Did you know there are natural sleep aids? This ones my favourite!
I’ve used so many over the years but I consistently have good results with a combination formula. I like how this one combines nutritional supplements like GABA and melatonin with sedative herbs like passionflower and valerian It works well for a lot of people because it targets different pathways and takes out some of the guesswork since we’re not using single herbs one at a time. There’s also a synergistic benefit of using the ingredients together.
Passion flower is used traditional medicine for insomnia. Its shown to be more effective in combination with valerian and other sedative herbs. Passionflower works on the parasympathetic nervous system to increase an inhibitory neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA has a calming effect. In recent studies we’re seeing passionflower to have a positive effect on sleep patterns. It significantly increases slow-wave (deep) wave and helps us to fall asleep more quickly. One animal study found that passionflower reduced the time it took to fall asleep and increased duration of sleep.
GABA is a neurotransmitter produced in the brain. 🧠GABA has a calming, relaxing effect. We produce more GABA when we’re feeling calm, meditating or listening to soothing music🧘♀️. Taken as a supplement this can help induce sleep and reduce anxiety.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body with the highest levels being produced at night.Taken as a supplement melatonin can help us fall asleep faster and keep us asleep longer with a deeper more restful sleep. Melatonin’s main job is to regualte the sleep-wake cycle.
Darkness allows the body to produce more melatonin and prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin and with more artificial lighting and shift work our sleep cycles are prone to disruption. Using melatonin as a supplement encourages the body to maintain optimal levels.
Good sleep plays a huge part in your well being, tell your naturopath if you’re having trouble sleeping.
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