Top 5 Sleep Product Picks

In this episode of I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN with Dr. Sullivan, board certified neuropsychologist Dr. Karen D. Sullivan discusses the evidence-based research on ways to improve your sleep and the products that may be beneficial. Check out her Top 5 product picks at icfyb.com/picks/
PRODUCT PICK #1: SLEEP TRACKER
1. Super budget friendly: amzn.to/42WxGlr
2. Average price: amzn.to/3XpmDjJ
3. High end: amzn.to/3NGrie2
PRODUCT PICK #2: SLEEP MASK
1. Light blocking eye mask: amzn.to/3qXKawc
2. Headache/eye fatigue eye mask: amzn.to/3qVZl96
PRODUCT PICK #3: WEIGHTED BLANKET
1. 15 lb. recommended if you weigh less than 130 lbs: amzn.to/3PFjH0L
2. 20 lb recommended if you weigh more than 130 lbs: amzn.to/3PozdxI
PRODUCT PICK #4: LOW-DOSE MELATONIN
Pure Encapsulations .5 mg: amzn.to/3qPkhyl
PRODUCT PICK #5: FOODS CONTAINING MELATONIN
drive.google.com/file/d/12oxU...
Disclosure: Links contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting the I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN with Dr. Sullivan program and allowing us to continue to bring you valuable content.

[@euniemin1334]

Thank you so much for all the great info. I really appreciate the holistic individualized approach and not pathologizing everything.

[@barbdowns1]

Cherries work wonders for me sometimes. Cherry juice mixed into a small smoothie can also be nice.

[@SilverBrumbyMommy]

Probably because all cherries have some amount of natural melatonin in them! Tart cherries have the most. Gotta love nature!

[@noitawl]

Try humming while trying to fall asleep, works for me!

[@-art3544]

I truly enjoyed this video, lots of helpful information. Looking forward to more of these where you dig into specific products that may be helpful. 💡

[@Codysurfsup]

So in my own personal experience I've noticed that when I hyperfocus on tracking my sleep through journaling, I actually get less sleep on average. As soon as I stop caring about it and stop obsessing over the hours I should be getting, I get more sleep. More than anything you need to have a good relationship with sleep and bed time. You definitely want to have good sleep hygiene, but again don't over think this. What has worked for me is eating a serving of tart cherries before bed, making my room cold, and sleeping with a weighted blanket. Again I'm not letting myself get too concerned about my sleep. I will tell you, it's impossible to always sleep the same amount hours every night. You're gonna sleep 8 hours one night, 7 hours another night, 5 hours another night, and so on...

[@Johnorekunow272]

Dr Sullivan you are much appreciated for your knowledge and the way you explain things. May God Bless You and heal your health issues

[@nyckolaus]

Thank you, Dr. Sullivan!

[@janbaker1484]

I love this!! I wake after 3-4 hrs only to doze unit daylight. Gonna start watching this as I’m so needing to sleep better. TY so much!!

[@goodydoris1]

Thank you so much for your videos. I'm a new subscriber. I have fibromyalgia and I also have trouble sleeping and calming my mind. I have to sleep with the tv on for the noise and thought distraction. I will order the melatonin, but I will also be starting low dose naltrexone (LDN) everything that I researched for LDN seems good for multiple conditions. Are you familiar with it and can I take it with melatonin? Have you, or will you be doing a video on LDN? Thank you

[@tomclark8802]

Thanks so much, great information, just subscribed!

[@cindycurran8272]

great show... thanks so much for sharing all that you know. It is apparent that you love what you do. I will try some of these products.. I love the tracker item.... interesting data indeed. who wouldn't want to know what is happening when we are sleeping?!

[@nancybolduan8564]

I love your well researched lectures! Thank you so much for doing this. I do a lot of research myself, but listening to you, I still learn a lot! Now, regarding some of your suggestions, I have found, by charting, the time I take melatonin, affects how well it works for me. For myself, as an older adult, as you said, less is better. In the past I have used liquid formulas so I can control this better, but now will try Pure Encapsulations. Also what I learned is to take the melatonin in late afternoon and not a hour or right at bedtime. This helps to curb any next day drowsiness. But that's just me, someone else may be different. As for weighted blankets, being someone who is plagued by night sweats and joint pain, those blankets are more of a hinderance than a help. As it is, I try to sleep with all the windows open and with hardly any clothes. HRT is off the table because of DCIS and all the other Rxs I have tried do not work. I guess this isn't really in the realm of brain health, but anyway, those and being awoken by pain are my big problem. Perhaps some day you might address these...

[@davidrogers9925]

Tremendous lecture!! Thank you👍

[@LTen10]

Please comment on use of white noise to help calm the brain at night. It helps me especially as my tinnitus gets worse and worse. I think it should be added to your sleep hints!

[@bridgetsalata501]

@@mballerdo you have any info or recommendation on product for this? Ty!

