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One of the Best Supplements to Help You Sleep
According to the Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep problems that interfere with their daily functioning. If you aren’t getting consistent sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. Getting high-quality sleep is essential to wellness. If you have healthy habits, such as avoiding caffeine later in the day and getting regular exercise, but still have problems falling asleep, a scientifically formulated and safe dietary supplement that promotes restful sleep may give you the relief you need. If you have difficulties turning off your brain before bedtime, you might consider taking Put Me To Sleep Naturally. Put Me To Sleep Naturally Supplement by BrainMD Put Me To Sleep Naturally is based on the most recent nutraceutical research on sleep onset, duration, and quality.* The body’s daily sleep phase is now recognized to be just as important for health as the awake phase.* Sleep is vital for mental and physical performance, as well as overall health and well-being. Why Do You Need It? Sleep deprivation has reached epidemic proportions.* The recommended daily sleep duration for adults is 7-8 hours, and children need more.* Sleep insufficiency is linked to weight problems, brain toxin buildup, blood sugar problems, and numerous other health problems.* This product is for anyone who may have difficulties falling or staying asleep.* Unlike many dietary supplements, its effects should be felt in just minutes – one-hour maximum.* What Makes It So Special? Melatonin is our main sleep hormone, made and released from the brain during the night. However, when used by itself, melatonin isn’t a magic bullet. This formula’s five additional ingredients substantially enhance melatonin’s actions, due to their own well-documented sleep benefits.* Another advantage of this formula is that it provides less melatonin with more benefits.* Many sleep supplements provide at least 3-5 mg of melatonin per serving, but this is more than twice what the brain produces during the whole night and can have adverse effects.* BrainMD has developed a lower melatonin dose that supports the brain’s natural 24-hour output of melatonin and doesn’t have the negative aftereffects of high-melatonin supplements.* Benefits of Put Me To Sleep Naturally This breakthrough supplement is based on the latest research.* It promotes stress recovery and restful, quality sleep.* Put Me To Sleep can improve your sleep by: Encouraging relaxation and recovery from the day’s stress* Rapidly calming the mind and body to transition into sleep* Promoting deep, sustained, and restorative sleep* What’s in Put Me To Sleep? This highly effective sleep supplement includes six potent ingredients that work in concert to help relax the mind and body in preparation for sleep.* The formula combines the hormone melatonin, the neurotransmitter GABA, the natural relaxant L-theanine, the neurotransmitter starter 5-HTP, the essential mineral magnesium, and vitamin B6.* These ingredients have a broad range of neurotransmitter actions in the brain.* They are carefully combined in this supplement to promote recovery from daily stress, calm and relaxation, and fully restful sleep.* 6 Ultra-Pure, High-potency Ingredients in Put Me To Sleep Melatonin - the master hormone for regulating the body’s sleep cycle, effective for improving sleep when taken by mouth* GABA - the brain’s major calming neurotransmitter that balances excitation versus inhibition and helps new nerve cells develop and mature* Magnesium - an essential mineral vital for brain activity, it protects the brain circuits against overload, helping to bring on sleep and improve sleep quality* Vitamin B6 - a vitamin crucial for the enzymes that produce melatonin, as well as GABA, serotonin, and other brain neurotransmitters* 5-HTP - an important starting molecule for the brain to produce not just serotonin, a regulatory neurotransmitter that enables quality sleep, but also melatonin* L-Theanine - a unique green tea amino acid and natural relaxant that can improve time to fall asleep, sleep duration, and sleep quality in children and adults* Put Me To Sleep Naturally FAQ How do I take Put Me To Sleep? One hour before your desired bedtime, chew 2 tablets and swallow with water. Some individuals will get the best sleep from up to 4 tablets per day.* Higher intakes may give more benefit but should be supervised by a nutritionally-informed physician.* Can children take this product? Children, especially those known to have difficulties with attention, behavior, and social communication, can be started at 1 tablet per 40 pounds of body weight and, if necessary, increased to 4 tablets per day, or more as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician.* Is this supplement okay to take during pregnancy? This supplement is NOT recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation.* Does this supplement contain sugar or artificial sweeteners? No. BrainMD is careful not to use sugars or artificial sweeteners. We use pure ingredients and follow all the U.S. Govt. regulations for current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).* What about allergens? This supplement is hypoallergenic. It is also free from corn, dairy, egg, gluten, nuts, soy, sugar, and yeast. It contains no artificial colorings or flavorings. It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Why is there so much magnesium in this product? Magnesium has a fundamental calming effect on brain activity.* It also can help relax the muscles to help the body transition into sleep.* The U.S. government just raised its recommended daily magnesium intake.* Is it possible to get hooked on this product? No. This natural dietary supplement isn’t habit-forming.* You may even find that it brings your sleep cycle into sync after 30-60 days.* I’m already taking Restful Sleep. Do I need this product? Put Me To Sleep is the next generation sleep supplement from BrainMD, developed in close collaboration with Amen Clinics’ sleep expert, Shane Creado, MD. It’s recommended that you try both products to see which one is more effective for you. This supplement was made in chewable tablets to accommodate the appropriate necessary dosages of the various ingredients and to ensure fast action.* It is pleasant tasting without an unpleasant aftertaste.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Put Me To Sleep Naturally and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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4 Strategies to Help You Overcome Insomnia & Other Sleep Monsters
