Certain cannabinoids might help people with sleep problems, but the question is do the possible benefits outweigh the known risks? Continue reading
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring constituents in the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana. There are over 100 types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant—delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two major cannabinoids. Research on the potential clinical uses of cannabinoids for anxiety, depression and insomnia is ongoing. Continue reading
The most potent way to get the sleep-promoting benefits of melatonin is to not to buy it off a store shelf. Natural melatonin is made in the body from food. All melatonin production is driven by key dietary nutrients, especially tryptophan found in foods like turkey, eggs and bananas. Continue reading
Melatonin supplementation can provide meaningful benefits for individuals with lowered natural melatonin levels such as night workers and the elderly. It is also beneficial for treating delayed sleep phase—shifting the sleep clock of night owls. Continue reading
Melatonin is a sleep-promoting hormone that is naturally produced and secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. The impact of naturally-occurring melatonin on our bodies is broad, profound, and not completely understood. Continue reading
A 2017 randomized controlled trial of 67 depressed patients asked the question: “If I improve my diet, will my mental health improve?” Half of them received nutrition counseling, and for them the answer was yes. Not true for the other half, who got social support sessions instead of nutrition counseling. Continue reading
In contrast to pharmaceutical insomnia medications, “plant extracts are generally safe and well tolerated,” researchers concluded in a 2020 peer-reviewed, systematic review of oral plant extracts for sleep disorders. But there are exceptions to that rule. The conclusion of this article contains links to articles on popular supplements for insomnia. Continue reading
Just like drugs, some supplements can be beneficial and carry very little risk. Others may not carry much risk, but may not be that beneficial. And then there’s everything in between. The conclusion of this article contains links to articles on popular supplements for anxiety and depression. Continue reading
Mood Change Medicine’s website offers information, without a paywall, about some of the most popular supplements for anxiety, depression and insomnia. This article has links to two other articles, each of which provide links to articles on specific supplements for each of these conditions. Continue reading
There’s a lot to consider when a physician decides whether to recommend starting a new treatment or stopping an old one. The more you understand how your doctor thinks, the better equipped you are to make the final decision, which is yours to make. Here’s how a physician might think: Continue reading
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