[@doodles310]

I have used white noise most of my life…am now almost 74. Many of my friends learned to use it also from me. What are your thoughts, Dr., please?

[@kath3611]

I agree I find ocean sounds work for me.

[@LINERIC44]

Pink noise works better for my tinnitus.

[@markpharaoh1116]

Thanks for such a valuable video. I have always been a poor sleeper, but the last year it has got worse with some night having no real sleep. Effected my work, and also my athletic training. Turned 59 now, and time to get things better. Will be following you advice, and hope to report back.

[@amg92003]

Thank you for sharing so much knowledge in your videos. Can you mention a supplement that may help calm the cns for the whole day? Thank you.

[@SilverBrumbyMommy]

All cherries actually have some natural melatonin in them. The one with the highest amount are tart cherries and it's more similar to what our brains make vs synthetic. Harder to know just how much melatonin you get however. Trial and error is just the way of life.

[@debw1011]

Thank you so much ❤❤

[@pdbonanni8104]

Wonderfully informative videos. Thank you. Also one thing for me that was affecting my sleep is too much coffee

[@cynthiajohnson9896]

Great information and great list of products and food to try. I truly appreciate the work you put into this video. I’m currently taking melatonin but at a MUCH TOO HIGH level according to the information you provided. I probably take 50-60 mg/night in addition to prescription sleep aids. I will start slow and start with a tracker to see what’s going on without anything … if I can do it. I’m one of those “gotta’ have 9 hours per night” kind of people. But I think I can do at least 2-3 weeks without anything to see where I’m at. Thanks, again, for your awesome help!

[@andreawisner7358]

Good plan. I got the 1 mg melatonin and cut it in half with a pill cutter. I don't want to reduce my body's ability to make melatonin. Interesting that a weighted blanket increases endogenous melatonin production.

[@ibpositivemostly7437]

Cool video thanks.

[@michellecincotta7638]

Thank you

[@jennifermay7998]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you as well for all you do for the Essential Tremor Community.

[@gbarnett9470]

I have seasons Affective Disorder. I live in Alaska so melatonin is critical in summer. My sleep hygiene is important to me. Sleep mask and no alarm clock light. I shoot for blackness - no able to see hand in front of face for 8 hours. I also crash in December with six hours of day light. I have a sleep schedule, room 60*, SAD light in morning. Can you coach us as we go into fall on best sleep plan?

[@betheisch8066]

Great information, thank you! I'm interested in hearing more about research around light therapy. I live in Northern Michigan so getting daily actual sunlight is not possible, especially in the winter.

[@irenemarsh483]

Thankyou dr Sullivan I’m in the uk and we can’t buy it here. Could you please recommend some other type of holistic tablet for sleeping or similar 👍

[@jonathanutz6330]

As always, thanks Dr. Sullivan. I'm post stroke and struggle with overstimulation. I'd like to hear your ideas on that topic. Maybe something on THC and CBD.

[@waakdfms2576]

Yes please, that would be fantastic! I developed spasticity in my legs that prevented me from sleeping, limited my ability to go out and shop reliably without being stranded and having to leave early, prevented me from regular daily activities like yard work, etc. This is still being investigated, but I desperately tried some CBD/THC tincture we happened to have in the house, which made the spasticity "melt away" within about 30 minutes. I couldn't believe it. I was facing emergency room visits and couldn't believe this solution was right in my medicine cabinet (purchased by my hubby a year ago which I had not tried). I chose to stay on this rather than try gabapentin, etc., as recommended by my primary doctor. The cannabis has no side effects for me when dosed properly and I retain the ability to take care of this myself rather than depend on a prescriber and drug companies. Just my 2 cents, but I'm a believer in the miracle of cannabis as of the past 4 months. Turns out its primary use in the body is as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator, which seems to address my particular issue and provides reprieve while I continue to investigate the cause of my symptoms. Otherwise, I would be in a state of torture and near disability.

[@mskulagal]

400 mg Magnesium glycinate is great for sleep!

[@user-EinsteinSarge]

Thank you, purchased the weighted blanket and the low dose melatonin you recommended. ***Is low dose melatonin safe for nightly use, or to be used only short term?*** Turning 60 this year & I'm focusing on improving my sleep for brain health. My mother had dementia and now we learn that the over the counter sleeping pills she took for years and years may have played a role in the dementia. Makes me cautious to take any sleeping aid, so seeing you recommend melatonin gives me confidence that it will not negatively affect my brain.

[@juliediazoni8112]

I have to have my 8 hours. But I have struggled with insomnia since my late 20s. Now at 57 and post menopausal I take Unisom and magnesium every night. Sometimes 5 mg of melatonin too. Argh! Mom has dementia and I have made major changes for my own brain health, but this one is gonna be HARD. I just bought CBD gummies. Do you have info to share on CBD as a sleep aid? Please continue these great lectures. And please add info on CBD and the brain.

