Poor sleep seems to be a plague of our society. We can blame our lack of sleep on our hectic and over stimulated lives, but when we take steps to mitigate those reasons and still have poor sleep, could something else be to blame? Melatonin is the main hormone in charge of our sleep patterns, but many other hormone imbalances can affect our sleep as well.
Melatonin deficiency equates to a sleep that is superficial with difficulty falling and staying asleep. Legs are restless and muscles are tense, particularly at night.
Growth Hormone deficiency causes a light sleep and an excessive need for sleep. Nervousness and anxiety related to this hormone deficiency can also negatively impact sleep.
Thyroid deficiency causes muscle aches and pains along with foot cramps at night. Muscles often feel stiff in the morning.
Cortisol deficiency reduces your ability to deal with stress, makes you irritable and anxious, all of which can prevent you from getting a good nights sleep.
Progesterone deficiency increases muscle and nervous tension as well as anxiety. Estrogen deficiency leads to hot flashes and night sweats which interrupt sleep.
Karen Spool is a patient who came to Dr. Nardella with insomnia and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. She was also experiencing hair loss, lightheadedness and feeling emotionally unstable. Digestive problems were also among her concerns.
Dr. Nardella initiated various naturopathic testing, including food sensitivities, hormone blood testing. and saliva testing for stress hormones, sex hormones and melatonin. Based on these tests, various therapies were started to address the imbalances found in her stress hormones and sex hormones. These included intravenous therapy, vitamin B12 shots, and supplementation to support her cortisol. Dietary changes were made based on her food sensitivities to reduce overall inflammation in her body.
Karen is now able to sleep better, has more energy for her family and better relationships because her emotions are more stable. Her digestive issues have resolved which has also decrease much stress in her life. With ongoing maintenance, as hormones are apt to change over time, Karen should continue to have a restful sleep and an emotionally balanced life.
