This information has be extracted from Horowitz’s Why Can’t I Get Better?

Poor sleep results in the production of cell-signalling molecules called cytokines, some of which are inflammatory, like iterleukin-6 (IL-6). This cytokine leads to joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue and memory problems, all of which can be confused for Lyme flares. Sleeping more is necessary to feel well. Lyme may cause resistant sleep disorders in 80 to 90 percent of Dr. Horowitz’s patients but he believes more is at play than just Lyme.

Causes of poor sleep:

• Sleep apnea
• Hormonal imbalances
• Restless leg syndrome
• Drug side effects
• Weak bladder
• Anxiety
• Sulfites from red wine
• Magnesium, iodine and zinc deficiencies (these are needed for hormones, detoxification, and immunity)
• Mitochondrial dysfunction from oxidative stress
• Parasites, which can be detected on a CDSA (comprehensive digestive stool analysis)

There are many drugs we can take for sleep, although they are best avoided.Read this to discover my personal sleep strategy.