people began to be deficient in it. So it works when baked into bread. Nobody ingests bread without eating :-).
Don't stress over the timing too much.
Linda :-)
Iodine
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 09/19/2012
Kelp tablets are not efficient. You need to take 5-10 of them to get a single gram of iodine. I recommend Lugols, and increased seafood consumption. For those outside of the US, you may be able to buy iodine tabs in higher doses. I know iodoral is available some places.
Castor Oil
Posted by Kay (In The Valley, Ca) on 01/16/2010
Mel, could you tell us exactly how you used the castor oil? Thanks
Omega-3
Posted by Sp (Murfreesboro, Tn) on 05/28/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Hi SK, I tried the expensive omega which has 380 mg EPA and 510 mg DHA for about a week now, I did not notice any change on my sleeping pattern. I take a total of 3,000 -4,000 mg a day of omega, still I'm not sleeping any better. I will keep taking it for other health benefits.
I have postpartum insomnia for about 4 months now. I have tried just about everything, they work temporarily, and then I had to switch to something else. Still searching.
Borax
Posted by Linda (York County, Maine) on 09/10/2009
Leelannee-any idea if this could by employed for a toddler? My granddaughter is 17 months old and is waking up during the night; since her crib rail has been removed, she crawls out of bed and sometimes is awake for an hour or more....this has been happening since the rail was removed and she started sleeping in her 'big girl bed'....part of it could be simply because she knows she CAN get out of bed - it's been happening for a month, or more, and her parents are pretty sleepy much of the time!!
Borax
Posted by Roy (Ocala, Florida) on 09/10/2009
We solved the problem of baby falling over the top crib rail by taking (sawing) one slat out of one side at the end of the crib. The baby found his way out, but it was a little bit tight, so he stayed in at night.
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/22/2009
Linda: Sorry, I don't know about recommending this for a small child. I use such a small amount, and I imagine a child would need only a fraction of that; but her sleeplessness could be caused by something totally different than mine, or something in her diet. When my son was little, I used homeopathic remedies (rather than herbs or supplements) because they are usually very safe.
Borax
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 09/22/2009
Leelannee, were you having problems sleeping and having nightmares due to anxiety? I just wondered if this relaxed you overall.
Borax
Posted by Leelannee (Sussex, Nj) on 09/27/2009
I really have no idea what causes the nightmares--I guess it's stress or a nutritional deficiency, but these probably vary over time. The nightmares became worse for a couple of years after my boyfriend died in 2006, but I've had them and/or the sleeplessness for at least a decade...then sometimes I'll sleep better for a while, but I have no idea why. I also have bi-polar disorder, and sometimes would barely sleep for 3 days during a manic episode; however, I haven't had a severe episode in almost 3 years, since being on medication.
Borax
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 09/02/2013 2048 posts
@Leelannee: Thanx for the remedy post. Your logic seems accurate, but you didn't inform us as to type 1 or 2 diabetes and anything else that might be helping. Let us know how the Borax goes.
Magnesium
Posted by R (Sarasota, FL, USA) on 07/11/2009
Can you please provide the form (citrate?) of magnesium you are taking? Thank you.
Horlicks
Posted by Beth (London, UK) on 06/01/2009
★★★★★
My mum is 65 years old and has been experiencing lack of sleep at night for about 3-4 years. She would drop off to sleep but never have any sound sleep as she would hear everything happening at night and had difficulty falling asleep after getting up at night. She now takes a drink of Horlicks every night and sleeps quite soundly that I have to wake her up in the morning. She gets up in the early hours of the morning to go to the toilet then drops back to sleep quite soundly that she can't hear my radio playing music in the morning. She started with 4 teaspoons of horlicks in a cup of milk as the label states but now sleeps even with taking one teaspoon. She also uses the light, medium and strong types and they all work the same. On the nights she doesn't take horlicks, she doesn't sleep. What I can't understand is that she used to take vitamin B complex tablets, which horlicks is mainly made of, every night but never slept. Does anybody know of any side effects for long term usage of horlicks?
