More problems with sleep

I had written you a couple questions about my sleep problem and about my caffeine addiction. Well....several weeks later, I am still trying to solve these problems.

The other week, I fell asleep at a company-sponsored seminar. It was really embarassing, and one of our clients noticed it and put it in writing. So now, I am in the "dog house." I do not seem to have trouble falling asleep--it's the waking up at 2 or 3 AM that puts me over the edge.

Have you heard of valarium root? It's supposed to be potent remedy for insomnia. What are your thoughts? I don't want to spend money on stuff that is reputed to help but doesn't really do the trick.

I consulted my internist yesterday, and he said that insomnia and unstable sleep patters are common symptoms of menopause, especially with women who do not experience the traditional symptoms of night sweats--that's me! The last thing I want to do is take estrogen, as I heard on the news this morning that the latest study shows a direct link of estrogen to breast cancer. (Breast cancer incidents were down a great percentage in a study on women who had stopped taking estrogen--it was a major news story on the Today Show.) So now I am thinking that my sleep patterns may be due to my menopause, especially since they started right when my periods stopped.

When I went to a friend's house over the Thanksgiving holiday, I slept like a baby--didn't get up in the middle of the night and got lots of rest....no signs of unstable sleep patterns whatsoever--I felt like a different person. I also notice that when I sleep in someone else's bed (like when I stay overnight nannying for children), I actually sleep better than when I sleep in my own bed. Now how do you explain that?

I am also feeling just so run-down and tired, and also noticing a really intense craving for SALT. I thought this was kind of odd, as I never experienced these cravings before. I wonder if I am lacking in potassium?

I am really at my wits end about this and feel like I need to go for blood tests or something expensive like that....or even consult a sleep doctor.

Do you think it would be OK if I called your herbalogist--the guy who manufactures your products?

Any advice you give would be MUCH appreciated.

Thank so much,
Reinasunshine


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