Sleep issues (and more!) resolved with 5HTP

I have struggled with sleep difficulties my entire life. I used to have problems with falling asleep and also problems with staying asleep.

The difficulties falling asleep were mostly resolved when I discovered Earthcalm EMF protective devices (see the Earthcalm website for more information. And, if you do make a purchase there, mention that I sent you and you will receive 10% off!).

However, difficulties staying asleep persisted for me until recently. A friend told me about 5HTP which is an amino acid that, from my limited understanding, helps to boost the body's production of serotonin.

As such, 5HTP is often useful for relieving insomnia; controlling anxiety; reducing symptoms of PMS, fibromyalgia, and headaches; and even elminiating sleep apnea.

I am pretty certain that I have had sleep apnea. A previously "normal" night for me could include waking up 6-10 times during the night, sometimes while choking and gasping for air.

Since starting on 5HTP I am usually waking up just once per night and usually not until 6am. Many nights (including the first night I took it!) I do not wake up at all.

This, for me, is completely unheard of. It has been life changing - absolutely wonderful - to be able to go to bed, fall asleep, and stay asleep. I never imagined it could be possible for me.

I am not a doctor so if you plan to try it yourself, please speak to your naturopath, medical doctor, or other health care professional, especially if you are already on medications. I don't know what contraindications may exist for taking 5HTP.

I have so far had extremely good feedback from clients of mine who have chosen to try it as well.

Best of all it's very inexpensive and easy to obtain. I picked up a generic bottle of it ("Life" brand at Shopper's Drug Mart) on sale for $11.99 the first time - the regular price there is $15.99 for I believe 60 tablets of 100mg each.

If you do try it, let me know how you find it. I am always interested to find new things that may be helpful for my clients and customers and while the effects for me have been quite dramatic, I don't know if they tend to be for most people or not.