Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Terry, “What can I take for insomnia? I am 62 years old and work second shift as a Security Guard. I usually wake up twice a night to go to the bathroom and am only getting a total of 5-6 hours of sleep.” — Lawrence S., Grand Rapids, MI

A. Dear Lawrence, While I do have some recommendations that may help with your symptoms, I would encourage you to consult with your physician regarding your concerns. I’m assuming the quantity and quality of your sleep would significantly improve if you were able to get rid of the nightly bathroom trips. Therefore, I would recommend going to your health food store and asking for a good formula to help support your prostate function. Look for a formula that includes saw palmetto berry extract, which has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms such as frequent urination through the night.

I would also recommend taking a unique echinacea extract derived from Echinacea angustifolia. This specialized extract is very different from the echinacea you see in stores that is sold for immune health and helping to overcome colds and the flu. Researchers at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences discovered that when grown under the right conditions, harvested and processed in a particular way, and taken at the right dosage level, compounds in this plant can help reduce anxiety as effectively as certain prescription medications, without the side effects. The unique compounds in this particular echinacea extract have been shown to attach to certain brain receptors that in turn instill a sense of calm and relaxation. The formula I recommend is a very low dose—about 20 mg. In fact, research has shown that higher doses are actually less effective. Taken before bedtime, this extract will help calm your mind before you go to sleep. I suggest taking 1 or 2 tablets, 30 minutes before bedtime.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally