Ice and heat are both well known for their ability to treat pain by breaking the pain-spasm cycle. So are many rub on treatments which provide a cooling or warming sensation.

The problem with most heating remedies is they only provide superficial relief. The heat only penetrates a few millimeters at best meaning it doesn’t provide full benefit to deeper muscle aches and pains.

One increasingly popular option in recent years is the use of far infrared heating pads. Originally found primarily in alternative healthcare practitioner offices, the technology has now matured. Individuals can now purchase affordable far infrared heating pads for home use.

What is far infrared heat?

Think of walking outside on a sunny day. The air temperature is constant, but you immediately feel cooler when you walk into the shade. This is because the sun’s infrared rays directly penetrates and heats your body.

Don’t confuse far infrared heat (FIR) with the skin damaging ultraviolet light also provided by the sun. FIR is completely safe. Many hospitals now use infrared heating systems to keep babies warm in their neonatal units.

What does far infrared heat do?

Exposure to FIR allows heat to penetrate as far as 3 inches deep. This deep penetrating heat gently causes an artificial “fever” without the unpleasant side effect of actually being sick. As a result, blood circulation is improved to the treated area bringing more healing oxygen to joints and extremities and speeding healing of injuries. FIR stimulates the blood vessels to expand which allows the improved blood circulation without increasing blood pressure.

Another impact of far infrared heat is the breakdown of toxin filled large water molecules. The increased circulation and warmth then causes the body to rid itself of toxins and wastes through perspiration.

Here are some other known benefits of far infrared heat:

* Improves circulation
* Relieves muscle cramps
* Helps induce restful sleep
* Helps improve vision
* Helps clear up skin problems and ulcers
* Relieves symptoms of sciatica and back pain
* Reduces high blood pressure
* Improves oxygen supply to the brain
* Helps fight cancer cells and help generate healthy cells
* Helps remove mucous, congestion, fermentation, and inflammation in the digestive tract
* Helps eliminate fluid buildup in extremities
* Helps stimulate body’s energy system

Clearly far infrared heat has the ability to significantly improve almost anyone’s health and it’s something worth exploring.

About the Author

Jesse Cannone is co-founder of the Healthy Back Institute and author of “The 7 Day Back Pain Cure”. Get the facts on what’s realling causing your pain here http://www.losethebackpain.com/conditions

Studies have found that D-glucarate has therapeutic actions; among these are cancer prevention and serum cholesterol reduction. However, its most impressive property could be its ability to quickly detoxify the body of both artificial and natural toxins which can be potentially harmful. These toxins can be neutralized in many ways, with glucuronidation being one those ways. The process of glucuronidation involves using the liver to neutralize chemical carcinogens and steroidal hormones including estrogen. Once a toxin has been glucuronidated in the liver, it goes to the bile and is eventually eliminated from the body in the stool.

Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme that is produced in the gut by unfriendly bacteria which can actually inhibit this process by chemically splitting a glucuronidated toxin before it is able to be eliminated in the stool. This unbound toxin can come into contact with the bowel lining where it can be reabsorbed and the whole process will be repeated. When a situation like this happens, cells are exposed, once again, to the chemical and the liver can become overworked. Thankfully, if D-glucarate is present, beta-glucuronidase is inhibited, resulting in a flawless glucuronidation in the body.

These findings suggest that taking D-glucarate orally as a supplement can provide us with the increased ability to efficiently and rapidly rid our bodies of toxins through problem-free glucuronidation. Additionally, D-glucarate does not work like an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals, but instead actually forms a type of bond with harmful compounds to enhance their rapid removal from the body. Some of the organs that can be especially toxin-sensitive are the breast, prostate, liver, lung, and kidney, therefore, they can greatly benefit from this process. These organs can be most damaged by the continued exposure to poisons and carcinogens.

Because our generation, more than that of any other, is exposure to a great number of potentially harmful environmental pollutants, our contact with carcinogens increased exponentially. Just some of the cancer-causing agents include cigarette smoke, pesticides, radon, hormonally-fattened meats, diagnostic and therapeutic x-rays, gamma radiation, trans-fatty acids, alcohol, poor diets, xeno-estrogen, herbicides, smog, car exhaust, certain prescription drugs, ultra-violet light, rancid foods, saturated / hydrogenated fats, some food/water supplies, and food preservatives. Although a lot of us have taken necessary measures to protect ourselves from exposure to the substances listed, it is inevitable that we will consistently take chemicals that can prompt the growth of cancer into our bodies.

