Chris Herrington decided years ago that his reality was much more fun…
and he’s ready to tell you why.
Sit back and relax.
It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
I have a condition known as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Everyone in my family has it, only a few of them don’t know it. This is my trained medical opinion: I used to watch Dr. Kildare. I discuss this with my youngest brother and my youngest sister all the time. “How are you doing?” is a general question for most people, but when we ask it, we know exactly what we mean. “Have you had a moment of depression or a panic attack?” And we ask this question on nearly a daily basis from September, or even starting in August, all the way to Christmas. This may seem a little pretentious or the dealings of a family of hypochondriacs, but if you have never had a full scale panic attack then you just haven’t lived to regret it.
o
On the outside, everything looks normal to everyone else. My, I can only relate to my own version of what a panic attack feels like, breathing becomes difficult, and my thinking narrows down like when the old tube televisions used to be turned off and the light on the screen would shrink down to a dot of perspective. Yeow! I think I can guess what drowning might feel like. It gets stuffy, gasping, rushing like my heart is going to burst, and then the room shrinks down to a point where there is not enough space. I am asking for help but my mouth is not working, and the people around me are going on with their lives like they are in complete denial of the fact that my entire world is flipping upside down. It’s like the mad minute surrounding a car wreck: the illusion of control, the skidding, the shattering noises, the impact of delusion hitting a brick wall, the spinning out of order until the entire thing resolves in a moment of coming back to consciousness, and then there is the after math of the debris.
o
This article is all about preventing the need for damage control. I hate panic attacks. Kryptonite has nothing on panic attacks. I am ruthlessly learning to gain my life back, and the battle is one that I will probably wage until the day I die, but I am not going down without a fight.
o
Here is an article that I found on the use of melatonin, an integral part of the panic attack context; meet you down below.
o
© 1991-2010 Jerry Emanuelson
Chapter 3
MELATONIN – The Sleep Cycle Hormone
The hormone melatonin is the primary controller of circadian (day/night) bio-rhythms. Some studies indicate that it may also be a central regulator of the hormonal component of the aging process. It is likely that this is only partly true.
Most of the melatonin in the human body (except for the intestine) is secreted by the pineal gland, a small pine-cone-shaped gland located near the center of the brain. The pineal gland receives information from the optic nerve about the ambient light level and adjusts its melatonin output accordingly.
Bright light suppresses the output of melatonin. Ordinary indoor lighting does not. After sunset, the pineal gland responds to the decreased light levels by greatly increasing its output of melatonin. After a few hours, blood melatonin levels reach a point where sleep is induced. Melatonin levels usually peak two to four hours after the onset of sleep and decrease gradually during the remaining sleep period. Daylight inhibits the production of melatonin, and levels of melatonin usually reach a minimum sometime during the afternoon.
Irregularities in melatonin production can cause sleep problems, lethargy and mood disorders.
Production of melatonin usually becomes more sluggish with increasing age. The total amount of melatonin produced is decreased substantially and the day/night cycling often becomes less pronounced.
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant; more importantly, it is one of the few antioxidants that can penetrate into the cell’s mitochondria. The mitochondria is the energy-producing part of a cell that contains its own DNA. The fact that nearly all of the antioxidants in nutritional supplements do not enter the mitochondria is believed to be the main reason that ordinary antioxidants do not noticably extend lifespan and only minimally slow the aging process. Melatonin does appear to protect the mitochondria from oxidation damage.
(Alpha lipoic acid or R-lipoic acid may be superior to melatonin in protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage, especially when combined with acetyl-l-carnitine.) Some animal studies have shown that melatonin reverses stress related suppression of the immune system. A number of animal studies have shown that melatonin reduces the incidence of some types of cancer, especially estrogen-mediated cancers such as breast cancer. Experiments to confirm these effects in humans have not yet been completed. Some researchers suspect, however, that the melatonin suppression due to artificial lighting during this century may be a contributor to the rise in breast cancer rates since sufficiently bright artificial light will suppress melatonin production. This does not mean that one should avoid artificial lighting. It is just as important to have several waking hours with low melatonin levels as it is to have several hours in the period just before and during sleep with high melatonin levels.
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For this reason, it is possible that playing video games may in fact be their own problem with not being able to sleep…bright lights keep us from getting sleepy!!!!
rt87
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In laboratory mice, oral melatonin in one experiment increased life span to 931 days compared to a life span of 755 days for mice on an identical regimen without supplemental melatonin.
