PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF INSOMNIA

By far the most frequent source of insomnia is some form of mental or emotional disquiet. Since one primary biological reason for sleep is to provide the brain with a chance to rest, it is perhaps not surprising that one consequence of a troubled mind should be troubled sleep.

I must hasten to point out that in using such terms as "mental disquiet" or "psychological disturbance" I am not suggesting, by any stretch of the imagination, that people with insomnia are thereby crazy, or that their sleep troubles are "all in their minds." Quite the contrary. Insomnia is a very real, and very widely experienced, phenomenon. Insomniacs really do sleep less than other people, as measured not just by their own perceptions but clinically and scientifically in sleep laboratories. Nor do victims of insomnia have unrealistic expectations or beliefs about what constitutes a good night's sleep; studies have shown that insomniacs desire only the same amount of sleep as other people.

While it is true that insomnia is a feature of a number of severe mental disorders, including clinical depression, it may also appear when a psychologically healthy person's life is unusually stressful or tension-filled. Often people with sleep disorders have endured troubling situations over which they had no control—an unhappy home life during childhood, for example/ And the increasing pressure and pace of today's society adds to everyone's mental load. The primary purpose of labeling insomnia as largely psychiatric in origin is not to suggest that the disorder is illusory or that its victims are mentally disturbed but to call attention to the types of therapy that have the greatest chance of succeeding.

With that in mind, then, let me proceed to describe some of the behavioral patterns and mental attitudes that are frequently associated with insomnia. Perhaps you will recognize one or more of these traits in yourself or in a loved one who suffers from sleepless nights. If so, you will be better able to focus on the cause of the problem—the first step toward resolving it.

*16\226\8*
Portuguese Italian Spanish English French German
 

NATURAL HIGHS OF CHILL: KAVA — HAWAII IN A BOTTLE


Ever wondered why Pacific Islanders are so laid back? It's because of kava. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a Polynesian bush, a member of the pepper family whose roots have been consumed as a social and ceremonial non-alcoholic drink by Pacific Islanders for over 3,000 years. 'You can never be angry on kava,' they say, and extol its calming and socialising effects.

That's why many Pacific Islanders begin village meetings with elaborate kava ceremonies, which they also use to welcome visiting dignitaries including the Pope and the Queen. We first learnt of kava from Captain Cook, who was welcomed in the same way during his voyages in the 1700s, and it is now used increasingly in the West to counteract stress, anxiety and insomnia. If waves lapping lazily on a golden beach lined with palm trees sounds like where you'd like to be, let kava take you there.

Why It's Good

Kava reduces anxiety and relaxes the mind, emotions and muscles, quietens excessive mental chatter, increases mental focus and is even reported to be a natural aphrodisiac!

It contains a unique resin made up of kavalactones and other compounds, which act both on the emotional centre of the brain and directly on muscles. Kava thus promotes relaxation in two different ways, while causing no habituation, tolerance, addiction or hangover, as alcohol does.

Less stress, anxiety, tension and depression

A major placebo-controlled study with 101 stressed and anxious people taking kava for up to six months found that within eight weeks, according to both themselves and their doctors, those on kava had significantly reduced anxiety and tension compared to those on the placebo. Physical stress symptoms such as headaches, breathlessness, heart palpitations, chest or stomach pains and faintness also improved significantly. Other studies have shown that kava's proven anti-anxiety effect can take as little as one week to start working, while also improving mood in those reporting mild to moderate depression.

Clearer mind

A 1993 study of 12 healthy volunteers taking kava found that in word recognition tests measuring accuracy, reaction time and EEG responses, those on kava had an improved reaction time and enhanced recognition, whereas those on anti-anxiety drugs felt drowsier, worked more slowly and made more mistakes.

Relaxed body

Kava can relax and bring greater clarity not just to your mind but to your body too. This unique combination makes Kava the ideal antidote to modern living — useful not only for relieving muscular tension, headaches and backaches but also for improving physical performance and hand-eye coordination.

Better sleep

Kava is also a useful remedy for another stress-related symptom - insomnia. It's been shown to enhance sleep and help you wake feeling more refreshed the next day. Studies have confirmed that people taking kava fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply than those on placebos.

*17\354\2*