Dr. Leia on Insomnia Causes, Zoloft, & Menopause - Tests You Should Have and Info on Natural Sleep Aids

Question for Dr. Leia: I am working to get my diet back online, taking green supplements, and good vitamins.

I have been having a hard time sleeping. What are insomnia causes besides that of menopause? I am in my 50's and definitely menopausal.

My doctor asked me if I wanted a Zoloft insomnia prescription for sleeplessness, but I declined. Can you offer me some help? I have heard folic acid, and other supplements can help. Thanks Trixie.

Dr. Leia's Answer: Dear Trixie, it's wonderful that you are taking care of yourself and are interested in keeping yourself healthy naturally.

Insomnia is a symptom, and symptoms tell us that there is another deeper cause which needs to be addressed. Zoloft, which is a chemical anti-depressant, is more of a bandaid for patching up problems such as depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, insomnia, and general emotional stress and strain. If, indeed, you have severe symptoms such as just I mentioned, then it is sometimes necessary to take an anti-depressant for a short period of time if you are unable to cope with your daily life situations. However, if you find that you are still able to carry on with your day-to-day life, but want to optimize your energy and to feel the best that you can feel, then you may want to dig a little deeper into the causes for your insomnia.

You mentioned that you are going through menopause, a period of time in which a woman's body goes through hormonal changes and wide fluctuations and/or decreases in estrogen and progesterone, along with symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, depression, mood changes, just to mention a few symptoms. Menopause with night sweats can be one cause for insomnia, as can worry, situational stress, and other emotional upsets.

Fluctuations in blood sugar levels, low blood sugar or glucose levels, eating heavy meals late at night, diets with irregular eating habits during the day, eating foods which promote higher energy levels later in the day or at night, and indigestion can all contribute to sleeplessness and insomnia. Diet and dieting, stress, and menopause can also lead to adrenal hormone imbalance, with diurnal fluctuations in the normal cortisol levels, which in turn, can lead to insomnia. Your naturopathic doctor can test your cortisol levels using a simple non-invasive testing method using saliva.

This test is called an Adrenal Stress Index test and consists of collecting saliva in small tubes four times during one day, then sending the samples into a laboratory which will measure the cortisol levels, plot a graph of the results, measure the DHEA levels, and determine the level of stress response which you might be under. Saliva has been shown to be the most accurate method of measuring these parameters, and the test is simple to collect and is non-invasive, and an important test to consider.

If this test shows abnormalities in the cortisol or DHEA levels, then your doctor will prescribe the correct supplements and doses individualized for you to correct this problem. Please note that it is not recommended that you self prescribe hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, or DHEA without being tested for these substances and without your doctor's care and recommendations.

There are many natural methods which help insomnia, including making time for rest and relaxation, getting out into nature for nature walks, listening to the ocean waves, meditation and relaxation tapes, soothing music, stress management, a regular exercise program, and natural relaxant herbs and supplements.

Calcium and magnesium and mineral supplements in a balanced dose, especially when taken at bedtime can help to relax the body and the muscles physicially. Taking stimulant herbs and vitamins such as caffeinated teas and drinks, coffee, vitamin E and C, B vitamins and stress vitamins, which may also include vitamin B12 and folic acid are best taken in the morning or early part of the day, rather than late at night. Soothing relaxing teas, such as lemon balm, spearmint, peppermint, and chamomile are wonderful to take in the evening or before bedtime and promote deeper sleep and relaxation.

Making sure that your bedroom is dark, without any night lights or outdoor lights streaming through the windows will help to promote deeper more relaxing levels of sleep, and help insomnia by increasing the production of your body's own melatonin. If you work irregular shifts in the evenings, or at night, or when travelling to different time zones, then you may need to take a product called melatonin, which will help some people to sleep better. However, I do not recommend that you take this product every night, so as to not become dependant upon it. It is best to try all of the other methods before relying upon melatonin. Good luck with managing your insomnia and digging deeper into the cause rather than just palliating it.

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By Joyce

2009-04-29 19:45:36

My husband has night sweats and believes the room is very hot when it is not. This goes away in the morning. Does this mean he is fighting an infection?

By Dr. Leia

2009-04-29 19:47:37

Hi Joyce, night sweats are not limited to women only, men can experience male menopause, which is called andropause. Although not as commonly mentioned as female menopause, male menopause can occur from the diminshing hormones as they age. Since the hormones affect the thermostat regulation mechanism center of the brain, a person, both male or female, may experience body temperature fluctuations causing hot flushes and/or night sweats for a period of time. Menopause or hormonal fluctuations are not the only causes of night sweats. Here is a list of just a few of these additional causes: any infection, endemic or regional parasitic infestations, diabetes, HIV and AIDs, high thyroid or hyperthyroidism, certain medications and drugs, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, spicy foods, alcohol, and sleep disorders or sleep apnea, just to name a few. Have your husband visit his doctor to rule out any of these more serious conditions. His doctor will order the appropriate tests when your husband mentions all of his symptoms and health problems. If all checks out fine and there is no serious cause, then your husband can visit an Acupuncturist who can help treat his night sweats. In Chinese medicine, night sweats are a sign of yin deficiency where body fluids are decreased usually caused by nutritional, energy, Qi, and meridian imbalances. A thorough history and physical examination is necessary.

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