I am sure some supplements are beneficial - but do we really need to do all of this? There are lots of companies making money out of all sorts of hormones and compounds to try to balance our complex internal workings...
However - look at melatonin for example - I for one would prefer to increase this naturally, which sounds perfectly feasible. Following silverlady's links I found this:
It is possible to supply melatonin through supplementation; however, it is also possible to create additional quantities of melatonin without drugs or supplements. The pineal gland produces melatonin, whose quantities are stimulated by the presence of darkness and inhibited in the light. Sleeping in a very dark room with no ambient light can stimulate melatonin production. Creating the conditions of twilight for several hours before going to bed will also set the stage for melatonin production and assist in falling asleep. Keep lights dim and remove all sources of light from the bedroom.
Why not try this first to increase melatonin naturally? (along with reducing caffeine and other stimulants, not too much alcohol or drinking during the evening - to mininise the bladder thing, taking more exercise - but not just before bed - all ways to improve your ability sleep naturally).
We are near the midsummer solstice - the longest hours of daylight. We are trying to fool our bodies into sleeping when they are not designed to so no wonder some have trouble. So how about getting up a lot earlier and for example trying to reduce total hours to 6-7 more in keeping with the daylight, and getting up a lot earlier - along with something to reduce the light in your room?
When you do go to bed having prepared your body and surroundings as above, then try Bette's 3-2-1 exercise (can't remember where it is) which I use (adpated for going to sleep) to focus the mind and stop all the other thoughts racing about - and it gets me off really quickly.
It's easy to look for a miracle cure or sleeping tablets ( I accept some do need to use these) but completely natural self-help can be really powerful
Hurdity x
