1. Diet – primary factor.
a. Caffeine
b. Sugar (hypoglycemia = uneven blood sugar levels = insulin rebound
c. Drugs, alcohol and nicotine
d. Food Intolerance – most common: dairy, wheat, corn and chocolate (histamine release)
2. Environmental Factors – electromagnetic fields: from electric blankets to power lines.
3. Mental/Emotional Factors
a. grief,
b. depression,
c. anxiety,
d. fear,
e. excitement
Example: Your digestive system is stressed and unable to digest protein, the amino acids that affect neurotransmission will not be available to your brain and you can become ill emotionally without having anything emotionally stressful going on in your life.
Stress and pent-up emotional issues can wreak havoc on the brain, deregulating brain chemicals and organs that are instrumental in procuring a good night’s rest. Unmanaged daily stress can deplete your hormonal and nutrient reserves and create a vicious cycle of less sleep and more stress.
Unresolved psychological issues, such as deep-seated internal fears or relationship conflicts, can disturb brain chemistry and hinder deep sleep.
4. Physiological Factors
1. High nighttime levels of cortisone. (hormone secreted by adrenal glands during periods of wakefulness & activity)
2. Stomach or bladder ailments, rheumatic disorder or nervous system illness, sleep apnea may be linked to obesity says Dr. John Hibbs, ND of Bastyr University. Particularily if the patient also has heart disease or lung problems from chronic smoking
3. Colon and Liver health – these organs remove externally acquired toxins and metabolic waste from the body. If not working properly, the toxic body can produce food allergies, bacterial overgrowth and depletion of vitamins and minerals essential to inducing a good night’s sleep.
4. Hormonal Imbalances – menopause & andropause as estrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men shift and decline ~ psych, emotional and physical transitions = sleep disruptions.
5. Lack of regular exercise – stress buildup – structural imbalances (esp. spinal)
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