Additionally, our own hormones can be a threat if they are not efficiently metabolized and excreted from our body. One study found that Glucarate supplementation amplifies the process by which carcinogens and hormones are removed from the body, while D-glucarate can exert a positive effect on different stages of the carcinogenic process. It has been found that lower cancer rates in some populations could be attributed to their consumptions of foods that are rich in D-glucaric acid, self-medicated with D-glucarate, or combine D-glucarate supplementation with other chemopreventive agents.

Either way, the protective function of glucarate in the body’s natural cancer prevention mechanisms has been established for long periods of time, while other recent studies have indicated that the use of glucarate could potentially present a fifty percent decrease in tumor incidence.

About the Author

More information on calcium-d-glucarate is available at VitaNet &Reg;, LLC Health Food Store http://vitanetonline.com/

Damiana can be used by both men and women. It is known to have restorative effects on reproductive organs in both sexes.

Uses:

For men, Damiana is known to raise levels of testosterone. It is also helpful in treating premature ejaculation and impotence. For women, it helps to induce delayed menstrual periods and ease the symptoms of painful menstruation. It also treats the headaches women sometimes get due to menstruation.

This herb has been widely advertised and used in Mexico as an aphrodisiac. The ancient Mayans used it as a sexual stimulant and people in Central America still use it in this way today. This use is controversial due to lack of scientific evidence to support the claim.

One study found some of the plant’s compounds to be similar to those found in progesterone. More than 150 herbs have been tested for their ability to bind with the progesterone and estrogen receptors found in breast cancer cells. Damiana was one of the highest progesterone-binding herbs tested.

The herbal properties of Damiana have a life enhancing and stimulating effect on the body and mind. The herb works well on nervous exhaustion and to restore the body after periods of high stress.

Other Uses:

Damiana’s stimulating action is considered very valuable to people who suffer from mild depression. Herbalists will typically recommend remedies that contain this herb. Damiana is very strong and aromatic, and has a slightly bitter taste. It can be found in different forms such as capsule, liquid extract and tea. Its leaves are used as a substitute for tea leaves in some countries. In other countries, it is used as flavoring in a variety of liqueurs.

Damiana acts as an antiseptic and tonic for the body. It is also a restorative agent for nervous system functions. Damiana is used for other conditions as well, although no scientific proof of its effectiveness exists. These conditions include:

* Asthma
* Anxiety
* Depression
* Headache
* Menstrual disorders

Damiana has been known to cause mild indigestion for some users. It also contains a compound called arbutin, which, in the urinary tract, converts into the chemical hydroquinone. Larger amounts can cause serious side effects such as:

* Convulsions
* Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Possible collapse and death

A maximum safe dosage of Damiana has not yet been determined. Also, the safety of using this herb has not been established in children or pregnant and nursing women. People with liver or kidney disease should use extra caution because their ability to safely use this herb is unknown as well.

In people using higher doses of Damiana, it is believed that they experience a mild euphoric sensation. In some cases, consumption of Damiana leaves has been known to act as a mild laxative. The more leaves consumed, the more prominent the laxative effect.

Damiana is native to parts of southern California and the Gulf of Mexico. It can also be found growing wild in some areas of the northern Caribbean Islands and Namibia. It is widely cultivated in these areas. Its preferred habitat has a hot and humid climate. It flowers in the summer and this is when the leaves are harvested. The leaves of the Damiana plant are the only part used for cultivation.

The herb can be taken in the form of a tea. Some people even smoke it like tobacco. The herb will bring about a relaxed state of mind for the user. It is said to induce a subtle high if smoked.

Damiana possesses many properties that are useful to both men and women. Research continues in an attempt to either prove or disprove claims of its benefits to humans.

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More information on damiana leaves is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Hey Congratulations you’ve found out your having a baby –What Now!

You’ve heard all the things your friends and family have told about what to expect, Morning sickness, weight gain, pain, swelling Back aches, tiredness need I continue!

