Sleep is essential for our mental, emotional and physical health. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough of it which can lead to various health issues.
To celebrate World Sleep Day on March 17th, let’s look at its health benefits and how we can support our bodies in getting a good night’s sleep.
Why Sleep Is Essential For Good Health
Sleep is essential for recharging our bodies and ensuring a refreshed start to the day, but it also plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being.
Delving into the numerous health benefits of sound slumber, it promotes a robust immune system, which equips us to ward off viruses, infections, and other illnesses.
An uninterrupted and deep sleep works wonders in reducing stress levels, as it lowers the production of stress hormones and allows our body and mind to relax.
Moreover, adequate sleep fosters mental clarity and sharpens our memory, ultimately empowering us to navigate daily tasks and challenges more efficiently.
Furthermore, resting our bodies by getting ample sleep keeps us at bay from the risk of developing chronic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Embracing the warmth and solace of a peaceful slumber is highly recommended for our mental and physical well-being.
Health Tips To Support A Good Night’s Sleep
Let’s start with the basics. You should get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night to give your body the rest it needs.
That may sound impossible if you’re used to getting by on much less, but some simple lifestyle tips can help make it happen.
1. The first is to limit phone and laptop use before bedtime – the blue light emitted from screens can disrupt your circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep when your head hits the pillow. Instead, dim your lights in the evening and relax by reading a book or listening to calming music.
2. Try a warm bath with Magnesium Flakes or rubbing Magnesium Lotion onto the skin to help your body relax before bed.
3. Try adding essential oils such as Lavender Oil onto your pillow at night to relax your senses and to support a good night’s sleep.
You may also want to consider the following nutrients…
L-Tryptophan
Certain nutrients can play an essential role in helping you to unwind and relax for a restful night’s sleep. L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can significantly contribute to the production of serotonin. This neurotransmitter regulates our mood and sleep cycles, helping us to maintain a sense of tranquillity. [1]
L-Theanine
Another ally in our quest for relaxation, L-Theanine, has been shown to promote the generation of alpha brain waves, allowing us to experience a state of alert yet calm focus, ideal for falling into a peaceful sleep. [2]
B-Vitamins
B-Vitamins, found in foods like whole grains and leafy greens, are essential for numerous bodily functions, including melatonin synthesis. This hormone tells our bodies it’s time for bed.
Taking a nutritional supplement with Vitamin B6 can help to regulate the body’s serotonin and melatonin levels, supporting your general relaxation and making you feel more rested. [3]
Organic Minerals
Organic minerals have been buzzing in the health and wellness sphere for quite some time now, and for a good reason. Natural sources of essential minerals such as organic Selenium, Zinc, Manganese, and Copper can offer an array of health benefits, and one area that is frequently overlooked is sleep quality.
Giving our bodies consistent access to these earth-derived minerals can profoundly enhance our sleep patterns. Organic Selenium, for instance, plays a vital role in regulating sleep-wake cycles by supporting the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Similarly, Zinc contributes to the proper functioning of the central nervous system and can help combat insomnia. [4]
Manganese, another vital ally to our sleeping patterns, is directly involved in producing neurotransmitters that facilitate relaxation and can help improve REM sleep. [5]
Lastly, Copper has been observed to benefit sleep duration, enabling the body to reach a state of tranquillity needed to feel rested and rejuvenated. [6]
Transdermal Magnesium
Let’s not forget Transdermal Magnesium, which has been gaining attention lately for its ability to bypass the digestive system and absorb directly through the skin, helping to alleviate muscle tension and potentially contributing to a deeper, more restorative sleep. [7]
Embracing these nutrients as part of your daily routine increases your relaxation and overall well-being, ultimately leading to better sleep and a refreshed, rejuvenated you.
In Conclusion
This World Sleep Day, let’s commit ourselves to supporting our bodies with healthy lifestyle habits, such as limiting screen time before bedtime and eating nutrient-rich foods that promote relaxation while also considering supplementation where necessary.
With these helpful tips, we can ensure we’re giving ourselves the best chance at getting enough restful sleep – and feeling our best every day!
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728667/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
[3] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0031512518770326
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703747/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124201682000314
Recommended Examples
Relaxwell® – A unique formula of L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine, Vitamin B3 and B6 to support stress relief, sleep and relaxation. Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. 90 capsules. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Pure Concentrated Organic Minerals™ Capsules with Fulvic Acid – These minerals may help promote more sound and restful sleep, while helping maintain energy throughout the day. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Ancient Magnesium Lotion Ultra – 100% natural Magnesium Oil with OptiMSM, the world’s purest MSM, for enhanced absorption. It provides Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, and other ingredients. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. Recommended for relaxation and meeting your daily magnesium requirements of this essential mineral. 200ml. Available from Good Health Naturally.
