Hormone Levels Linked to Insomnia

Chronic insomnia could be caused by increased levels of stress-related hormones according to researchers at the Pennsylvania State university College of Medicine.

Dr Alexandros N. Vgontzas and colleagues studied two groups of patients, 11 with insomnia and a control group of 13. Insomniacs were found to have higher blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol - hormones related to stress levels.

Dr Vgontzas commented: "We found that the insomniacs with the highest degree of sleep disturbance secreted the highest amount of cortisol, particularly in the evening and night-time hours. This means that insomniacs are experiencing hormonal changes in their bodies, which prevents them from sleeping".

The study suggests medical practitioners should concentrate more on reducing stress factors and hormone levels in the treatment of insomnia, rather than prescribing drugs to induce sleep.

The researchers believe stress hormones could also lead to depression, high blood pressure, obesity and osteoporosis.

For details on a natural way to monitor hormone levels without blood sampling, contact Bromley Health Management.

Monday, 10 September 2001