But hey there is a plus side to this- the miraculous body transformations altering every system in your body- and with that does come different aches /pains,
SO if you haven’t had a massage before now is a PERFECT time to start! Not only will you benefit from a massage but your little growing life inside you will also.

Bodywork (massage) will ease your pregnant body as it transides through each changing trimester, Improving maternal and infant health in a myriad of ways.

–Eases muscular aches/discomforts
–reduces stress
–Aids in digestion
–enhances blood and lymph circulation
–promotes body and mind awareness
Pregnancy massage will also prepare mother for labour/birth.
Support lactation and can assist in any postpartum depression.

FIRST TRIMESTER MASSAGE
In the first trimester the client is able to lye on her stomach
(obviously if nipple pain is to server) on her side or back.
Deep Pressure points are to be avoided in first trimester,
Long relaxing strokes are great.

SECOND TRIMESTER MASSAGE
In the second trimester the lady may not be able to lay on her stomach so side laying or a pregnancy table is preferred.
From week 13 onwards a small pillow should be placed under her right hip this tilts the pelvis to the left and shifts the uterus off the inferior vena carva (a vein) and facilitating the return of blood to the heart.

THIRD TRIMESTER MASSAGE
After the sixth month of pregnancy the unborn can sense massage of the abdomen and responses to the touch, pregnant women can do their own bellies daily not only when her belly begins to grow but as so as she finds out she is pregnant, moisturizing cream as this is soothing and bonding (great to help with stretch marks) she may even notice her unborn responding to her touch.

The latter stages of pregnancy massage can assist in swollen legs feet, assist lumbar pain /discomfort and help prepare the body for labour and childbirth, plus general feeling of relaxation.

Once the women begins labour, massage can be helpful, the father to be ,can assist in this , circular motions on her lower back can help labour pains, whether she is laying on her side or sitting in chair or bath/shower. This will aid in comfort and reassurance and help him to feel useful.

Massage during labour can assist in reducing anxiety and stress which can stall labour and help replace it with endorphins which will facilitate a healthy labour.

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Tracy, the owner of Knots Corner is a qualified Massage Therapist, who is visited by a great number of clients with a wide range of reasons for a massage, from relaxation to muscular repair, headache relief to everyday stresses. Massage Brisbane

A team of researchers reported in June 2007 in Nippon Rinsho have found what is sure to be a great health breakthrough for chronic fatigue syndrome saying that far infrared sauna therapy is showing to be a promising new treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients. This study, which involved thirteen patients from the Masuda Clinic in Japan, has offered important insight into CFS treatment. In this study, thermal therapy was performed using far infrared ray dry sauna for CFS patients who had symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and low-grade fever. These symptoms were dramatically improved in two patients, so prednisolone administration was discontinued. These two patients did sauna therapy consisting of a far infrared ray dry sauna at sixty degrees Celsius, with post-sauna warming. This therapy was preformed once each day, for a total of thirty-five days. Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved after only fifteen to twenty sessions of thermal therapy. Although the steroid administration was discontinued, the subjects did not show any relapse of symptoms during the first year after their discharge. The other eleven patients with CFS showed improvement in their physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain. Additionally, they reported that repeated thermal therapy had a relaxing effect and reduced appetite loss and complains in those patients who were mildly depressed. These results show that repeated thermally therapy may be a great method for the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Far infrared technology wavelengths get into the body to create heat, which in turn creates great therapeutic benefits such as increasing blood flow to the muscles which delivers more concentrated oxygen, and therefore creating more energy to heal. Additionally, far infrared therapy stimulates circulation, helping the body to eliminate metabolic debris and waste.

Working with CFS requires daily therapy and the trouble with relying on a health professional’s office for your far infrared therapy means everyday trips to the office and more than likely fees. The best place to find far infrared heat is inside a Sunlight Sauna, which uses an exclusive Solocarbon heater, and operates at a lower temperature which is perfectly compatible with the human body. This lower heat frequency causes the production of more vital infrared light energy.

