From a Canadian friend: Our hospital's former chief of staff was featured in tonight's local paper because of a study he ran on a natural sleep aid for what he calls 'lifestyle insomniacs". He is a Psychologist I believe and was head of the Mental Health Unit. "Pumpkin seeds are more likely to attract the sand man than warm milk, a book or Lavender scents on the pillow". Like Turkey, Butternut Squash Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds have high concentrations of the compounds that tend to make guests sluggish after a Thanksgiving meal. Dr. Hudson had the food tested at the Guelph Food Technology Centre, part of the University of Guelph. The natural compound was given in a food bar. Of the more than 50 people who completed the trial, those who were given a placebo, showed slight improvements of about 5 minutes getting to and staying asleep. Subjects who ate the bar with the compound showed better results. It reduced the time awake by 50% and increased the overall sleep time to 35 minutes. The sleeping agent (all natural) is now in powder form and is mixed with water so that insomniacs don't have to eat before bed and can control how much they take. It's impossible to overdose on his product called ZZZ Bev. It does not cause dependence and insomniacs won't develop a tolerance to it. It won't help physiological sleep disorders like sleep apnea. He suggested an hour of down time before bed - bedtime rituals - not reading - not getting into bed until sleepy and get up if you are still tossing after 15 minutes and then return when sleepy again. He has just received his U.S. patent on the formula (his method of use patent is still pending) and has also applied for a patent in Canada. His product is available in Stratford and will be eventually sold globally. For more information, his name is Dr. Craig Hudson and you can call 519-273-3862. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.