Adequate sleep is absolutely necessary for long-term health.  Sleep allows the body to regenerate.  Many different physiologic processes occur during sleep, but perhaps the most important are the increased secretion of growth hormone and the scavenging of free radicals (which produce chronic disease) in the brain.

Insomnia represents one of the most common complaints seen by physicians and is a symptom that can have many causes.  Insomnia or sleep disturbance can be categorized into two basic groups:  Sleep-onset insomnia and Sleep-maintenance insomnia.

The causes of insomnia include:

• Sleep-onset insomnia
  • Anxiety or tension
  • Environmental change
  • Emotional arousal
  • Fear of insomnia
  • Phobia of sleep
  • Disruptive environment
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
• Sleep-maintenance insomnia
  • Depression
  • Environmental change
  • Sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Drugs (medications)
  • Alcohol 

In the course of a year 30% of the adult American population suffers from insomnia and roughly 10% of the adult populations suffer from chronic (lasting over 6 months) insomnia.   

The Wycoff Wellness Center’s approach to insomnia begins with an initial consultation consisting of a review of your past medical history and an appropriate physical examination.  A number of medications or foods may contribute to insomnia including:

• Thyroid preparations
• Oral contraceptives
• Beta-blockers (used for blood pressure and heart rhythm control)
• Marijuana
• Alcohol
• Coffee or tea
• Chocolate

A number of medical conditions also may present with insomnia including:

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Adrenal fatigue
• Male or female hormone imbalance
• Vitamin, mineral, nutrient deficiencies
• Neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) imbalance 

After the initial visit at the Wycoff Wellness Center further testing may include:

• Blood testing
• Saliva hormone testing
• Sleep study (may be performed in your home)
• Neurochemical testing (urine or saliva collection) 

Based upon your history, physical and testing Dr. Wycoff will develop an individualized treatment program including the following components:

• Exercise
  • Regular physical exercise improves sleep
• Progressive relaxation techniques
• Establish appropriate sleep environment
• Appropriate nutrient replacement
• Optimize hormone replacement (with bioidentical hormones)
• Supplements
  • Melatonin
  • Passion Flower
  • Valerian Root
  • 5-HTP (tryptophan)
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin B6
  • Niacin (vitamin B3) 

The Wycoff Wellness Center has a unique approach to finding the cause of your sleep disorder.  We also offer a comprehensive program to treat the cause of your underlying problem.