Infrared light is the part of the sun’s invisible spectrum of light that is able to penetrate the human tissue. Infrared heater technology uses these characteristics to heat the body directly instead of just the air. Far infrared saunas increase the body’s core temperature, helping the body to rid itself of harmful toxins through a deeper sweat. Conventional saunas heat the air with steam, which can often be extremely hot and only cause you to sweat on the surface. The steam also makes the air difficult to breath. A far infrared sauna, on the other hand, uses dry far infrared heat that is well ventilated which makes it extremely comfortable and relaxing. Many of America’s leading doctors and health experts endorse the use of Sunlight Sauna units. If you put one of these units in your home or practice for regular use, the health benefits are guaranteed to be well worth the investment, especially for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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More information on chronic fatigue and vitamin supplements can be found at VitaNet, LLC Health Foods. http://vitanetonline.com/

D-Ribose is a simple five-carbon sugar that has been shown to delay the progression of congestive heart failure in many people who have had a heart attack at some point in the past. Congestive heart failure is a condition that can occur as a result of any structural or functional cardiac disorder which impairs the ability of the heart to fill with and pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. Since not all patients experience volume overload at the initial evaluation, this disease is most commonly referred to as heart failure, rather than congestive heart failure. This disease is often under-diagnosed because of a universally agreed upon definition does not exist and there are difficulties with diagnosis, especially in those with a mild condition. Even with the best care and therapy, heart failure has an associated mortality rate of ten percent and is the leading cause of hospitalization in people above the age of sixty-five.

Many studies have been done and presented at the Second Annual Academic Surgical Congress, which is sponsored by the Association for Academic Surgery and Society of University Surgeons. Heart attacks often lead to the progressive onset of congestive heart failure. After a heart attack, the portion of the heart that hasn’t been damaged must work harder to compensate for the functional loss of the tissue that is damaged. The heart will eventually begin to fail, causing the chambers of the heart to enlarge and waken, which in turn causes the heart to lose its ability to pump blood effectively.

A study, which was conducted by the University of Minnesota, led by Dr. John Foker and his team, determined that administering D-Ribose will significantly improve heart function after a heart attack. The study also showed that the progression of heart failure after a heart attack begins with the fall of energy levels. D-Ribose is very unique, it serves as a foundation for many important compounds such as DNA, RNA, and ATP (the energy of cells). ATP is very important to health and for maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Hearts that are stressed, muscles, and other tissue lack the metabolic machinery that is needed to quickly make D-Ribose and overcome progressive energy depletion. D-Ribose has been shown to significantly increase energy formation in those tissues that are stressed. The energy level of the heart tissue that is not damaged by the heart attack is in control of the beginning events of heart failure. When ATP starts to decrease, function will worsen, which sets the progression of chronic cardiac failure in motion. Supplementing with D-Ribose is known to increase energy in stressed hearts, which slows the progression of heart failure and in some cases even prevents it altogether. Although the study is in its early stages of investigation, Dr. Foker is positive about the results. By treating hearts with D-Ribose, ATP concentration of the heart can be improved and loss of energy can be prevented, which is known to be the major contributor to this disease’s progression.

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More information on d-Ribose can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of Ribose and similar supplements can be found.

Many people in America have started buying organic foods. Organic food sales have shot up from $180 million in 1980 to over $6.5 billion last year, not only in health food stores but in grocery stores as well. Actually, grocery stores sales made up fifty-six percent of organic food sales in the past year. Although organic food sales only make up two percent of national food sales, the organic market has definitely begun soaring, especially on Wall Street. Experts expect the figure to more than double by the year 2010. The USDA has finally released an official definition of what qualifies as �organic� food in response to the great increase in sales. It is also developing labeling standards which should be in effect by this summer. Up until the past couple of months, a definition of what actually qualifies as organic foods did not even exist. Throughout the past decade farmers and conventional farming organizations have been debating the need for federal organic labeling. Fear that the organic labels would create an unfair bias against conventional products kept conventional farmers from encouraging labeling. In December, the Grocery Manufactures of America actually complained about the new organic standards, claiming that the new labels will mislead consumers into believing that organic products are safer and more nutritious. The agricultural secretary denies the accusation of bias stating that although the organic seal will give more validity to organic products, the seal will not imply that organic foods are safer or more nutritious. Of course, users of organic foods often believe that organic foods are safer, since they contain fewer pesticides, more nutritious because they contain more trace minerals and nutrients, and also better for the environment because organic growing practices are kinder to the soil, sky, and water.

