Insomnia 179Then when the sun rises in the morning, the pineal turns off the fl ow
of melatonin, and our organ functions, immediately restored, speed up
again.
SUGGESTIONS FOR INSOMNIA*
➤ Lithium (20 mg/day). Lithium works well for insomnia. Take it
when all other remedies have failed.
➤ Ginkgo biloba. It not only helps induce sleep but also
improves the quality of sleep. It’s especially effective in cases
of depression.
➤ Intense light. Designed to prevent SAD (seasonal affective
disorder), intense light also promotes sleep (see Resources).
Some people have to use the light device in the morning to
avoid altering their biological clocks, which keeps them up at
night. In some it induces sleep no matter when they use it.
➤ Diet. Avoid any foods that cause indigestion or stimulate the
nervous system.
➤ Thyroid supplements. Take supplements to correct low
thyroid function, which is one cause of sleep disorders (see
Chapter 5).
➤ Calcium (microcrystalline hydropoxidite), magnesium,
and vitamin B 6. Modest amounts of these nutrients induce
sleep by calming the nerves.
➤ Melatonin. Take less than 1 mg right before going to bed.
➤ Inositol (100 mg /day).
➤ Complete darkness. Use an eye mask or completely opaque
window dressing to normalize melatonin function.
➤ Avoid antidepressants or any other drug medication that
prevents dreaming.*Take as many as possible of these nutrients in the form of whole-food complexes. For
dosage, follow the directions on the label.