Insomnia / Sleep Issues
Gabriel investigates WHY you can't sleep rather than prescribing sleep aids.
10 identified
11 recommended
10 to test
3 modalities
Gabriel's Approach
Gabriel investigates WHY you can't sleep rather than prescribing sleep aids. Testing identifies: cortisol rhythm (is cortisol high at night?), neurotransmitter function, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar patterns, sleep apnea screening. Protocol: 1) Reset circadian rhythm (light exposure management), 2) Optimize sleep environment (dark, cool, EMF-reduced), 3) Address HPA axis dysfunction (lower nighttime cortisol), 4) Stabilize blood sugar, 5) Neurotransmitter support (GABA, serotonin → melatonin pathway), 6) Nervous system regulation. Sleep is non-negotiable for health—must address root cause.
Root Causes
Why Conventional Fails
Sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta, benzodiazepines), OTC sleep aids (diphenhydramine/Benadryl, doxylamine), melatonin (but wrong dose/timing), antidepressants for sleep (trazodone, mirtazapine), sleep hygiene advice (often inadequate).
Sleep medications create dependency, don't produce natural sleep architecture, cognitive impairment, next-day grogginess, tolerance, difficult to discontinue, increased mortality risk with long-term use, doesn't address root cause (cortisol dysregulation, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar, circadian disruption), sleep hygiene advice alone often insufficient if underlying biochemical/hormonal imbalances not addressed.
Your Complete Protocol
A comprehensive, tiered approach combining supplements, herbs, and advanced therapies
Your Protocol for Insomnia / Sleep Issues
Choose the level that's right for your healing journey
Essential Protocol
What's Included
- Magnesium Glycinate 400-600mg before bed
- L-Theanine 200-400mg
- Glycine 3-5g before bed
- GABA 500-1000mg
- Reishi Mushroom (Ling Zhi) — Calms the mind and spirit to promote deep, restful sleep
- Valerian Root (Xie Cao) — Natural sedative that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep
Available through Fullscript
Practitioner-Grade Protocol
Practitioner-Grade — Not Available on Amazon
What's Included
- Drenamin — Supports healthy adrenal gland function and helps your body handle daily stress
- Min-Tran — Calming mineral and iodine supplement for nervous system support
- Kava Forte — Traditional calming herb for anxiety and nervous tension
- Heavenly Emperor Tonify the Heart (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan) — Deeply nourishes the heart to calm racing thoughts and promote restful sleep
- Suan Zao Ren Tang (Suan Zao Ren Tang) — Classic insomnia formula that calms the mind and helps you sleep through the night
Whole food supplements by Standard Process
Complete Protocol
What's Included
- All Practitioner-Grade supplements & herbs
- BPC-157 (tissue repair + gut healing)
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune modulation)
Standard Process + Matter peptides
Recommended Treatments Near You
In-person therapies that complement your protocol
Float Tank / Sensory Deprivation
$50-90 per session
Floating in magnesium-rich saltwater in total darkness reduces stress hormones, relieves pain, and deepens recovery.
Float Lab
Venice • Abbot Kinney
Pause Float Studio
Culver City • Arts District
Neurofeedback / Brain Mapping
$100-250 per session
Real-time brain wave training helps optimize neural pathways for focus, mood, sleep, and cognitive performance.
Brain Spa
Santa Monica • Downtown
Recommended Supplements
Key Lab Markers
Dietary Guidance
Blood sugar stabilization: protein/fat snack 1-2 hours before bed if blood sugar drops overnight, avoid sugar and refined carbs, no caffeine after noon, limit alcohol, magnesium-rich foods, tryptophan-rich dinner, tart cherry juice, chamomile tea, avoid large meals close to bedtime.
Lifestyle Factors
Circadian rhythm reset: morning sunlight exposure within 30 min of waking, block blue light after sunset, no screens 2 hours before bed, consistent sleep/wake times, cool bedroom (65-68°F), pitch black room, reduce EMF (airplane mode, turn off WiFi), white noise if needed, evening routine, no exercise 3-4 hours before bed, sleep tracking.
Recommended Treatments
Mind, Body & Spirit
Evidence-based practices that complement physical treatment protocols
Mind
Sleep Meditation & Yoga Nidra
strongGuided relaxation practices to transition into restful sleep.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
strongEvidence-based therapy addressing thoughts and behaviors disrupting sleep.
Body
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
strongSystematically relaxing muscle groups to reduce tension and promote sleep.
Breathwork for Sleep
strong4-7-8 breathing and other techniques to activate parasympathetic nervous system.
Spirit
Bedtime Ritual Creation
moderateSacred evening routine signaling to the body that it's time to rest.
Related Protocols
Neurofeedback
EEG biofeedback training where patients learn to regulate their brainwave patterns. Electrodes measu...
EMF Detox & Protection Protocol
Protocol to reduce electromagnetic field exposure and support cellular repair from EMF damage. Combi...
Insomnia Resolution Protocol
Comprehensive protocol for chronic insomnia using CBT-I (cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia),...
Foods That Help
Curated for Insomnia / Sleep Issues
Supplements + Chinese herbal medicine
Drenamin + TCM
Standard Process + advanced peptide therapy
Find a Practitioner
Connect with specialists who treat Insomnia / Sleep Issues using root-cause approaches.
Browse PractitionersEducational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.