Melatonin has been safely used in humans for years, principally to reset biological clocks. Many people have found melatonin to be very useful in jet lag and other situations where the day/night cycle of the human body must be quickly reset. It has been shown to be useful in the insomnia associated with aging. It has other potential uses as a natural sleeping pill and (in conjunction with other therapies) in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder and some forms of depression.
One important development in melatonin research has been the use of melatonin in combination with estrogen or progestin. Research has been done in hopes of producing an estrogen-free birth control pill that would have significantly fewer side effects (both long-term and short-term) than current birth control pills. Although the research yielded encouraging results, no company was able to bring a product to market on the basis of the research.
A combination of melatonin and natural estrogen for estrogen replacement therapy has undergone limited testing for use in post-menopausal women. Melatonin seems to multiply the effectiveness of estrogen and allow reduction in estrogen dosage to about 25 percent of what is normally required without a large dose of melatonin, however the interaction of melatonin and estrogen is very complex.
Although melatonin is absorbed when taken in capsule form, among different individuals, there is at least a 25:1 ratio in how well it is absorbed. (One study indicated a 300:1 ratio.) The average oral dose is about 3 daily 30 minutes to 3 hours before sleep. Because of the very wide range of individual variations in oral melatonin absorption, melatonin tablets are available in doses of 0.3 mg. to 10 mg. Only individual experimentation can determine the proper dosage and timing for any particular individual.
rt87 says: Use the liquid; it is faster, and can be monitored more.
It is important that melatonin not be taken shortly after awakening. If the timing of melatonin dosing is incorrect, it can severely disrupt sleep patterns. In susceptible individuals, incorrect timing of the melatonin dose may also induce mania or depression. Some individuals absorb melatonin much more slowly than others, and some melatonin pills take longer to dissolve than others. Most people who experience lethargy or depressed mood after taking melatonin are experiencing a problem with timing.
In people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) a therapy that is often quite effective is the combination of bright light to suppress melatonin at one end of the 24-hour cycle and oral melatonin at the opposite end of the cycle. Melatonin alone is not effective in Seasonal Affective Disorder, and may even make the problem worse.
(SAD is usually manifested by lethargy or depression in the winter. Those with DSPS are night-owls in the extreme, with natural sleep onset times well after midnight and natural awakening times typically late morning or early afternoon.)
There are large individual variations in the levels of lighting that suppress melatonin production. The human melatonin suppression mechanism seems to be slightly more sensitive to the green portion of the visible spectrum. Fluorescent lights are usually used for therapeutic melatonin suppression because they are much more cost-effective, especially when very bright lighting is necessary. Although even the cheapest fluorescent lights will work for this purpose, many people are uncomfortable with ordinary fluorescent lighting. This problem can usually be alleviated by using a broad spectrum light to reduce perceived glare and a high-frequency electronic ballast to eliminate flicker
Compact fluorescent lights are also available with a broad (daylight) spectrum of natural color.
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Diode lighting may be the answer here; I will try it and let you know.
Also negative ionization air filters to help with breathing.
I am going to try all three!!!!!!!!!!!! rt87
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Propanolol (Inderal), a common medication for reducing high blood pressure, also inhibits the production of melatonin, and may be useful for inducing proper melatonin cycling. Many individuals have reported success in treating their Seasonal Affective Disorder by taking propanolol in the morning and melatonin at night. People who are using long-acting beta blockers along with an alpha blocker for the treatment of high blood pressure may be almost completely surpressing their natural melatonin production. One significant exception to this is carvedilol, a unique combination alpha and beta blocker, which does not seem to suppress melatonin release.
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Propranolol is often used by musicians and other performers to prevent stage fright. It has been taken by surgeons to reduce their own innate hand tremors during surgery.[9]
Propranolol is currently being investigated as a potential treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.[10][11][12] Propranolol works to inhibit the actions of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that enhances memory consolidation. Studies have shown that individuals given propranolol immediately after a traumatic experience show less severe symptoms of PTSD compared to their respective control groups that did not receive the drug (Vaiva et al., 2003). Propranolol reduces the effects of nightmare-related cardiac activity by keeping sinus rhythm low during nightmares, as a higher pulse and increased adrenaline are associated with severe nightmares. However, results remain inconclusive as to the success of propranolol in treatment of PTSD, including nightmares experienced by those with PTSD.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propranolol
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=olympics-shooter-doping-propranolol
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The problem with this drug is that it invasively disrupts adrenal function and can cause more harm than good eventually, in my book; I’m not going to go this far unless I actually have a bio-dysfunction I want to counteract. rt87
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Oooooops>>>>>>>>It has recently been found that low frequency electromagnetic fields may inhibit the production and biological activity of melatonin. This includes the magnetic fields induced by 60-cycle household power. The extent of this problem is a very controversial subject. The only problem most people are likely to encounter in this regard is when using electric blankets. Some electric blankets surround an individual with sufficient low-frequency electromagnetic fields that melatonin may be inhibited exactly when it is needed most. All of the newer electric blankets on the market, though, have been specifically designed to minimize this problem.