The new USDA standards mean you will get better organic food for your buck due to an official and national standard for what foods can be called organic. You will now know with certainty that the organic foods you purchase contain no synthetic pesticides and no added chemicals. Organic farmers will also use no genetic engineering, no irradiation and no sewage fertilization. Additionally, live-stock raised under these standards will be given 100 percent organic feed and will not be treated with antibiotics. Before the standardization, consumers often had to trust misleading labeling claims on organic products. Even with the new standards, the question is whether it is worth it to purchase organic. Americans who consume organic foods often have substantially higher monthly grocery costs. Actually, in 1998 average costs of organic foods were fifty-seven percent higher than conventional foods. Additionally, a recent report on 20/20 stated that organic foods contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. However, more and more doctors believe that organic foods are safe and are well worth the additional cost. Those doctors who support organic eating often believe that the cumulative effects of toxins in our food, water, and air can be extremely harmful to our health. They also believe that anything we can do to reduce the toxins is well worth it.

If you only have a small budget but would like to go organic, there are still some things you can do. Some foods are more known for pesticide residue than others. Start with buying these if you can only buy limited amounts of organic foods. Citrus foods are usually not a high risk because of their thick skins, as well as asparagus, bananas, broccoli cauliflower, cherries, corn, onions, pineapple, sweet peas, and watermelon. These are considered by the FDA and EPA to be the ten cleanest foods. Additionally, make sure to wash all the produce you buy, whether or not it is organic. You can regularly take an antioxidant supplement which will help the body to remove any toxins that are on the produce. Most importantly, be sure to keep eating fruits and vegetables, as they are essential to good health.

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More information on buying organic foods is available at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of organic foods is available.

Between fifty and ninety-five percent of all pregnant women, as well as some women who use hormonal contraception experience morning sickness, which is also referred to as nausea, vomiting of pregnancy, or pregnancy sickness. The nausea can range from being mild to severe enough to induce actual vomiting. Extreme cases, which are referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum may result in hospitalization to treat dehydration. Although morning sickness can occur at any time throughout the day, it often occurs upon waking since blood sugar levels are at their lowest after a night without food. This condition usually begins in the first month of pregnancy, where it is at its worst between the fifth and seventh weeks and ends around the fourteenth or sixteenth week. At this point in pregnancy, the embryo’s organ systems are being laid down and the embryo is most susceptible to birth defects. Although there is not enough evidence to blame one single cause, there are many theories for possible causes of this condition. Some of these include: an increase in the level of estrogen circulating throughout the blood; low blood sugar, which often occurs during pregnancy; an increase in progesterone which relaxes the muscles in the uterus, preventing early childbirth, but also relaxes the stomach and intestines, leading to excess stomach acid; and an increase in sensitivity to odors, which in return over-stimulates normal nausea triggers. Women who deal with morning sickness are told to avoid foods that are bitter, pungent, or highly-flavored, as well as foods that are likely to contain toxins. Morning sickness offers an evolutionary advantage, since studies have demonstrated that those women with more severe morning sickness are less likely to miscarry or have a child with birth defects.

For those of you who are pregnant and are having problems with morning sickness, there are ways to help. At least half of all pregnant women experience some type of upset stomach at least once during their pregnancy. If the morning sickness is mild, there are a couple things you can do in order to control it. First, avoid any foods or smells that will trigger your stomach to be upset. It’s a good idea to develop certain eating habits which decrease the frequency of morning sickness such as eating small frequent meals and avoiding hunger pains. You should plan on eating a snack high in protein in the evening to regulate your blood sugar and a few crackers or toast in the morning after waking. It’s also a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin daily. If problems consist, try drinking ginger, peppermint, fennel seed, and red raspberry teas regularly. Flat sprite can also help to settle an upset stomach. Some women use acupressure bands, breathing exercises, and aromatherapy to relieve morning sickness. If your morning sickness is severe, you should see a doctor. Your nausea may be connected with other problems or you may be suffering from a type of morning sickness that can endanger your health and cause pregnancy complications. Although the causes are unknown, treatment usually consists of vitamin shots or pills anti-nausea medication, and IVs to re-hydrate you if vomiting is causing serious problems.

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More information on vitamins and herbs can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where articles and vitamins are available to browse.

