FYI only! Supplements to nature and Anxiety/Depression/Insomnia

Please consult a professional and do as much research as you feel able to - this is not meant to be directive.  Sometimes the smooth rich East Coast voices of NPR radio are just the thing!  Don't worry about sleep - concentrate on rest.

melatonin -- the "sleep hormone"  First choice for sleep and also to boost immune system
5-HTP:   first thing to try!
 a natural alternative to some anti-depressants that work with the neurotransmitter serotonin. A precursor to L-tryptophan and serotonin. It is helpful for sleep, anxiety and as a 'mood smoother'. This should not be taken if you are on any other anti-depressant prescribed by your doctor.
Relora: used for sleep, stress, anxiety and weight balance.
Hylands:   2nd thing to use for sleep - it does work. Calms Forte ~ homeopathic remedy for sleep, calm and stress. Hyland's Calms Forte™ provides natural relief of symptoms of simple nervous tension and sleeplessness. Hyland's Calms Forte™ is all natural and works without contraindications or side effects. Easy to swallow tablets are perfect for daytime or nighttime use. Like all homeopathic medicines, Hyland's Calms Forte™ will not interfere with other medications or alcohol.
http://phenomenologyexistent.blogspot.com/2007/08/alternative-therapies-for-depression.html

BUSPAR from regular MD (anxiety and depression)
Buspirone's chemical structure and mechanism of action are completely unrelated to those of the benzodiazepines, but it purportedly has an efficacy comparable to that of diazepam (Valium) in treating GAD.^[2][3] Unlike the benzodiazepines, buspirone shows no potential for addiction or dependence, and the development of tolerance has not been observed. Furthermore, cross-tolerance to benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, as well as other GABAergics, is not present either. Additionally, it is non-sedating^{[citation needed]}, non-cognitive/memory impairing, and has a generally very favorable side effect profile

Pharmacological Agents for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) eg alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, oxazepam	Activate a specific benzodiazepine receptor that facilitates inhibitory GABAergic transmission
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)  LOW DOSE eg imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine	Enhance the functional activity of noradrenaline and serotonin by blocking the reuptake of both neurotransmitters also good for muscle cramping - eg, restless leg syndrome from MD But I use this in a small dose for sleep. If nothing else works this does.
Selective serotoninreuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) eg fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine	Block the reuptake of serotonin to enhance its functional activity 5 HTP works as a precursor Your sister uses these.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) eg phenelzine	Enhance the functional activity of noradrenalineand serotonin by inhibiting the degradation of both neurotransmitters by monoamine oxidase food restrictions and also are heavy duty
Beta-blockers eg oxprenolol, propranolol	Block beta-adrenergic receptors to prevent the functional activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline heart med that is used to prevent anxiety
Antihistamines eg hydroxyzine. diphenhydramine	Block histamine receptors to prevent its functional activity active ingredient in NyQuil and other cold meds. Benydril
Azaspirones eg buspirone (see above)	Enhances some noradrenaline and dopamine neurotransmissionserotonin and acetylcholine neurotransmission in the brain

Vitamins for Stress

The Stress Focus website recommends vitamins A ,B, C and E to deal with stress. Vitamin A, which is good for immunity and acts as an antioxidant against free radicals, can be found in butter, milk, eggs, liver and fruits.

Vitamin B-complex is involved in many metabolic reactions in the body. Niacin, or B-3, is necessary for tryptophan metabolism, which leads to serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter. Pyrodoxine, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12 are needed for nerve integrity. Along with folic acid and vitamin C, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-5, is vital to the normal functioning of the adrenal glands. Pantothenic acid removes toxins from the body and is necessary in chemical reactions where energy is released. Since it cannot be stored, it must be replenished through supplements or by eating peas, beans, poultry, fish, lean meats and whole grains.

The antioxidant vitamin C is necessary for synthesizing the adrenal stress hormone -- cortisol -- and for tyrosine production. Tyrosine -- necessary for producing dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline -- can be found in citrus fruits, cabbage, tomatoes and berries. Vitamin E is another antioxidant found in green leafy vegetables, nuts and oils.

Supplements for Sleep

Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and other natural substances can impair sleep. Holistic Online recommends several supplements to address sleep problems. Calcium acts as a sedative and a deficiency can cause restlessness and wakefulness. Magnesium, which counteracts nervousness that prevents sleep, is often found in supplements with calcium. Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, blackstrap molasses and brewer's yeast are good sources of these minerals.

B vitamins have a calming effect on the nerves and are found in whole grains, tuna, peanuts and bananas. Tryptophan, an amino acid and serotonin precursor, is found in milk and turkey. Phosphatidylserine is an amino acid helpful to those with high cortisone levels caused by stress. 5-HTP, a serotonin precurser, has been found in clinical studies to lessen the time to get to sleep and the number of awakenings. Vitamin B, niacin and magnesium help 5-HTP convert to serotonin.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland, melatonin -- the "sleep hormone" -- has been shown to help people with normal sleep patterns, those experiencing insomnia and jet lag.