The Role Of Chronic Disease In Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are nearly universal among those with tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme, and even other chronic diseases.

Why is that?

Standard chronic disease treatment includes antibiotics, herbals, and antifungals. The antibiotic's role in Lyme treatment is to kill the Lyme spirochete but it is up to our immune system to not only aid in the destruction of the pathogen, but also remove the toxins left over that lead to systemic inflammation and additional symptoms while also keeping the remaining Lyme suppressed. It is only when this occurs that sufferers will become asymptomatic. Unfortunately, all chronic disease, including Lyme, plays an active role in immune system dysregulation, which compounds our already compromised system, making this impossible. The more compromised our immune system is, the more opportunity Lyme or other disease has to proliferate, and a compromised immune system has been found to result in multiple sleep disorders.

One issue that those with Lyme or other chronic diseases tend to experience is low serotonin. We need adequate levels of serotonin to aid in our sleep cycle, yet we produce most of it while we sleep which lends itself to a vicious cycle of sleep dysregulation. This non-restorative sleep perpetuates the disease and even its progression. It has been associated with fatigue, cognitive impairment, decreased regenerative functioning, and a further compromised immune system that makes us less resistant to additional disease and neurodegenerative processes.

So how do we stop the cycle?

There are a couple of things we can do to support our immune system and balance our circadian rhythm.

#1

Supplement with 5-HTP, zinc, B6, and magnesium.This will correct the serotonin deficiency so the body can then convert the serotonin to melatonin for restorative sleep. Additionally, you can supplement with just magnesium and melatonin, taking the need for conversion away. Restorative sleep boosts the immune system and allows for healing. Note: If considering supplementation, zinc, B6, and magnesium levels should be assessed for deficiency since they help with the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.

#2

Work on your gut health. Over 70% of the immune system is located in the Peyer's Patch in our gut and melatonin is secreted by our GI tissue, not just the pineal gland. Healing and sealing the gut and building up your microbiome diversity will boost the immune system, increase melatonin production, and allow for greater detoxification. Toxins be gone!

#3

Stop exposing yourself to unnecessary toxinsso the body can rid itself of the Lyme and Lyme treatment related toxins instead.

#4

Work on your sleep hygiene. Turn off electronics an hour before bed time or use blue light blocking glasses. Read using ambient light and take an epsom salt bath with essential oils added. Purchase black out shades or curtains to eliminate environmental light while sleeping. Sleep with a castor oil pack to aid in toxin elimination and get 15 minutes of sunlight upon waking. (Blue light blocking glasses and epsom salt can be purchased from your local store or Amazon. For essential oils I like lavender and Cedarwood from Young Living and for the castor oil packs I likeQueen of the Thrones. They even have an eye mask!(link)

These are just a few things that adhere to the foundations of The Wellness Model™ and can get your sleep-wake cycle in sync quickly. Once your sleep is in check, your digestive health and mindset will improve as well. For more information on the four foundations of The Wellness Model™ and how you can go from surviving to thriving, visit my website at functionalwellnesscollective.com/the-wellness-model