Natural herbal extraxts Valerian and Lemon Balm are known in folk medicine as calming herbs for stress and sleep disorders. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) plays a role prior to and during first sleep stage, when the body needs to feel calm, relaxed, and drowsy in order to move to second sleep stage. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a herb that has traditionally been used for a variety of cognitive purposes, most of which are centered around improving cognition and reducing stress and anxiety.
Magnesium is a well known muscle relaxant and inducer of the deeper sleep. Magnesium contributes to normal psychological functions, nervous system function, energy metabolism and electrolyte balance.
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy exchange, physical functions and normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity - it aids in the production of the hormones serotonin and melatonin, both of which are important to sound, restful sleep, and also to mood.
L-Theanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in tea leaves. L-theanine can positively impact the key neurotransmitters (brain chemical messengers) involved with stress, sleep, mood, focus, and memory. L-theanine helps establish balance in the neurotransmitter system, resulting in improvements in the mental/emotional and physical disturbances resulting from being overly stressed.
Melatonin is a hormone that the brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of circadian rhythms (natural, internal process that regulates the sleep–wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours) and with sleep. Melatonin shortens the time to fall asleep (beneficial effect occurs when 1 mg of melatonin is consumed just before bedtime). Melatonin also alleviates subjective complaints of jet lag fatigue (the beneficial effect is achieved with a minimum dose of 0.5 g, which must be taken before going to bed on the first day of travel and a few days after arrival at the destination).
The importance of sleep for our body - When we sleep, important physical and mental processes are carried out. The body rests, conserving energy and decreasing blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body temperature. Central nervous system is the main information highway of our body. Sleep is necessary to keep it functioning properly. During sleep, pathways form between nerve cells (neurons) in our brain that help us remember new information we’ve learned. Sleep deprivation leaves the brain exhausted, so it can’t perform its duties as well.
Some suggestions for improving sleep:
Try to refrain from caffeine and energy drinks past noon or at least a few hours prior to bedtime.
Stick to your bedtime schedule - go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time every morning.
Do relaxing activities such as reading, meditating or taking a bath. Try to reduce screen time.
Do not train close to bedtime. Regular exercise is necessary, but if possible, avoid exercising a few hours before bedtime.
Maintain comfortable temperature settings and low light levels in the bedroom.
Reduce alcohol intake.
What could sleep deprivation cause?
It drains the mental abilities and emotional state
We may feel more impatient or prone to mood swings.
Difficult to concentrate or learn new things.
Increased risk of chronic conditions.
Nervous system disorders.
Longer recovery period from illness.