Insomnia can lead to depression, diabetes, and weight gain.
Roughly 60% of Americans polled in a new survey say they don’t get enough sleep. And when you set your clocks to “spring forward” on Sunday, you’ll probably be joining them!
Besides costing an hour of sleep, adjusting to daylight savings can disrupt sleep patterns—and affect the body’s circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances are clearly linked to depression and other forms of mental problems.
For the first time, a new Dutch study shows that sleeplessness may actually shrink the part of the brain (gray matter) involved in decision-making. People with severe insomnia suffered the most brain loss!
Research in the March issue of Sleep also finds that people 40 and under who sleep less than 5 hours a night have more belly fat and a higher body-mass index than those sleeping longer. “Appropriate amounts of sleep [6 to 7 hours in this long-term study] are important for maintenance of a healthy weight, ” says researcher Kristen G. Hairston, MD, at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Three-quarters of those surveyed by the National Sleep Association in its 2010 Sleep in America poll say that poor sleep contributes to health problems, and research agrees. Up to 26% add that lack of sleep makes them too tired for lovemaking, and as many as 24% admit missing work or family functions because they were too sleepy.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
There are myriad reasons for sleeplessness today. One I’ve discovered in many of my clients—and myself—is electrosmog from cell and cordless phones, wi-fi, and all the gadgets we use to entertain ourselves and communicate with others.
Not only do the Internet and TV make it harder to sleep, but electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from these devices can also interfere with brain function. Adding insult to injury, this kind of radiation appears to disrupt the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that controls our sleep/wake cycles.
Depression and other mood disorders can also affect melatonin secretion, which tends to decrease with age. Get outdoors whenever it’s sunny to boost melatonin production. Start dimming lights when the sun goes down to help your body get ready for sleep.
Anyone with insomnia can take melatonin supplements (3 to 15 mg a night, preferably in a time-release formula). Five times stronger than vitamin C and twice as effective as vitamin E, this antioxidant can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect against EMFs. It’s also critical to normal immune function, which can be damaged by exposure to electrosmog and other stresses in today’s 24/7 world.
Other Sleep Destroyers
New research finds that almost 10% of psychiatric outpatients have sleep apnea, a respiratory condition that’s linked to impaired glucose intolerance, overweight or obesity (even in children), and heart problems. And the reverse appears to be true too: Canadian research shows that abnormal sleep patterns reduce respiratory motor plasticity—leading to sleep apnea!
Restless leg syndrome is another metabolic sleep disorder—causing cramps, creeping sensations, and twitching in the lower limbs. It’s enough to keep you and anyone who shares your bed awake! Adding iron and vitamin C to the diet have been found to help relieve restless leg.
Aging also alters sleep patterns—and can create disturbing behavior disorders in the elderly, new French research finds. Try not to nap during the day, which can upset the body’s circadian rhythms.
Whatever’s keeping you awake—age, depression, EMFs, or more easily recognized stresses like overwork or financial worries—I’ve found Ultra H-3 very effective. More than 500 laboratory studies show that the procaine (found in this supplement) helps protect the brain from damaging electrophysiological changes.
First discovered in 1949 by Dr. Ana Aslan of Romania’s National Geriatric Institute, procaine balances monoamine oxidase (MAO) for improved mental clarity and enhanced circulation to the brain. A patented procaine product, Ultra H-3—in a matrix of vitamins B and C, magnesium (a relaxing mineral that helps induce sleep), and herbs (bilberry and gingko to help ensure that needed nutrients get through the blood/brain barrier)—lasts about 15 times longer than Dr. Aslan’s original discovery.
Sources:
www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/03/08/sleep.pray.love.survey
www.electropollution.org/problem.html
www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=23744
www.journalsleep.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=27724
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20215094
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20202902
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20210676
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20209158
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20105697
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20174808
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20217368
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20214093
www.wireless-weblog.com/50226711/mmf_says_mobile_phones_may_cause_insomnia.php
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
Dr. Ann-
Where can we find Ultra H-3? Is any brand better than another (if there are different brands)? How does this differ from Melatonin and which do you prefer?
Thank you!
Colleen
I have been taking Ultra H-3 for a couple of years now and I always take it frist thing in the morning and from reading this Iam wondering if that is the correct time of day to take it. I think the H-3 gives me energy and would be afraid to take it in the evening as it may keep me awake. What is your thought on this?
I agree with the questions already asked in comments. Where can I read your reply?
Good Morning All:
Ultra H-3 is sold online at http://www.unikeyhealth.com and is manufactured for Dr. Ann Louise based on her specifications. Melatonin and Ultra H-3 work differently. Melatonin is a major antioxidant naturally secreted by the pineal which is very helpful for sleep. Ultra H-3 is composed of a combination of substances that repair cell membranes for rejuvenation. Taking Ultra H-3 first thing in the morning and again in the afternoon is the preferred manner of ingestion. Many feel find that they cannot take Ultra H-3 at night because it gives them energy. So, Dr. Ann Louise generally suggests that the second dose be taken at about 3 – 4 pm and not beyond that time. Please go to unikeyhealth.com for more information on Ultra H-3 and to see the myriad of testimonials about this unusual product.
I am currently taking Melatonin every night (1-2 mg.)and have been for the past 3 years. Is it okay to increase the dosage? Is it okay to take this on a long term basis? I am also following the Fat Flush for Life Protocol. Does any of this interfere with the Arimidex that I am taking for the stage 1 breast cancer that was discovered 9 months ago and was treated with a lumpectomy and radiation?