Sleep is an important part of overall health and wellbeing; however, loss of sleep due to insomnia can compromise one’s health and well being. There are many causes of insomnia such as worry and noise; however, one of the most common reasons for insomnia is manifested through deficiencies in neurotransmitter function.
A common type of insomnia that afflicts most insomniacs is a deficiency in serotonin and melatonin levels in the body. Whenever levels of serotonin are below normal, there is not enough of this transmitter for the body to use for melatonin conversion. Without the proper levels of melatonin, the body is not able to sleep properly. This process causes an insomniac to awaken in intervals during the night. Stress and worry tend to compound the problem.
Serotonin levels are usually tested by analyzing blood platelets; however, cerebrospinal fluid testing is another option that can be employed. Another method for testing serotonin levels is done by testing plasma levels in the blood. When treatment is warranted, tryptophan and possible small doses of melatonin are often given.
