Hello Leslie - you wrote:
>>> Leslie Smith <[log in to unmask]> 12/10/97 03:00pm
>>>My Dad's caregiver has suggested that we give him an
Amino Acid to help him sleep. It contains 1200mg Lysine,
900mg Ornithine, 1200mg Arginine . . . .along with his
25/100 mg sinemet 4X a day. . . . any information?<<<
[log in to unmask]<<<
Leslie:
Amino acids make up proteins, which in the human body
make up our muscles, organs, glands, etc. The central
nervous system cannot operate without amino acids, that act
as neurotransmitters that send and receive messages.
There are approximately 29 different amino acids, each with
a specific set of functions.
You stated that your fathers problem was with sleep and
his M.D. recommended Lysine, Arginine and Ornithine.
Before discussing the amino acids, perhaps a review of
the sleep problem would be helpful. Although doctors report
that approximately 75% of their PD patients experience
sleep disturbances the causes are unclear. Even in healthy
seniors, aging brings on sleep difficulties. Sleep problems
are placed into three categories- 1. sleep start or
continuance, 2. daytime sleepiness, and 3. nightmares, vivid
dreams, etc.
Age is the most important factor in determining sleep
needs. After age 35 sleep time generally falls to about 6 hrs
per night. Older adults usually have less problems falling
asleep, but complain of frequent awakenings. Parkinson's
patients tend to have worse problems with sleep than non-PD
seniors. Patients report the causes as reaction to or effects
of medications (L-dopa), PD symptoms such as stiffness or
a change in their sleep-awake cycle caused by the disease.
The most common PD reported sleep problem is
insomnia: the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Treatment should begin with an evaluation of the patient's
day-night cycle and activities. A patient's anxiety or
depression, timing of meds, excessive alcohol, caffeine or
nicotine intake or even breathing problems (leading to sleep
apnea) should be considered.
General recommendations for behavior changes to
improve sleep:
1. Have a regular bedtime and arise time to reset the
internal clock.
2. Avoid excessive time in bed; it leads to light, shallow
sleep. Limit daytime naps.
3. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine . . . or at least
none after 2 p.m.
4. Regular daily exercise, not later than 6 p.m.
5. Keep the bedroom quiet and free of loud noises and
light and on the cooler side.
6. Decrease fluid intake after dinner.
7. Try special routines before bedtime, such as a warm
bath, 4 oz. of warm milk or a snack of cheese and crackers
(both high in the amino acid tryptophan).
8. Avoid prolonged use of sleep aid meds. Meds, such
as Doxepin or Trazodone (low-dose anti-depressants) are
sometimes used to help the patient through a limited crisis.
As for the amino acids, L-Arginine is used to decrease
the degenerative process of aging. However large doses (over
2000 milligrams daily) lowers blood pressure and promotes
herpes infections. . . . L-Lysine helps in the formation of
antibodies, calcium absorption and builds muscle. When
prescribed it is usually in connection with L-Arginine in doses
of 1000 milligrams daily, large doses increase serum
cholesterol and triglyceride levels . . . . L-Ornithine
metabolizes body fat and promotes healing, when prescribed
with L-Arginine in doses of 2000 milligrams.
Two other recommended supplements to aid sleep are
the amino acid L-Tryptophan and the hormone Melatonin.
L-Tryptophan was thought to be a cause of the illness EMS
which leads to an elevated white blood cell count. But no
definitive evidence was ever established. Melatonin
maintains the sleep-awake cycle. It has proven effective in
inducing sleep in PD patients. Dosage is usually 3
milligrams 2 hours before bedtime. It should be used
sparingly.
I hope this information helps your father. Perhaps you or
he should ask the M.D. further questions. Good luck.
Stephan Schwartz 53/7
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