Say Goodnight to Sleeplessness
Sleep: An Essential Part of Optimal Health
Sleep is essential for good health and not only because a good night's sleep leaves you feeling more vibrant and energetic the next day. The hours you spend sleeping are also important in allowing your body to rest, rejuvenate and even heal. In fact, studies have also shown that if you do not get adequate sleep, you may become more susceptible to getting sick.
Tired of Being Tired?
Most people have suffered from lack of sleep at some point in their lives and know how exhausting and frustrating it can be. A sleepless night often involves lying in bed tossing, turning and watching the numbers slowly tick over on your alarm clock. Then before you know it the sun is up, the birds are chirping and you have barely slept a wink! If you have experienced a night like this, you will know you are certainly not bouncing out of bed full of energy, ready to face the day ahead. Fortunately, there are some natural approaches that can help you feel more rested and rejuvenated.
Counting Sheep Just Not Working for You?
If having that warm glass of milk and counting sheep isn't working for you, then you may find relief from taking one of the many sleep support products on the market. Lets explore some of these ingredients, why they differ and which one is right for you:
Tart or Sweet Cherry based products – Cherries are not only a delicious summer treat, they have also been shown to contain naturally high levels of phytonutrients, namely phyto-melatonin. A lot of us would have heard of melatonin and its benefits for sleep including its affect on our sleep and wake cycle (circadian rhyme), but this can be hard to come across as it is normally only available in New Zealand via prescription. Phyto-Melatonin is naturally occurring in certain types of cherries so is a great way to be able to get a dose of melatonin without having to go to your doctor.
Herbal formulas contains ingredients such as Hops, Valerian and Passionflower – These types of herbs are all very traditional and have been used to aid sleep for centuries. These herbs can help with sleeping as they have an effect on our central nervous system, helping to promote a feeling of relaxation and calm. These can be very helpful for people who have issues sleeping due to stress and anxiety.
Magnesium – Magnesium was most commonly used by athletes, as Magnesium is one of the four main electrolytes and is lost when we sweat, but as our lives have gotten busier, and we have become more stressed, more and more people are realizing that they also might be Magnesium deficient. Magnesium is a hard mineral to get in our diet, especially when, for most of us our output is great than our input. Magnesium is used in almost all processes of our body and is rapidly depleted with any hyper activity, and this isn’t just when we are exercising. When we are overly stressed, sad, happy or excited, Magnesium has a role to play. When our Magnesium levels are depleted, we can find it very difficult to unwind and relax, can experience muscles cramps and twitches and not be able to shut our brain off at night time. Needless to say, most of us need some extra Magnesium in our lives.
Healthy Habits for Healthy Sleep
Along with taking a natural sleep support supplement, there are also a few simple things you can do to help improve the quality of your sleep, naturally:
- Avoid watching television or being in front of a computer too late in the evening.
- Consume a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruit, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
- Avoid alcohol, excessive amounts of sugary, processed foods and caffeinated beverages.
- Get plenty of exercise, aim for 30-40 minutes most days, as this can help to improve energy levels, reduce stress and promote a restful night's sleep.
- Take a relaxing warm bath with essential oils of lavender and lemon balm.
- Manage stress levels by talking over any issues with a friend, family member, or healthcare professional.
- Participate in relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation or tai chi.
- Spend quality time with family and friends, as this is a great way to boost healthy moods and energy, as well as reduce stress.
Start the Day with a Bounce in Your Step Instead of a Coffee in Your Hand
Everyone is entitled to wake up feeling refreshed and vibrant after a good quality night's sleep. There are many factors that may lead to sleeplessness, but fortunately, there are some things you can do naturally to promote healthy restorative sleep. By following the simple suggestions above and taking a good quality supplement, you can enjoy rejuvenating sleep and wake the next day with extra spring in your step.