Scientists have conducted specific studies of humans and animals and discovered that sleep plays a critical role in memory and learning, but also immune function and basic metabolism. It seems that sleep plays a role not only in how energetic we feel, but also the way in which we generate energy.
Natural Sleep Aids:
- Chamomile is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used since ancient times to fight insomnia and a wide range of other health complaints. Chamomile is sold in the form of tea, extract, and topical ointment. Chamomile is widely available in health food stores and supermarkets. Chamomile's effectiveness as a sleep aid has not been widely researched in humans, but in animal studies it has been shown to be a safe and mild sleep aid.
- Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the brain and is often referred to as the “hormone of darkness” due to its association with secretion rates during light and dark cycles. The pineal gland controls the timing and release of the hormone depending on light conditions. Periods of darkness stimulate melatonin release while times of bright light drop the production rate. This is why being exposed to bright lights in the evening or too little light during the day can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles and cause an internal clock imbalance.
- Passion flower has a long history of use for promoting relaxation. German regulatory authorities cite passion flower as a potential help for “conditions of nervousness.” Passion flower is a perennial vine, which reaches 30 feet in length. It grows naturally from the southeastern United States to Brazil and Argentina, and is cultivated as a garden plant in Europe. The blossoms are considered symbolic of Christ’s passion, which accounts for its name because the central corona represents the crown of thorns. The medicinal value is found on the above ground parts of the plants. Passion flower is available as an herb for tea and is also an ingredient in some sedative bath additives.
- Magnesium deficiency is sometimes associated with frequent nocturnal awakenings. Nocturnal instrument monitoring reveals major disorders of sleep organization. The deficiency may be diagnosed on the basis of clearly low blood magnesium levels. Thus, it may prove helpful to supplement with magnesium for sleep support.
- L-Tryptophan An essential amino acid that promotes the normal synthesis and structure of proteins. In the body, L-tryptophan is converted into niacin (vitamin B3) and serotonin, a neurotransmitter which promotes the body’s ability to regulate anger, aggression, mood, and sleep. By supplementing with L-Tryptophan, serotonin production can be supported, which will promote sleep and enhance mood. There are a few lifestyle changes you can make immediately that can help to improve sleep quality and optimize melatonin production. Two of the most common factors that can make sleep elusive during the nighttime hours are light and temperature. Avoid watching television an hour before you go to bed – the blue light tricks your brain into thinking it is daytime, which interrupts your internal clock. It is also recommended to sleep in complete darkness and keep the temperature in your room no higher than 70 degrees.
When our bodies are operating at their optimal energy levels it affects our mood and overall health. By now, we all know how important getting a good night’s sleep is and how being rested and alert can benefit our lives. Supporting your brains ability to produce and release appropriate levels of melatonin through minor lifestyle changes or obtaining the hormone through supplementation is key to maintaining the balance of our internal clocks. This balance is one of the first steps towards feeling younger, vital, and more energetic.