Sea Salt
Posted by Kelly (Alexandria, Va) on 10/26/2011
What brand sea salt did you use?
Catnip
Posted by One2die4 (Oxon Hill, Washington DC) on 05/23/2009
so do you drink the catnip tea or what? thanks
Sweet Woodruff
Posted by Tricia (Murrells Inlet, SC USA) on 02/24/2009
★★★★★
To combat insomnia, take 1/2 tsp of powdered woodruff mixed with honey or fruit puree 30 min before bedtime.Take Care! In large doses, woodruff may cause internal bleeding. Don't use it if you're pregnant or taking conventional medication for circulatory problems.
Marjoram Oil
Posted by Suz (Sshkosh, WI/USA) on 02/23/2009
★★★★★
Insomnia: Alright, I know I will catch grief for this so let me disclaim right away! Do not take essential oils undiluted. Okay, now that you all know that I know... Marjoram oil. Marjoram oil: about eight drops in a capsule will do. Awesome for headaches too.
Vitamin D
Posted by Kathi (New Brunswick, NJ) on 02/07/2009
★★★★★
I developed severe insomnia last winter (nov 07) and went through quite a trial for months, with none of the many things I tried helping much except some tips on how to improve sleep habits through cognitive behavioral therapy. I was doing better May-Oct 08 then all of a sudden the same severe insomnia symptom was back in full force. Last month I decided to try vitamin D3 2000 IU/day, after reading so many recent articles about the importance of this sunshine vitamin. I chose tablets with D3 source from lanolin, since I am allergic to fish. Within a week I was sleeping soundly at night, and I am continuing to sleep well. In retrospect, it is likely that I became more susceptible to vit. D deficiency after I became lactose intolerant and stopped drinking milk.
Vitamin D
Posted by Sonja (Veghel, Netherlands) on 07/30/2011
Hello,
When do you take the Vit D, during the day/morning of right before bed? And, is it still working?
Vitamin D
Posted by Kathi (New Brunswick, Nj) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★
It has now been 3 years since I started the vitamin D. Yes I still take it, and yes it still works! In fact my winters have been much much healthier since. I take 4000 iu D3 most mornings. also vit c, krill oil, probiotic, 1-2drops of lugols. 200 mg magnesium citrate near bedtime. I make fresh green veggie juice most days too, regular walking and yoga. Sleeping soundly most nights and waking up ready for the day. Feel like I am finally living my life, not just dragging through it.
Melatonin
Posted by Bob (Ohrid, Macedonia) on 10/11/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Cow brain is a major source of melatonin. Buyer beware!
Melatonin
Posted by Sherri (Hobart, Tasmania Australia) on 10/13/2010
To Bob I have never heard of cow brain, can u plz explain what it is :)
Supplements
Posted by Amy (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 01/05/2009
★★★★★
I suffer from occasional insomnia and find this is a sure-fire cure:
1000mg L-Tyrosine (capsule form)
3-9mg Melatonin (sub-lingual tablets best)
500-1500mg Vitamin C (chewable best)
For me, this works best if taken as soon as you realise it's going to be one of those nights. I take it with a glass of water, and a slice or two of bread. Ideally, try this when you'll be able to devote 6-8hr to sleep--after that I always wake up 100% refreshed. Best of luck!
Supplements
Posted by Jake (Chicago, IL) on 12/27/2008
blackstrap molasses, aloe vera, coconut oil, melatonin and DHEA supplements have all helped me. I suffer from a similar problem and only recently have been having more than 2 hour stretches of sleep on a regular basis.
My DHEA levels are normally well below the reference range and supplementation brings them up. You might check your level.
Most important perhaps is the coconut oil. When I went up from 2 Tablespoons to 4 to 6 Tablspoons - 2 or 3 after dinner time before bed, I noted a definite improvement. You need to find your own levels her and especially for the melatonin - I currently take a quarter of a 3 mg. lozenge under the tongue type - each time I wake up to go to the bathroom.
