Smarter Sleeping 101

Archive for the ‘Supplement Facts’ Category

The following supplement is included in the SleepSmart complex.

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced within the body by the pineal gland. Melatonin is produced at night to help our bodies regulate our circadian rhythm, or our sleep and wake cycles. Very small amounts of melatonin are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

As we get older, the amount of melatonin produced by our body reduces which has led scientists to believe that this may be the reason why younger people have less of a problem sleeping than older people do.

That’s not to say that all young adults produce a sufficient amount of melatonin, many do not. In fact, many young adults suffer from a low production of melatonin, in part due to their exposure to light. Many young adults stay up late surfing the internet, watching tv, playing video games, etc. Sitting in front of a backlit screen or any kind of light (even a digital alarm clock) can disrupt the production of melatonin.

For these reasons, melatonin can be purchased OTC as a supplement.

Melatonin for Sleep

Melatonin supplements are herbal in nature and as such do not have any of the side effects that prescription and over the counter sleeping pills have. Research suggests that melatonin supplements make it easier to sleep and also ease the effects of jet lag.

Although research into Melatonin is still ongoing, it has been reported to make people feel better as well as strengthening the immune system and also reducing free radicals within the body. Studies are also being carried out to determine the effect of melatonin as an antioxidant. However, there is still much to be learned about melatonin and its effects on the human body.

For more info on Melatonin, visit Web MD.

Second only to water, tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. With the exception of a mushroom (eg, Xerocomus badius ) and certain species belonging to genus Camellia ( C. japonica and C. sasanqua ), L-theanine is a unique amino acid found only in the tea plant. L-theanine was approved in Japan in 1964 for unlimited use in all foods (including chocolates, soft drinks, herb teas), except infant foods. 

Clinical data
L-theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and most research has focused on its relaxing effect. Brain waves were measured in 50 high-anxiety and low-anxiety human volunteers after the oral administration of 50 to 200 mg of L-theanine. L-theanine promoted the generation of alpha-brain waves, an index of relaxation, and induced a relaxed but nondrowsy state in the volunteers.

L-Theanine is a key ingredient in the SleepSmart complex.  For further ingredients, please see our supplement facts page.

Passion flower is a flower plant found worldwide aside from Europe and Antarctica. Passiflora Incarnata, or Maypop, is a species of Passionflower (there are many) located primarily in the southeastern United States. It is a key ingredient in the SleepSmart complex.

There is a misconception that Passion flower gets its name for having qualities of an aphrodisiac. The name actually derives from the Passion of Christ on the cross. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish Christian missionaries discovered this flower and adopted its unique physical structures as symbols of Crucifixion. For example: the radial filaments which can number more than a hundred and vary from flower to flower represent the Crown of Thorns. The ten petals and sepals represent the ten faithful apostles. The top 3 stigmata represent the 3 nails and the lower 5 anthers represent the 5 wounds.

Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. It is non-addictive and promotes relaxation. The sedative effect of Passion flower has made it popular for treating a variety of ailments, including nervousness and insomnia. Research had indicated that passion flower has a complex activity on the central nervous system which is responsible for its overall tranquilizing effects.

Each week we will be outlining the benefits and potential side effects of an ingredient included int he SleepSmart complex. These entries will be taken from a credible source to ensure validity. This is solely for the benefit of our customers to learn more about what SleepSmart is and if it is right for them. This week’s Supplement Fact covers Valerian, a key ingredient in the SleepSmart complex.

From Web MD

What is valerian?

Valerian is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. It comes from the root of the valerian plant, found in areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Of the more than 200 known species of valerian, the Eurasian variety V. officinalis is the one people use most often as medicine. Valerian root is known for smelling like sweaty socks.

Valerian is sold as a dietary supplement and is available as an extract in powder or liquid form, as a dried herb in tea form, or in pills. As a sleep aid, valerian is most effective if you take it shortly before bedtime. For anxiety, you may take a dose 3 times or more during the day, including before bedtime.

People often use valerian in combination with other herbs, including St. John’s wort, passionflower, lemon balm, kava, and hops.

Valerian does not interfere with sleep cycles or with restful REM sleep.

What is valerian root used for?

People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Research shows valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day. As a sleep aid, valerian seems to be most effective for people who have trouble falling asleep and who consider themselves to be poor sleepers. It also has had good results for people who wake up during the night. Some studies show that valerian may provide quick relief for poor sleep; however, it may take 2 to 4 weeks of daily use to bring improved sleep for people with serious insomnia.

Is valerian root safe?

Side effects from valerian are rare but can include mild headache or stomach upset, abnormal heartbeats, and insomnia. Because of valerian’s calming effect, you should not take it at the same time as other calming medicines or antidepressants (or do so only under medical supervision). You also should not take valerian if you will be driving or need to be alert.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medication. A dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on how well it works.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

For more on Valerian - click here.