Reducing Hepatitis C related insomnia

More than half of all those infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) suffer from sleep problems. This can be due to the health of their liver and/or a side effect of combination therapy.  Sleep is as important to liver health as are a healthy diet and regular exercise. Regular insomnia can lead to  severe fatigue, cognitive difficulties,  depression,  anxiety and  metabolic disturbances.  Long-term sleep deprivation will increase the severity of chronic HCV.

Insomnia is a common side effect of interferon therapy, the current standard treatment for HCV. For those who are infected with Hep C and cirrhosis of the liver,  histamine levels in the brain are often altered. Histamine regulates the sleep-wake cycle, therefore if levels of this chemical become unbalanced than so do sleep patterns.

Natural approaches to promote sleep include: eliminating caffeine, taking a hot bath in the evening, reducing your bedroom’s temperature, turning off the TV early and setting aside time for unwinding before bed.

Certain types of food in the diet can also promote a healthy and regular sleep pattern. These foods are:

Whole Grains – High fibre grains such as brown rice and oats which contain large quantities of tryptophan (an amino acid that increases the calming neurotransmitter serotonin) and boosts melatonin (a sleep-inducing brain hormone).

Pecans – Pecans which are nutrient-rich with B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is known to help calm an overactive nervous system. Pecans also contain pyridoxine which produces serotonin and stimulates the production of melatonin.

Cherries – Cherries which contain melatonin.

Bananas – Bananas which contain both tryptophan and potassium.

Warm Milk – Milk contains sleep-inducing tryptophan and calcium which has a natural calming effect on muscles and the central nervous system. Warming up milk reduces the energy required to digest it.

Turkey – Turkey contains tryptophan. A cold turkey sandwich