Your children should be reminded about the limits of their traveling outside of the home, to ensure their safety. Is it advisable that your child plays where Children at Play signs indicate where there are children at play? If you cannot be with your child during the day, they must know which homes they can visit, and limits to the areas in the neighborhood they are permitted to play in. Next, warn your child to never talk to strangers or accept rides from adults besides their parents or other familiar adults. For very young children, set a curfew that does not expand past dusk. Also, regardless of your child’s age, ensure that he or she checks in frequently.

Next, when other adults are to supervise your children, you should also take precautions. Use several resources that exist, to conduct background checks for potential babysitters. Closely observe your child’s interaction with a babysitter, and particularly watch for any wary responses. Also, do meticulously research potential day-care centers. Review the center’s activities and personnel, and verify that you can visit and leave the day-care center at any time. A wise action to take involves visiting the center unannounced a couple of times, to assess your child’s wellbeing. Thirdly, if you send your child to camp, engage in a background check of the camp and the employees who will be working with your child. In particular, review field trips that your child will go on, and the adult-to-child ratio. It would be wise to request your child’s day-care center or camp to ensure that there are enough Children at Play signs visible where there are children at play.

On the other hand, if your child remains at home, he or she must also take safety precautions. Children at home who receive phone calls must never reveal to anyone that they are home alone. Furthermore, they should never open the house’s front door except for someone who they can trust completely. Also, ensure that children do not have access to objects such as firearms, which could harm them. Instruct your child about how to call emergency numbers, such as 911, for assistance. Inform them that they may also call the number from any public payphone.

Other summertime safety tips for parents with children include:

• Talk frequently to your child about safety issues, and listen carefully to what he or she tells you regarding them.

• Require your kid to memorize his or her name, address, phone number; and how to contact you or another adult who you trust, in the case of an emergency.

• All younger children should be prevented from being near water unless an adult is supervising the child.

Summertime can be a fantastic time for children, creating vivid memories that will last a lifetime. However, take particular precautions, such as having Children at Play signs posted where there are children at play in your neighborhood. This will ensure that your child’s summer will not merely be fun—but also safe!

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Children at Play Signs Child Safety Signs

On average, we need about seven to eight hours of sleep a night to function optimally. In today’s fast paced and high stress society, a third of the population reports difficulties with sleep, and about 10% of people report chronic insomnia, a condition that involves trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning, persistently poor sleep quality, and trouble functioning the next day.

There are many reasons why people have trouble sleeping. High levels of stress, anxiety, and/or depression are often the culprit. Other possible causes include medical problems or conditions, chronic pain, use of certain medications, excessive use of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine, or the presence of a more complicated sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome).

In order to address sleep difficulties, it is important to identify the specific cause. It is wise to consult with your family physician to rule out medical problems that could be causing poor sleep.

If sleep problems are caused by depression, anxiety, or high levels of stress, consulting with a psychologist is a good idea, as psychological treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy have been shown to very effective at decreasing anxiety and depression and helping people to improve how they cope with stress. Certain medications that target anxiety and depression can also be prescribed by your physician. If an underlying depression or anxiety disorder is properly treated, sleep problems often improve.

Sometimes people have sleep problems or insomnia in the absence of any other psychological difficulties such as depression or anxiety. In these cases, seeing a psychologist can still be very helpful, as certain psychological interventions have been shown to be effective at addressing poor sleep directly. Psychologists can teach you to learn to relax, cope with stress, and improve your “sleep hygiene” (or habits). Psychologists can also use other behavioural strategies to help target sleeping problems. About 75% of people with insomnia report significantly improved sleep after undergoing such psychological treatment.

Family physicians often prescribe hypnotic medications that help people to sleep. These medications are often helpful for individuals who are going through a stressful period. It is advised to only use these medications in the short-term as they can become addictive and less effective if you use them nightly over longer periods of time. Moreover, some of these medications can result in drowsiness and concentration difficulties the following day. Over the counter sleep supplements have generally been found to be ineffective.

As a general rule, sleeping medication can be helpful in the short-term but becomes less effective over time, whereas psychological treatments are effective in the long-term.

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Dr. Jeremy Frank is a Toronto psychologist in private practice in North York.