Monday, February 16, 2009

Sleep & Inositol

Hatch Into Health
with Patrice McArthy, R.N. B.S.N.

Hello Amy's Peeps,

Are you getting enough sleep Peeps? Deep sleep? If you're like most humans the answer is probably no. There are so many detrimental side effects of sleep deprivation and science is learning more about this all the time. I'm sure you are aware of it's effect on your mood and your stress and anxiety levels. But did you know that nutritional deficiencies can also play a role?

Calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, B vitamins, iron and folate all play a role in healthy hormone production and a deficiency in these nutrients can interfere with healthy sleeping patterns. I love the nutrient Inositol as well. Inositol helps maintain a healthy serotonin level (the feel good chemical in your brain). It has a relaxing effect and can be useful in the treatment of depression, anxiety and panic, agoraphobia and obsessive compulsive disorder. It can be taken safely with anti-depressant medications as well (*reference below ). It is found in both plant and animal sources but often our diets don't provide adequate therapeutic amounts.

Signs of inadequate inositol intake include:
Difficulty falling asleep
PMS, fibroid tumors, and other problems caused by female hormonal imbalances
Depression
Anxiety

TAKING INOSITOL
For general health, a more restful sleep, and an overall positive outlook, start with ½ teaspoon of inositol powder per day. For promoting female hormonal balance, one teaspoon or more per day is helpful. For relieving depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, OCD and panic attacks, 1-4 teaspoons should be used. (**) Inositol powder has a naturally sweet, pleasant taste and mixes easily in water.

Please email me with any questions or concerns at Patrice@thehatchedegg.com

Have a restful night and by all means have a nap!

Patrice

* Levine J, Mishori A, Susnosky M, Martin M, Belmaker RH. Combination of inositol and serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatry 1999;45(3):270-3

** Belmaker RH, Bersudsky Y, Benjamin J, Agam G, Levine J, Kofman O. Manipulation of inositol-linked second messenger systems as a therapeutic strategy in psychiatry. Adv BiochemPsychopharmacol 1995;49:67-84



Quote of the Day
"Sleep is the best meditation." Dalai Lama

3 Comments:

Natalie C. said...

I am so excited about the possibilities of inositol. The more research I did on it, I seem to suffer from ALL those symptoms. Is there a larger benefit from the powder or would the tablets work just as well?

The Hatched Egg said...

That's a great question for Patrice. I will have her post her opinion shortly.

Thanks,
Amy

Patrice, RN, BSN said...

Hi Natalie,

The benefit of the powder over capsules is better absorption and assimilation into the bloodstream. I have a tech sheet with more information on Inositol. If you're interested email me at patrice@thehatchedegg.com! If you are considering it's use, check with your MD and only take a professional brand. I can suggest one for you.

Patrice :)