Better Together

No deep sleep

Updated on June 3, 2019 in Ask A Coach
1 on June 2, 2019

Having Myalgic Encephalomyolitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 27 years now, I was severe first 10 years mostly house bound and bedridden. I have improved some over the years as I always eat healthy and do the best I can with exercise and rest. It is a fact that people with this illness, don’t go into deep sleep. I have had 5 sleep studies done over the years that also proved that. No sleep apnea just hypopneas. I was on ambien for 5 years every night, then switched to Ativan for 5 then Klonopin for 12 years. I am off of all of them for 2 years now but would love to get deep sleep. Do you recommend any supplements that can help deep sleep and overactive brain activity? I already take melatonin 1-3 mg a night but that wears off after 5 hours.

Thanks, Alison

 
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0 on June 3, 2019

Thanks for your post! It sounds like you are doing a lot to take good care of yourself, which is really wonderful. Our supplement, Restful Sleep by BrainMD, (with magnesium glycinate, GABA, valerian, and melatonin) offers great help for many people. You can take from 1-4 capsules before sleep (30-60 min). Here are other thoughts to consider, which I hope are helpful: 

*Supplements are only as good as the microbiome in which they are absorbed and utilized (or not). There is some interesting new research on the link between the microbiome and sleep in people with ME/CFS. You might explore this with a functional medicine practitioner to assess for overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria that may be inhibiting your microbiome from functioning optimally, and thus potentially interfering with deep sleep.

*Be sure you are getting adequate protein regularly throughout the day. Melatonin is dependent on nutrients such as the essential amino acid tryptophan (present in many protein-rich foods) for synthesis, so getting sufficient protein for your age, activity level, and size is essential. In addition, if you have poor digestion (eating quickly, belching, acid reflux, etc.) you may not be breaking down protein well, so this, like the microbiome, should be addressed as well.

*Meditation and mindfulness audios (such as on this site) can be utilized for preparing the body and the mind for a deeper sleep.

Best to you!

Zoe

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