HOLISTIC HEALTH NOTEBOOK

The season has definitely passed and we are into the summer doldrums. It is a difficult transition, isn't it? During season, stress hormones are pumping, you are working long hours, and are busy, busy, busy. Tourists and snow birds are happy to be here. It is a reunion of old friends.

Then they leave and we can drive at normal speeds again. That is good. The price of gas being what it is, I am happy not to be burning it while idling on Periwinkle Way. But it is a little too quiet. I like the hustle and bustle of season.

So what will I do for the next six months?

I would like to pursue my studies and need to finish that biochemistry course I was taking last fall. Can't find a tutor, though - and I can't pass without one. If you know a biochem tutor who will help me pass the test in exchange for great nutrition advice, let me know, please.

I will get more sleep, hopefully. I am sleep deprived and have been since the first snow bird crossed the state line last fall. I realize that I talk a lot about getting more sleep but have written very little about how to do that.

If you are one of those who lie restlessly in bed at night, here are some natural things you can do to help.

1. Exercise each day but early in the morning. Some people get a better workout at night but others find that exercise energizes them, so they do not sleep well.

2. Keep your sugars low. Indulging in a piece of pie ala mode may pump more sugar to your brain and keep it from settling down. Eat several small meals per day, and enjoy a small protein before going to bed. Protein stabilizes blood sugar and gives your body "repair tools" at night. It also dampens down a cortisol response if your sugars drop too low, and that can awaken you in the wee hours in the morning.

3. Several herbs are calming and/ or sedative, like chamomile, valerian, California poppy, and others. Try them. They work without side effects for many people.

4. Other options are melatonin, 5-HTP, tryptophan, GABA… Well, the list is long.

Wasn't it Shakespeare who mourned the loss of sleep?

- Carol Simontacchi is the owner of the Island Nutrition Center on Sanibel. She can be reached at 472-4499 or on the Web at www.islandnutritioncenter. meta-ehealth.com.