An aid for insomnia

Insomnia represents on of the most common complaints seen by physicians. Within a course of a year nearly one-third of the population suffers from insomnia. Many use over-the-counter medications to combat the problem, while others seek stronger sedatives.

Serotonin Precursor and Cofactor Therapy

Serotonin is the neurotransmitter important in initiating sleep. It is synthesized from typtophan, an essential amino acid. The synthesis of serotonin in the brain is dependent o\n tryptophan's availability. Tryptophan has been reported to increase total sleep time and decrease awakenings in numerous double-blind clinical studies.

Important cofactors vitamin B6 and magnesium are to be administered along with the tryptophan to insure its conversion to serotonin. Niacin is also included to shunt tryptophan metabolism towards serotonin synthesis and its peripheral vasodilation (flushing)_ will promote sleep.

Since other amino acids compete with tryptophan for transport into the brain, protein consumption should be avoided and a carbohydrate source such as fruit juice should be taken with tryptophan. Avoid the intake of coffee ( an other caffeine sources such as chocolate, cocoa  and tea), alcohol, and other compounds that disrupt normal sleep patterns.

The herb Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) is included in this formulation primarily for its ability to reduce the breakdown of serotonin within the brain. Passion flower was widely used by the Aztecs as a sedative. Its constituents include harmol , harman, harmine, harmalol, harmaline and passicol. Harmine was originally known as telepathine for its peculiar ability to induce a contemplative state and mild euphoria. It was later used by teh Germans in World War 2 as "truth serum". 

Valeiran Officinalis (valerian) : This plant has been widely used in folk medicine as a sedative. Recent scientific studies have substantiated valerian's ability to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia. In a large double-blind study involving 128 subjects it was shown that an aqueous extract of valerian root improved the subjective ratings for sleep quality and sleep latency ( the time required to get to sleep) but left no "hangover" the next morning.