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The week before my headache attack on Thursday last week, I had been using an electric heater on my back at night; the massage therapist told me not to do that anymore because it inflamed the muscles worse. I stopped, and my back got better. rt87
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Virtually all of the melatonin supplements sold in the United States use pure synthetic melatonin mixed with an inert substance such as micronized cellulose. In the past, some of the melatonin supplements sold in Europe have reportedly been made from the pineal glands of cattle. (I have some doubts about the accuracy of those reports.) This “natural” melatonin has caused some concern because many European cattle have been afflicted with slow acting viral infections of the brain or with prion diseases. Many of these “slow viruses” are difficult to kill with conventional sterilization methods used on glandular tissue and the abnormal proteins called prions are even more difficult to suppress. So far, there have been no reported cases of viral brain diseases in humans taking European melatonin supplements, but there is a very real risk in using the “natural” product. All of the melatonin products now found in health food stores are the synthetic product. The sale of melatonin is severely restricted in some countries.
No significant adverse effects of synthetic melatonin supplements have been reported. Animal experiments, however, indicated a somewhat shortened life span if regular supplementation is begun when the animals are too young. This suggests it may be unwise for persons under about age 35 to use melatonin every night. There seems to be no problem with occasional use, though, by adults of any age.
Several books were published during 1995 that provide an excellent overview of melatonin and information about the practical aspects of using melatonin supplements. Two of the best books are listed below. Both books also contain numerous references to the scientific studies reported in medical journals. Anyone planning to use melatonin supplements on a regular basis should purchase and read at least one of these books.
(In my opinion, the Reiter and Robinson book is the best. The Pierpaoli and Regelson book reports on anti-aging studies that are potentially the most important, but these studies leave many important unanswered questions.)
Book: The Melatonin Miracle by Walter Pierpaoli, M.D. and William Regelson, M.D. [Simon & Schuster] 1995
Book: Stay Young the Melatonin Way by Steven J. Bock, M.D. [Dutton, division of Penguin Books] 1995.
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Philips – goLITE BLU Energy Light HF3331
I bought one of these.
So, the things I am going to try are:
o
Ionized air filter
Light therapy
Melatonin in the late evening, three to 5 drops of liquid.
I have stopped coffee, tea, sugar, BHA, BHT, MSG, sodas, high salt, white bread, and any other oils except olive.
o
While I’m at it, I’m just plain trying to be much more healthy about everything.
I’m eating 10% oils
50% protein ………….tofu, fish, chicken, and turkey
40% carbs
I am doing soups, stir fry, and more water……………yeah, right!
o
The hardest thing for me to do is to drink anything, especially water, because I hate going to the bathroom. I also would not mind if I never had to eat or sleep ever again.
o
I am eating fruits and nuts and yogurt for breakfast and less and less cereal, but sometimes I am using eggs and potatoes.
o
I have my hardest time at lunch because I am lazy about bringing things from home, except frozen lunches by Lean Cuisine; I like all the fish dishes which are often on sale for about $2.18 at Krogers.
I drink a lot of carrot juice.
o
I love Chinese, but I am a pig when it comes to eating out. I’ve been trying to retrain myself for 40 years; good luck!
o
I have my best meal at night when I am getting ready to do the least. This is one of the worst things. I need to work out in front of the TV, but I am too tired and need to be pushed. Lots of luck there.
o
I hear that short bursts of energy use is better than the prolonged kind, like playing 2 hours of racquetball, which I do 3 times a week. I need to work outside more, but my get up and go has got up and went. I am presently looking for my MOJO; should you find it send it UPS.
o
I am beginning on the SAD part of the year, fall, early because it hit me so very hard this last year.
“It might have choked Arty, but it’s not going to choke Stymie.”
o
rt87
Having completed 32 years of public school service, Chris Herrington lives, with his wife, in Appleby, Texas, and his writing consists of blogging and essay writing concerning an array of topics including education, mediation, self-development, and human interests. He teaches at the Martin School of Choice, plays racquetball, and enjoys his job.
Chris Herrington can be reached at herrington@everythingnac.com