Experiment.
Supplements
Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, ON) on 12/28/2008
Hi Jake,
Thank you for your help. I have been taking or tried all that you mentioned to no avail except for the DHEA supplement. I will ask my doctor to check my levels as you suggested. Our gene pool insomnia is tough on all of us, as nothing much works. I wonder why doctors just dismiss this without checking our blood for imbalances. All they seem to want to do is push the pharmaceuticals.
Supplements
Posted by Mary (Regina, Canada) on 12/28/2008
Hi CheeMiss: Regarding your insomnina, have you ever considered thyroid insufficiency? Hypothyroidism runs in families and is often not detected by blood tests.Insomnia is a huge symptom of hypothyroidism. I have had this problem and as my blood tests were low normal I got No help from my md. go to www.wilsonstemperaturesyndrome.com Doctor Wilson has devised a wonderful protocol for treating hypothyroidism that works!
Also I sleep alot longer each night now. Good luck, Mary
Supplements
Posted by Cal (Calgary, AB Canada) on 05/19/2009
Sea salts worked for me. The one without any additives etc, just wind and sun-dried. You can get at health stores. I used to always wake up around 2 am and couldn't fall asleep again. Also could only sleep on my left side but since I started taking sea salts things changed immediately. I just add a little to my drinking water, enough to taste it without it being salty and I can sleep on any side and even if I wake up I fall asleep again.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Helen (Houston, TX, USA) on 10/01/2014
★☆☆☆☆
I tried L-Tryptophan several nights, thought one of the other substances was what kept me alert-awake. (I was taking several things at once - B3, herbs, etc, in desperate effort to get some sleep! Bad idea for figuring what is causing a worse problem instead of helping) I was having strange feelings in my chest which I now know to be heart palpitations.
Thinking no sleep meant I wasn't taking enough L-Triptophan (and that one of the other tools was causing the strange chest thumps), I upped from 500 mg to 1000 mg (2 pills) and took only L-Tryptophan (to eliminating, I thought, whatever was causing the chest spasms). But an hour after I got to bed wow was my heartbeat crazy! Like my whole chest was throbbing! Felt like a superslow beat 5 times the usual strength, but wrist pulse revealed a weak pulse beat in between the super big ones, so the rate was normal but the strength unusual. Really scary to have a resting heartbeat that intrudes on your awareness! Got up and searched for the half life - 1-2 hours. That was reassuring. An hour later my heartbeat was still too strong but far less so. (Food based L-Triptophan has a 10-12 hour half life because it's bound to protein; the pure supplement has a short half life.)
BTW, L-Triptophan supplement wearing off fast means it might be good for helping some people get to sleep but not keeping them asleep.
Valerian Root
Posted by Susanp (Melbourne, Vic) on 10/23/2011
In my experience, nothing works like NOW food's melatonin. But other brands are good too. To anybody that's on the fence, definitely go and buy melatonin. At least give it a try.
5 HTP and Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Robin (Rural, VA) on 07/11/2008
★★★★★
I have been on a quest to find a good nights sleep, naturally. I have recently been taking myself off of antidepressants and prescription sleep aides. And trying to find a way to balance out the seratonin naturally. This is what I have found: Rhodiola is an enormous help. However, I was still having insomnia, and anxiety. I tried Kava. This helps with the anxiety, and would help me relax, but wouldn't put me in the sleep zone. So I recently got 5-Htp, and magnesium citrate. And it hasn't been long, but I feel I am in balance. I am finally sleeping like a baby.
5 HTP and Magnesium Citrate
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/12/2008 490 posts
To Robin with insomnia: Hi Robin, If you are still having problems sleeping, I think that you should keep on taking the magnesium and add a good stress tablet at rate of l tab at mealtime and bedtime. Stress tablet usually only has B complex vitamins + C & E, and I consider them the best nerve pill or antidepressant going, much cheaper and seldom any unwanted side effects.
