West Coast Life Center

Lifestyle Changes, Melatonin, and Magnesium for Insomnia

Gentle Ways to Improve the Quality of Sleep

 

Sherman Oaks, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2014 -- Insomnia has become a common condition among at least one-third of the population. Around 10% of insomnia sufferers experience chronic insomnia, i.e. longstanding sleeplessness that occurs more then 14 days a month. Insomnia can be experienced by adults as well as children. Studies show that women are more susceptible to this condition than men. Other demographic risk factors for insomnia include older age, lower socioeconomic status, being widowed or separated.

Los Angeles psychiatrist and director of the West Coast Life Center Kira Stein MD points that “stress, poor sleep habits, evening exercise, exposure to caffeine, certain medications, and bright light from ipads, TVs and computer monitors also increase your chances of insomnia.”

Insomnia can lead to serious health issues in future. Increased risk of accidents poses the greatest health risk, as well as chronic gastrointestinal problems and pain conditions. Further, 40% of people suffering from insomnia have one or more other psychiatric disorders. Research is now suggesting that insomnia may be associated with a higher risk of mortality, particularly mortality related to cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle changes as well as routine habits can help alleviate sleepless nights. Stress, trauma, emotional imbalance, unhealthy sleep environment, work shifts, travel time changes, medication, etc. are some of the reasons that contribute to insomnia.

“Sometimes anticipatory anxiety about having a difficult night sets the stage for worsening insomnia,” states Dr. Stein, “ and so it is not surprising that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be quite effective in managing insomnia without medication.”

Dr. Stein also finds that melatonin and magnesium supplementation can help address some aspects of insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland of the brain and performs the duty of improving the sleep-wake cycle in the body. “Melatonin in low doses, usually taken at least an hour before going to bed, can be helpful in people who have problems falling asleep or who suffer from jet lag or work-shift challenges,” reports Dr. Stein.

On the other hand, Magnesium can act as a great tool for improving the sleep-wake cycle because it is believed to be a normal and natural muscle relaxant. “If people suffer from muscle tension, I often recommend rubbing topical magnesium oil or gel on the affected muscles at bedtime. Oral Magnesium supplements can be helpful too, but it is important to make sure you are not ingesting more than doctor recommended values of Magnesium as toxic levels can cause significant health problems and complications.”

At West Coast Life Center, physicians use tools of integrative medicine to personalize the treatment of insomnia. Such approaches include behavioral modification, talk therapy, nutritional supplementation such as magnesium and melatonin and, when needed and appropriate, prescription medications as well.

To know more about Insomnia treatment visit website http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com

About http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com
West Coast Life Center, www.westcoastlifecenter.com is an emotional wellness center led by Medical Director, Kira Stein, MD. They provide integrative psychiatric care for patients who are suffering with insomnia, anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, etc.

Media Contact

Kira Stein MD, APC
Phone: 818-990-5901
Website URL: http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com/