I know everyone has read or heard in the media, that Michael Jackson had a sleeping disorder, and that he might of taken something that was recommended by a nutritionist of herbal medicine, that could of taken his life.  Michael Jackson personal trainer  ( Former known as the Incredible Hulk or Mr. Universe in the 70' suggested that MJ. take  Calcium glucosamine for his sleeping disorder, it is  naturalsleeping aid, do anyone know of any other methods or natural remedies that is out there for Sleeping Disorders.

There are clinical studies out that suggestion that melatonin 3 mg is a recommended dose for sleep. I use it occasionally because I work night shift.

Herbalnurse919 says ...

There are clinical studies out that suggestion that melatonin 3 mg is a recommended dose for sleep. I use it occasionally because I work night shift.

When I do use the melatonin, I usually use 1 mg and it does the trick for me.

Anyone every try Valerian Root? I've had it in tea a number of times and it's really helped me. I had terrible insomnia in high school and college, and valerian root seemed to be an easy way to rest better, even if my insomnia was really bad and I couldn't get a great night's sleep.

Orgasm.   This is a medical fact by the way.

I agree with the others about the use of melatonin as a natural sleep aid.  Doses range from 1 to 3 mg as being the most effective.  Try the l mg and see how it works for you.  If not enough you can bump it up without any side effect.   

I've tried sleepy time tea, and that can help also. It has cammomile, which induces relaxation. Just another tip.

Love the sleepy time tea!

I just got back from convention in Utah with the company I am with. They have just come out with a product called Pure Rest, that I have been using this week. It is melatonin. This company is science based, and the dose is 2 mg. You can take one or two. I know that most people think melatonin is melatonin. But, many brands do not test out to be what they say they are. I have been using this and after having several months of insomina problem, I can honestly say that this works for me. I worked last night and slept today. I was able to sleep over 8 hours today, and I didn't wake up feeling groggy.

If anyone is interested in looking into the Pure Rest, let me know. It is very affordable.  herbalnurse919@msn.com

Taking a warm bath infused with lavender and rose works well. Orgasm can induce drowsiness.

-Rose hips: helps relax the nervous system without causing a stupor (Kava has that effect on me)

-Chamomile

-Valerian root

-Kava (in most states you can be charged with DUI if you drive while taking Kava)

-Spearmint: I've found this to be relaxing which helps make sleep easier.

-Lemon balm: it's worked for some people but it didn't for me.

-A shot of liquor can do the trick but I prefer herbal remedies.

-Meditation using guided imagery.

I also would like to add that melatonin is a naturally occuring hormone, and here is just some information from the website that talks about the product Pure Rest. I am not pushing a product, just sharing that in addition to other natural ways to help people with insomnia, there are things that can be safely used instead of prescription sleeping pills.

"Along with diet and exercise, getting enough sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Are you ready to restore your natural sleep cycles without sleeping pills? Normal sleep cycles help you feel more energized, promote healthy immune function, and support antioxidant defense. Pure Rest is USANA’s fast-acting, ultra-pure melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles. Pure Rest is NOT a sleeping pill. Pure Rest’s orange-flavored tablets are designed to dissolve quickly, and their ultra-pure formula is both safe and effective. Pure Rest does not contain animal ingredients and is not habit forming. Enjoy a healthy sleep with Pure Rest."

i use melatonin. also warm bath before bed :)

well for me the most natural sleep aid you can try is exercising in the daytime burning calories and working up a good sweat. i use to have a problem sleeping at night until i started working out going to the gym geting in the sauna. when i get home i'm usually pooped and i just fall fast to sleep when its time for be without a care in the world. it also is a good way to lose weight and stay fit. try some exercise. before anything else. if you are already active. then try some warm milk at night. blessings.

Wanted to ad an article I wrote a few weeks ago, and is posted in my website @www.poweruphealthcoaching.com about night shift...

http://www.poweruphealthcoaching.com/?p=253 Whoops. Look like only the link posted. Let me try it again...

8 Tips If You Work Night Shift

by HealthCoach on July 4, 2010

Night Shift Owl

Are you one of the 6,000,000 Americans that work on the night shift? I am! My usual routine is EVERY Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from 6:45 PM to 7:15 AM. Recently, I added a contract nursing job on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM. The contract nursing job is only temporary, and believe it or not, I actually feel better in the few weeks I have been doing it.

