If you’re taking medication to help you sleep or to control anxiety you may be considering getting off the meds. But before you do, consider the fact that people who suddenly stop taking sedative hypnotic drugs like Ambien and Xanax can run the risk of life threatening seizures. Continue reading
For thousands of years kava has been used to relieve anxiety, stress and insomnia. More recently there’s been a realization that some people who take kava might face significant health risks. And there’s no way to predict who could be one of a small number of people harmed by kava. Continue reading
Valerian is likely safe when taken short-term in appropriate doses. Few adverse events have been reported in valerian studies. The effects of taking valerian long-term are largely unknown. Evidence suggests the herb is safer than its pharmaceutical counterparts, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications. Large doses of valerian might be unsafe. Continue reading
Some studies show valerian is as effective as Valium and others show it is no better than a sugar pill. Evidence suggests it’s safer than drugs like Valium. Effectiveness is impacted by how it’s prepared. To find out how Ashwagandha, CBD, kava and other anxiety treatments compare to valerian Continue reading
The weight of the evidence shows valerian improves sleep, When used short term and in appropriate doses, the herb is likely safer than its pharmaceutical counterparts. Cognitive Therapy for Insomnia is a side-effect free treatment that is more effective than anything that can be swallowed. Continue reading
Tryptophan can interact with drugs and supplements that cause sedation, increasing the sedative effect. Taking tryptophan with any of these drugs, substances or supplements might cause excessive sleepiness and negatively impact the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Continue reading
People have been taking tryptophan in supplements for over five decades with just occasional modest, short-lived side-effects.
Tryptophan is not addictive and does not appear to cause tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or rebound insomnia like sleep drugs. When used short-term, it’s likely a safer alternative to pharmaceutical sleep aids. Continue reading
Tryptophan deficiency has been linked to depression in some people. Not all tryptophan deficiencies are the result of inadequate intake. A deficiency can be caused by problems like absorption issues. Other treatments that are more effective for anxiety and depression include talk therapy, biofeedback, mindfulness and other supplements like . . . Continue reading
Given that dietary tryptophan play such a pivotal role in sleep, it might make sense that taking tryptophan supplements should improve sleep. But it’s just not as simple as popping a pill. Continue reading
Tryptophan plays a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis, a two-way biochemical conversation between our brains and bellies that helps determine the production of melatonin and serotonin, key brain chemicals that affect sleep and mood. Optimizing the biology of mood and sleep includes optimizing factors that impact tryptophan nutrition. Continue reading
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