About this condition
Insomnia is rarely just about sleep hygiene. Persistent sleep difficulties can reflect underlying factors like stress hormone rhythm, blood sugar stability, or nervous system tone. Naturopathic doctors look into these possible contributors and work with patients on an individualized, non-pharmaceutical approach to better sleep.
What a naturopathic doctor can do
- Cortisol pattern assessment — high evening cortisol is a common, treatable cause of insomnia
- Blood sugar stabilization — hypoglycemia in the night causes waking
- Melatonin and circadian rhythm support
- Magnesium glycinate — one of the most evidence-based natural sleep aids
- Hormonal assessment — perimenopausal night sweats, progesterone deficiency
- Passionflower, valerian, and L-theanine for nervous system calming
- Sleep hygiene and stimulus control coaching
- Gut health — melatonin precursors are produced in the gut
Also known as
Common questions
Low-dose melatonin (0.5–1mg) is generally considered safe for most adults. Higher doses are not more effective and may cause next-day grogginess.
3am waking is often related to blood sugar dropping during the night, causing a cortisol surge that wakes you. It can also relate to liver function. Your ND will investigate both.
Magnesium glycinate has the strongest evidence base and safety profile for insomnia. Addressing the underlying cause (cortisol, blood sugar, hormones) always produces more durable results than any supplement alone.