Feeling fatigued (less than well rested)? The lack of healthful, restful sleep is known as insomnia. It’s a common problem experienced by as many as 20 to 30 percent of American adults at various times in their lives. Insomnia is a problem for both women and men, taking many forms, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking at night, early morning awakening and the inability to fall back asleep. Insomnia may be described in terms of both duration and severity. It may be transient (lasting for several days), intermittent (when transient insomnia recurs), or chronic (lasting for more than a month). Once insomnia sets in and you start feeling worn down or are lacking energy due to improper sleep, fatigue takes over.

Insomnia is an extremely common and complex problem that can result from a number of different reasons. Addressing this condition requires a thorough evaluation into the circumstances surrounding the health, environment, emotional state, behavior and diet of a person. A holistic approach at Infinity Wellness Center in Austin offers a unique and effective method without any of the usual side effects or significant risks associated with conventional medications. Resolution of both acute and chronic insomnia can be achieved using a holistic analysis. This may result in increased overall health and well being beyond the “quick fix” or temporary resolution of symptoms so common in the allopathic medical system.

Insomnia can be based on or irritated by a neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and include serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Sleep disorders and such symptoms as depression are especially linked with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Herbs and foods high in tryptophan that can help restore serotonin levels in the brain are St. John’s Wort, Quinoa, Spirulina, and soy products.