[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone needs a good night’s sleep to function optimally in order to carry out our daily activities effectively. There are many reasons as to why people lack sleep. In today’s fast paced world, stress, anxiety, prolong use of electronic devices with back-lit screens, jet-lag and lack of exercise are common reasons that affect one’s sleep.
Melatonin, valerian root, passion flower, lemon balm extracts and GABA are commonly used to aid sleep without the use of what we commonly term sleeping tablets. The use of these sleeping tablets can be addictive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm. This is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It is an internal 24hour ‘clock’ that would determine when we sleep.
It is secreted by the pineal gland. Natural levels of melatonin are highest at night when it is dark. During the day when it is light, melatonin levels are low.
Therefore, if there is too much exposure to bright lights at night or too little exposure to lights in the day, the normal melatonin levels will be affected.
Melatonin has been found to be of help in people with some sleep issues that involve disturbed circadian rhythms, for example in jet lag. Melatonin has antioxidant properties and preliminary evidence has found that it can strengthen the immune system.
Studies have shown that low levels of melatonin may be associated with breast cancer risk and prostate cancer risk. Researchers from the Douglas Mental Health University Institute have found that low levels of melatonin may play a role in premenstrual dysphoric disorder or what we commonly term PMS.
Research done in Paris has shown that melatonin may also slow down the aging process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What is Valerian Root?
Valerian also known as Valeriana Officinalis, is a plant that is found in Europe and Asia.
It is commonly used in those with insomnia and anxiety. Studies have shown that Valerian can reduce the amount of time it takes for people to fall asleep without changing normal stages of sleep.
Valerian has also been used for its calming properties and anxiety relieving effects.
Valerian Root has calming properties & anxiety relieving effects
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What is Passionflower?
Passionflower is a plant that was first discovered by the Spanish in Peru in 1569. The Peruvians used the flower for its gentle sedative effects.
Today, passionflower is commonly used to aid those with sleep issues. Studies have shown that it helps to increase the GABA levels, improving the quality of sleep. Passionflower has also been shown to reduce anxiety and stress.
A study on rats has shown that it is helpful against stomach ulcers caused by alcohol and aspirin. It may also help in gastrointestinal upsets caused by anxiety.
Passionflower for a good night’s sleep
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What is Lemon Balm?
Lemon Balm is a herb from the mint family. It has been used since the Middle Ages for its sedative properties and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Today, it is still used for these effects.
Lemon balm has been shown to promote restful sleep according to some studies. It is also commonly combined with herbs like Valerian. In one study, 81% of people with minor sleep problems reported sleeping better after taking the herbal combination of lemon balm and valerian.
This lemon balm and valerian mixture has also been used in a trial study of healthy young adults and it was found that it was effective in reducing anxiety.
In a placebo-controlled trial on menopausal women suffering from sleep disruptions, those who were taking this combination reported much better sleep as compared to those taking the placebo.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is GABA?
GABA stands for Gamma-Amino Butyric acid which is an amino-acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It helps to inhibit nerve transmission in the brain, giving rise to calmness in brain activity. The less GABA present, the greater the occurrence of nerve transmissions.
Low levels of GABA may be linked to anxiety or mood disorders and poor sleep. GABA improves quality of sleep by increasing alpha brain waves in the brain that normally occurs in a relaxed state whilst decreasing beta waves which are mostly present in stressful , hyperactive states.
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Natural Sleep Supplements and You
Practicing good sleep habits is still the best way to achieve natural sleep. The use of prescription sleep medication may lead to addiction and tolerance of these drugs.
So where can I find the natural supplements as mentioned above? NatureNip has safely combined them into our Lullaby for Sweet Slumber. If you would like to consider supplementing with our NatureNip Lullaby for Sweet Slumber, please click here for more information. It is best taken an hour before bedtime.
Please note: NatureNip does not consider the above compounds to be a cure for insomnia and anxiety. This article is based on published research and expert opinions in the public domain.
Please check with your doctor if in doubt or if you are currently on treatment or pregnant or lactating. Do not mix Lullaby for Sweet Slumber with any prescriptive sedative medication that you are currently taking. Do not take Lullaby for Sweet Slumber when operating machinery or whilst driving. Achieving natural sleep normally is the ultimate goal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]