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Page 36
| an impressive 50 to 100 percent in three-quarters of the participants in one study. 14 For tryptophan to reach the brain, it must compete with other amino acids for entry. As a result, the other, usually more abundant, amino acids found in protein-rich foods generally get priority. Taking tryptophan supplements does not always do the trick because much of it gets converted into other nutrients, such as niacin. |
| Insomnia also greatly lowers the ability to deal with life in general. It is quite possible that many CFS symptoms are a direct result of insomnia. Problems such as dizziness, headaches, emotional instability and impaired concentration and memory go along with long-term sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep can impair driving ability more than being drunk. |
| Sleeping pills may provide temporary relief, but not without pitfalls. The more they are taken, the greater the chance of developing liver damage, high blood pressure and further suppressing immunity. Besides, one can become dependent on them; the dose usually needs to be upped after only two to three weeks to achieve the same results. What's more, if trying to quit, the withdrawal symptoms (increased sleeplessness, agitation and foginess) can easily cause one to reach for the pills again. |
| Herbs For Insomnia |
| Herbs that promote relaxation and stress relief provide an important avenue to improve sleep. And, rest is essential in order for the energy level to return. Unlike drugs, herbs do not produce the morning-after effects of tranquilizers and barbiturates or impair dream recall. In one study on valerian, people who |
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