is part of the spectrum emitted by the sun, thus it is normal to see blue-light during the day, along with having normal peak in cortisol. However, at night, people consume hours of screen time after the sun sets, which continues to stimulate the mind and provoke cortisol. This can play a factor in why people get in bed and have a mind that is wide awake. Along the same line of thought, our ancestors did not work after the sunset due to the lack of light. Today, people exercise after work, which stimulates the sympathetic response which increases cortisol in the evening and potentially disrupts the natural circadian rhythm.
There are many natural approaches to both ends of this vicious cycle involving stress and sleep. It is obvious that the treat- ment principle would include de-stressing and promoting restorative sleep. Finding the obstacle to cure is the tricky part. Insomnia could be due to too much stress and a racing mind at night, however it can also be due to or compounded by hormone fluctuations, side-effects of medications, and too much caffeine during the day among other rea- sons. If it is truly stress-related then treating the stress is imperative. This is where cortisol management is applicable. As previously mentioned, HPA dysfunction is often at the root of cortisol issues. Treating the glands involved in this axis can be complicated however it often reduces to several over- lapping principles: anti-inflammatory diet and supplementation, hormone modulat- ing botanical medicine therapies, moderate exercise (morning or early afternoon), stress reduction, and proper sleep hygiene. Other ways to treat stress include meditation, relax- ing botanicals (nervines, nourish the nervous system), adaptogenic herbs to support the adrenals, and nutraceutical supplementa- tion, among other treatments. It is important to work with a qualified practitioner to find what nutraceutical supplementation (GABA, L-Theanine, Vitamin B complex, etc.) and the corresponding doses may be most beneficial. Also, regular self-care treatments are beneficial, such as regular acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, reiki, among other treatments.
Dr. Nick Edgerton, ND, LAc, is a Naturopathic Physician and Licensed Acupuncturist at Collaborative Natural Health Partners and is currently accepting new patients. He is an in-network provider for most major health insurance companies. Please call 860-533-0179 to book an appointment. See ad on page 19.
Make a Wish Enjoy Life. Allergy Free
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www.aarct.com 203.239.3400
North Haven & West Hartford, CT
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www.NaturalNutmeg.com 21
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