Modulating diet alone won’t fix everything. The conditions of your life, your mindset, posture, breathing, light etc. all matter. All interact with each other. A holistic approach would be better.Thanks for all of that. Really interesting and it’s making me think. I couldn’t agree more that sleep is vital for our health and every time I go through a period of time where my sleep is terrible I know it has a huge impact and not just short term either.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions. I have been reading a number of threads on here for some time before joining so between what I have taken away here and from Ray Peat’s work, your suggestions seem like very good advice. I started this new journey after reading Kate Deering’s book and never looked back. But I have been wanting to fix everything with diet alone, if that makes sense. The irony is that everyone else is sleeping very well in my house, husband and three teenagers, yet they eat whatever, whilst I am very careful about what I eat. I squeeze my own pulp-free orange juice, have dairy without issues, eggs, seafood a couple of times a week (crab, scallops or oysters), plenty of fruit (fresh and dry), But the RP based diet is maybe just not enough for my damaged metabolism.
I am very familiar with the email exchange thread which I have read and often go back to. It’s a very informative place even when without having the full context. Thanks for reminding me. I will go back there.
Moving forward, I have ordered some cyproheptadine today because I do need to sleep. I hadn’t realised one could easily buy it in the UK. I intend to use it if needed for 6 days as recommended by Ray Peat at doses of 0.5-2mg. Does this sound sensible to you? Last night I went to bed at 10pm, was still wide awake with eyes wide open at midnight. I was getting stressed about not being able to fall asleep so I got up, had some warm milk with a tbsp of honey, took 2 Phenergan tablets (desperation and nothing else available). I fell asleep quite quickly and slept quite well with some crazy dreams too- despite waking up a couple of times. I had a temperature of 36.6 on awaking. That’s one positive! I have noticed that if I sleep my temperature is almost always good.
Sleep has been an issue for me - on and off. In phases. Over the last 4 years or so - coinciding with menopause I think.
So yes, I should probably get some progest-e. One concern of mine is the surge of estrogen which some women experience when they start supplementing progesterone. I don’t want that. I shall hop over the female corner thread with my questions! I once ordered it and then cancelled my order after a moment of panic.
I have what looks like a good a B vitamin complex in my virtual basket and am also tempted by some Magnesium glycinate + taurate - All from Lifeblud (I get my Mag bicarbonate from them and believe them to be a good company. Clean ingredients, no fillers.)
Breath work ... that’s such a good point! Easily overlooked too ... I have got some work to do there. I meditate and practice yoga and I am mindful of how I breath though throughout the day. I did think of trying mouth taping at night but haven’t yet tried. I will look into Buteyko (which I only know by name and has been on my To Do list for a while). I have not heard of a Mike Mew. Thank you so much. Something new and I am sure beneficial to look forward to!
Apart from the aggravation of my sleep problems, I am tolerating the antibiotics well so far.
For cypro, use the smallest dose that creates the beneficial effects you want to experience. If you use it every day, your body will build tolerance to its sleep inducing effects.
I’d definitely recommend progesterone (Ray’s own progest-e is the best product on the market); but I agree the female corner might be a good place to ask about specific questions you may have, as I am not a woman, and there must be certain things I don’t know well. @Rinse & rePeat and @Blossom are some of the female members that may give you good guidance regarding your worries about progesterone, if you ask them in the right place.
I wish you the best.