Sleep Profile- Saliva

Description

The Sleep Profile is a non-invasive saliva test that assesses two major causes for insomnia: imbalances in melatonin and cortisol.  Melatonin is a peptide hormone produced by the pineal gland which helps to control normal sleep patterns. Deficiencies of this hormone can lead to insomnia; however melatonin supplementation can effectively treat this problem if diagnosed correctly.  Imbalances in the diurnal pattern of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol can also lead to sleep disturbances.

Insomnia is defined as a repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, duration and/or quality of sleep. This occurs despite adequate opportunity and time for sleep and results in daytime impairment. Mild (transient or short-term) insomnia is known to affect between 30-50% of the general population, whilst chronic insomnia has a prevalence of 9-15%. This disorder affects energy levels, memory, concentration and problem solving skills. In addition, it has been linked to learning disabilities in children. Sleeplessness not only affects the individual but also produces social stress, lowered employee productivity and higher number of accidents. Therefore it is vital that the cause and treatment of insomnia is adequately addressed.