David, Which herbs might you look to for insomnia in geriatric patients who have had insomnia show up with an increase in cognitive impairment/memory issues? No depression, no anxiety, no circular thinking, no significant pain, no sleep apnea/hypopnea. Some trips to the bathroom. Just can't sleep and/or very light sleep. 7 days a week. No prior history of insomnia throughout rest of life. It's a relatively new thing. Like many people these days, this particular patient has taken to taking Ibuprofen PM as a remedy, not for pain per se, but for the sedating qualities of the drug, which, as I understand it, can lead to further cognitive decline. Would treating cerebral impairment at the same time using herbs like standardized Ginko, Lion's Mane, Bacopa, etc. have a positive effect on insomnia? Have you found sedating herbs like California Poppy, Valerian, and Hops most useful in situations like this? Crossing my fingers there is a class on herbs for sleep issues, as I am quickly finding most people have a need in this area! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas:) Jami Platt

David, Yay! Received the schedule and am looking forward to the class on sleep issues! To add to the picture above, the patient is 77. Sometimes has a hard time falling asleep, and sometimes has trouble going back to sleep if awakened. But not always one or the other. No significant pattern. Seldom feels refreshed upon waking. Takes 0 medications. Jami

Increasing sleep issues are very common in the elderly. Would treating cerebral impairment at the same time using herbs like standardized Ginko, Lion’s Mane, Bacopa, etc. have a positive effect on insomnia? Probably not Have you found sedating herbs like California Poppy, Valerian (not sedating), and Hops most useful in situations like this? For this I like to use Suan Zao Ren, along with Hops and appropriate nervines.