Here Are Three Different Ways to Reduce Insomnia - Lunesta, Melatonin and Water
LUNESTA
Exzopiclone is marketed under the brand-name of Lunesta. It is a short acting sedative hypnotic prescription drug used as a treatment for insomnia. In 2005 there were 43 million prescriptions issued for insomnia in the USA. The pharmaceutical companies received a total of $2.7 billion in sales for the drugs. Presently the clinical trials published are industry funded by manufactures of Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata. The clinical trials emphasized the positive aspects of these insomnia medications.
Common side effects can include: unpleasant bitter or metallic taste, chest pain, headaches, cold-like symptoms, pain, dry mouth, daytime drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, upset stomach, decreased sexual desire, painful menstruation (periods), heartburn. Less common side effects can include: rashes, itching, in coordination, swelling of the hands, feet ankles, or lower legs, painful or frequent urination, back pain. Neuropsychiatric adverse effects: aggressive behavior, confusion, agitation, auditory and visual hallucinations, worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, depersonalization, amnesia. If a person gets up shortly after taking Lunesta they may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, problems with coordination and memory. The problems with coordination are most dangerous for the elderly because they may have osteopenia, or osteoporosis. Women that are post menopause are more at risk for loss of calcium of the bones. If these elderly or post menopause people fall they have a greater chance of breaking a hip.
The warning information provided to the consumer does not usually describe all the symptoms or their severity since reaction to any medication is based on personal factors such as each individual metabolism, genetic make-up, and other medications being used. Most adverse reactions are physiological and thus visible - rash, sore throat, cramping, etc - and the individual becomes quite aware of the presence of an adverse response to the medication. However, when taking any of the preparations cited in this article, it might be prudent for the individual to have a close partner present and ask that partner to observe any indications of possible adverse reaction. This is important since the adverse reaction to many medications can be psychological rather than physiological. Unexpected mood swings, unexplained aggressive behavior and/or depression are possible side effects that the individual taking the preparation would not likely observe in themselves.
The sedative hypnotic drugs are more commonly prescribed to the elderly than younger patients. There is medical literature for the management of insomnia describing the effectiveness and long-lasting results of non-drug treatments for insomnia.
If a person has taken Lunesta longer than 1-2 weeks they should consult their doctors before stopping this medication. Physicians often direct a slow reduction in dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Abrupt cessation of medication may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, unusual drams, dizziness, stomach and muscle cramps, upset stomach, and vomiting, sweating, shakiness, insomnia.
MELATONIN
Melatonin is secreted into the blood by the pineal gland. It is known as the of darkness. Production of melatonin is inhibited by light and permitted by darkness. It is principally blue light that suppresses melatonin. There is no known food that elevates the plasma level of melatonin in humans. The use of blue-blocking goggles a few hours before bedtime may assist in melatonin production by the pineal gland.
Melatonin has a powerful antioxidant activity. There is evidence that it can alter electrophysiological processes associated with memory. It may be useful in Alzheimer disease.
In the USA over the counter Melatonin products are sold. In many other countries, sale of the hormone is illegal or requires a prescription. The US Postal Service lists melatonin is an item prohibited by Germany.
Melatonin has very few side effects in the short term (up to 3 months). The possible unwanted side effects may include: headaches, nausea, next-day grogginess or irritability, hormone fluctuation, vivid dreams or nightmares and reduced blood flow (blood pressure).
ALKALINE ANTIOXIDANT WATER
Numerous people drink alkaline antioxidant water. They speak of beautiful dreams when drinking water with pH levels of 8.5 through 9.5. A Vietnam veteran had suffered severe wounds and was unable to sleep more than 2 to 4 hours a night. After drinking the water from an appliance he was able to sleep six to eight hours a night.
The water from a water appliance dispensing water with a higher pH level is sweet and smooth. The water tastes similar to the water from a mountain stream high in the Rockies of Colorado.
There are no known unwanted side effects from drinking alkaline antioxidant water.
