The Informational Programme is invaluable, because it imparts strong background knowledge about the seriousness of sleep for health and a long life. It advises on the dangers of medication such as sleeping pills (benzodiazepines), and the importance of bedtime habits and good sleep hygiene.

Through the course, guests become familiar with the agents of insomnia, including psychological factors like depression, anxiety and tension, or the use of social drugs like alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Some people suffer a deficiency of the hormones estrogen and melatonin, and these are also examined.

Preventive measures that are covered incorporate regular exercise, the influence of sexual activity or classical music, and information about the most helpful supplements, namely, calcium, magnesium, valerian, 5-Hydroxytryptophan and melatonin.

In short, this is a systematic approach to sleep inducement as a strategy for avoiding chronic insomnia. The Programme to Avoid Addictive Drugs advocates a three-month melatonin regimen as the key path back to healthy sleep. This natural substance regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle. As people age, especially after the age of 45, their melatonin levels decline, and women in particular experience a marked change in sleep patterns and a
wide range of sleep disorders.

Melatonin restores normal sleep patterns. It's also a powerful antioxidant, and has the added benefits of being non-addictive and not causing daytime grogginess. According to the latest scientific studies, melatonin is the safest and most effective sleep aid. The Chiva-Som Insomnia Treatment Programme is part of the new Anti-Aging Retreat. Many guests have already successfully followed the programme and have restored their normal sleep patterns - large numbers of them after years of disappointing results with
conventional medication.