This brings me to this subject. How do you work night shift and maintain health? I have now researched many articles, and studies on the subject of working night shift. From these readings I have developed a list of 8 things I am going to do faithfully while I am on this schedule to maintain and improve my health.

1) Set a goal to sleep 8 hours everyday. In the past, it has been easy for me to sleep only 4.5 or 5 hours, get up to the bathroom, and then be wide awake; only to find it is time to go back to work and I have not slept enough. There are 2 habits I am forming which has transformed my life in this area. I have darkened my bedroom more than it was previously darkened. There were little cracks of light seeping through the windows, and I corrected that issue. It is now VERY dark in my room. The second thing I have done is to faithfully take melatonin as soon as I get home. I currently take 4 mg of melatonin, and this has helped the length of time I sleep, tremendously. I use a pharmaceutical grade melatonin, because I want to ensure I am taking a pure formulation.  I am also considering darkening my bathroom, so I will not be exposed to the bright light when I get up for a bathroom break.

2) There were several articles that discussed wearing very dark sunglasses as you leave the place of employment and on the trip home. There has been research to show that once your subject your eyes to the bright morning light, this does something to you body that says “wake up”. So, this is on my to do list, and I will be purchasing this item TODAY!

3) Eat low glycemic. I already do this. HOWEVER, I was very excited to see this was suggested in several articles. One new piece of information was to have the heavy meal in the evening prior to going on the shift. Do not eat a heavy meal in the middle of the night. Do not eat a heavy breakfast. So, take small low glycemic snacks and eat every three hours. I always have a nutritional shake or bar with me during the night so that I can eat or snack quickly and ensure I am getting good nutrition.  (I also lost 35 pounds eating this way). Research has shown that due to several endocrine factors, and increased insulin resistance for night workers, it is very important to learn these concepts. Look for future teleconference and classes on this subject.

4) Small balanced breakfast before going to bed. Do not go to bed hungry. AND make sure you eat a meal that is balanced. Don’t just eat fruit. Also, do not eat a heavy meal. This will lay heavy on your stomach, and really make you quite uncomfortable. My favorite is to make a healthy smoothie, making sure I get healthy protein, carbohydrate and fats. A good complex carb with a high fiber content will not overwhelm your stomach, but take a while to digest, and allow you to sleep without having that “knawing” sensation in your belly.

5) Take the phone off the hook, or place the phone out of your room. DO NOT feel like you have to be available to the phone just because someone calls. You may be concerned with missing emergency calls. Work out another system. With a TRUE emergency, someone will come and knock on your window, or bedroom door.

6) White noise. I have also read many papers on background noise. I sleep with a “spa” type machine that plays a “rain” type sound. A bedside air filter will do the same thing. This not only drowns out any noise that is going on in the house and neighborhood, but it relaxes my mind. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone working night shift.

7) Mild to moderate exercise, before you go to work. At the end of the shift, it can get you pumping, and ready to be awake instead of getting ready for sleep.

8)   Another point on nutrition. Find a good pharmaceutical grade multivitamin and antioxidant. Even if you eat EVERYTHING raw, and natural, I totally believe the body needs something to fill in all nutritional gaps. There are too many external factors today that comes against our bodies causing free radicals. I have heard people say from time to time they don’t take vitamins because they don’t want expensive pee. Honestly, the body knows what it has need of on a day to day basis. What I may not need one day, I may need the next. How do you really know? I take extra vitamin D. Research has shown one of the risk categories for Vitamin D deficiency is to work night shift. We just don’t get enough natural sun. I take my vitamins at least twice per day, and I also take a very high grade product. Really, if you take your health seriously, why not invest in something that is going to really give you the bang for your buck?

OK, so those are 8 ideas that are working for me (well, the sunglasses are going to be working for me). I would love to hear what you do to help you stay on track. I take a natural approach, and not prescription drugs. So, I am looking for your natural approach. Thanks, and have a great night. (I mean day)

Tagged as: graveyard shift, healthy eating, healthy nurses, night shift, nurses, nutrition, working nights

melatonin and valanroot