[@tamrachernoff2513]

I'm having a terrible time getting below 100mg 3x of gabapentin, severe insomnia as my mind won't shut down and restless legs that feel like my nerves have a life of their own are part of it. Thanks for this as I will be trying my best to handle the insomnia naturally. Weighted blanket and low dose melatonin on the way.

[@Dave00_]

How did it go?

[@tamrachernoff2513]

@@Dave00_ What finally did it for me was Valerian root. I still take gaba when the CRPS flares up badly, but I was able to go weeks and weeks without it! The weighted blanket is excellent and I haven't been dealing with severe insomnia anymore. So big improvements all around, thanks for asking.

[@Dave00_]

@@tamrachernoff2513great to hear (: thanks fir the weight blanket tips, I’ll be buying one!

[@user-yk6vc6kk7y]

I am interested in some topics that you may have covered in the past. Effects of shingles in the nerve around the eye, sudden photophobia, and if there is any science related to "grounding". Thank you.

[@jameswaer9276]

¹ to and understand. Learning everyday, and continuing to build on my knowledge base increasing insight into my own feelings to trust my instincts with confidence is my goal. I have many. I have found working on oneself often seems more difficult than helping another. Time to give myself the time:-)

[@Smoothjazzsanjuan]

Hello thanks for your valuable information confirms many things I have thought about. I have used Himalayan supplements they work well. “Hello zzz” I would like to know your opinion on Magnesium L-Threonate supplementation I am an MCI patient. Thank you.

[@jellybeanparis584]

Just curious if you are located in The UK 🇬🇧 or in The US 🇺🇸 ? Very interesting info … Thank You !

[@icareforyourbrainwithdr.su7103]

We are located in North Carolina in the US

[@denisescruggs2157]

I was hoping to hear which prescription sleep aid you would recommend if needed.

[@BNFaraj-vy9zh]

They did meet every single [criterion]!

[@nancydrew8388]

Is brain mapping ( in active & resting states )helpful for hypersomnia? And, what does it tell the provider & what type of treatment is typically recommended ? Any information would be helpful thank you.( neuropsychologist wants to provide these services)

[@mindyadams9041]

1 tbl spoon MCT oil right before sleep.

[@Good-DaySunshine]

Dr., Would you mind to specify what type of cherry (foods before sleep...end of video) because there is big difference between sweet and tart >>Montmorency (rich in anthocyanins & polyphenols) ? Thank you!

[@jameskantor0459]

You want tart cherry juice . Start with 2 teaspoon

[@areverland6121]

Time stamps?

[@dianebox9376]

What do you think of the amino acid, Gaba, for sleep? Thank you!

[@michelineokazaki524]

Love gaba, I buy it in powder form, quarter tsp on tongue before bed.

[@jbr84tx]

What about Chamomile? Supposedly it helps with insomnia. Is there any research on it?

[@iotanb1772]

Time stamps needed drastically

[@cindycurran8272]

I am ordering some of the products you recommend but I dont understand how you get $ to do what you want to do with it! on your "picks" page it takes me the amazon webpage but I order as usual... please instruct how my purchases are going to benefit you. thank you

[@rivkahwalton5507]

When you "click through" to the product from that page, Amazon knows how you got to there and gives the recommender a small portion of the price.

[@marth6271]

Sorry to report your video put me to sleep.😎 Thank you for these helpful Lectures.

[@robertdemichelisii6398]

Dr. Sullivan, as you know, many survivors develop sleep apnea post. Is your melatonin recommendation change by adding this factor?

[@johnmitchell8925]

Sorry I knotted off for a minute and that's za good that's a good thing

[@mikahundin]

- **Tools for Data Collection:** - Sleep trackers to monitor sleep patterns and cycles. - Sleep journals for manual recording of sleep habits and patterns. - **Sleep Improvement Products:** - **Sleep Mask:** Specifically recommended for its ability to block out ambient light and improve sleep quality. - **Weighted Blanket:** Suggested for its calming effect on the central nervous system, particularly useful during times of stress or trauma. - **Melatonin Supplements:** Recommended in appropriate dosages (less than 100 micrograms) for aiding sleep, with a specific brand mentioned for its quality and potency (0.5 milligrams). - **Sleep-Inducing Foods:** Certain foods rich in sleep-inducing nutrients are suggested, including tomato, strawberry, olive oil, black pepper, coriander, almond, cherry, pomegranate, fennel, white radish, and beer.

[@maliolani]

if you wake up in the middle of the night with a history of not being able to go back to sleep, should you take ANOTHER melatonin tablet?

[@richvargasrich]

I

[@amg92003]

Thank you for sharing so much knowledge in your videos. Can you mention a supplement that may help calm the cns for the whole day? Thank you.

[@annatapl]

What’s cns?