Monsters are real. They’re invasive, relentless, and can make bedtime a scary time. These monsters aren’t grotesque figures hiding under the bed like the ones frequently portrayed in horror/thriller movies. They’re the real contributing factors to sleep disorders like insomnia, an epidemic that affects over 17 million Americans daily. Here are 4 types of Sleep Monsters you should seek to avoid: 4 Sleep Monsters that Are Stealing Your Sleep 1. Bad Habits Habits can be a major contributor to the quality of your life. What you do habitually is what makes you who you are as an individual. There are many common bad habits that may seriously hinder your ability to achieve quality sleep. Some of these bad habits include staying up late watching TV, playing video games or browsing the Internet and drinking caffeine or alcohol before going to bed. These habits will often lead to a visit from a second sleep monster… 2. Worry In order to sleep, your mind and body need to be able to enter a state of rest. Worrying keeps your mind active and thoughts racing, which can exhaust you and keep you awake. This can cause excessive stress and difficulties with mood regulation. Many people describe the feeling of being trapped inside their own heads while lying in bed and periodically checking the clock. Before they know it, the sun is coming up and they haven’t slept a wink. 3. Light/Seasonal The sun, and light, in general, are big factors that could be stealing your sleep. Sometimes the factors that keep you awake aren’t internal and are out of your control. For instance, environmental factors like location and time of year can cause an imbalance of how much sun you get, which may affect the quality of your sleep. Getting less sunlight during the day can reduce melatonin, the main sleep hormone. 4. Muscle Movements The last sleep monster is a physical one. The same way worrying can prevent your mind from attaining a state of calm, physical movement can also keep your mind from being able to turn off at night. Restless leg syndrome is one example of how muscle movements can lead to insomnia. The scary truth is that insomnia can lead to other serious problems. Sleep is critical to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of our lives. Without an adequate amount of sleep (it’s recommended you get 7 to 9 hours each night), you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. So how can you avoid these sleep monsters and overcome insomnia for good? BrainMD offers a comprehensive sleep course to help guide you through your sleep challenges. Learn More About How to Overcome Insomnia Many people treat insomnia or other sleep issues by taking prescription medications. In some cases, these medications are helpful and necessary. In other instances, they can be toxic, addictive, and create new problems. At BrainMD, we believe in finding the best solutions while taking the least toxic route possible. The Overcoming Insomnia course through Amen University can provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage your unique sleep challenges. In the 21 lessons included in this program, our sleep experts share their knowledge and provide guidance through the use of evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies to help facilitate the quality of sleep you need and deserve. These treatment options typically start with a foundation of knowledge. The information contained in the Overcoming Insomnia course will provide you with the knowledge you need to optimize your treatment. If you currently take prescription medications, our experts can help to ensure you’re not using any substances that can disrupt your sleep. If you already use calming strategies and natural supplements, this course will help guide you toward a natural treatment that will help you get a restful night’s sleep. What You Will Learn in the Course: Understand the essentials of proper sleep stages for our brain Identify possible contributing factors to insomnia and sleep issues How to practice evidence-based sleep strategies Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia How to maintain better sleep hygiene for the rest of your life Take action and start today with a free lesson from the Overcoming Insomnia course where Dr. Creado discusses what good sleep actually means and how it affects your health and well-being. Enroll in the Amen University: Overcoming Insomnia course today! Want a sneak peak of the course? Enjoy the first lesson for FREE when you sign up here.
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What Supplements Can Help Me Get Better Sleep?
How much sleep did you get last night? Though not the best conversation starter, that question is extremely important. And the ramifications of the answer can have far-reaching consequences for your overall health. According to the Institute of Medicine, (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have serious sleep problems, which can interfere with daily functioning. Unfortunately, sleep issues are progressively getting worse with the proliferation of gadgets and bad habits. Getting inadequate sleep has been associated with lowered brain efficiency, which can negatively affect your: Mental focus Mood Energy Weight Decision-making Anything that disrupts your natural sleep pattern, like excessive caffeine, alcohol or video game playing, can have adverse effects on your ability to effectively perform tasks at work, school or home. Insufficient and inconsistent sleep can increase irritability, moodiness and poor judgment. To remain at the top of your game, it’s recommended that you get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Get the Rest You Need Since sleep is one of the most important factors of brain health, BrainMD developed a selection of calming, relaxing, and sleep-inducing supplements that contain the best-utilized, ultra-pure nutrients and herbal ingredients to help you wind down at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re looking for a supplement to help you sleep through the night or just to help you fall asleep, our supplements are non-habit forming and will help you get better sleep. GABA Calming Support GABA Calming Support is a unique combination of clinically proven ingredients that can help you cope with restlessness, irritability and other challenges associated with occasional anxiety.* It contains ingredients that help your nerve cells respond better to GABA.* This formula can help calm your racing thoughts to help prepare you for sleep; it doesn’t cause drowsiness, so it’s safe to take during the day.* It includes: GABA – gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the body’s main calming neurotransmitter. It supports the body’s natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep. L-Theanine – working mainly by way of GABA receptors on nerve cells, this unique amino acid can have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – a member of the mint family that has been used as a medicinal herb for over 2000 years, lemon balm increases GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus. Magnesium – magnesium plays important roles in mind and body relaxation, the calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality. Research suggests that magnesium’s calming effects are enhanced by vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 – also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps the brain produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps promote relaxation and enhance your mood. GABA Calming Support can help facilitate the production of calming brain waves, correct stress-causing nutritional deficiencies, and promote relaxation.* Magnesium Chewables Magnesium is a mineral nutrient essential for over 300 enzymes and is fundamental to your health. Sadly, due to the Standard American Diet (SAD), magnesium is one of the minerals most people typically don’t get enough of in the foods they eat. BrainMD’s Magnesium Chewables are sugar-free and have a delicious citrus flavor. Each tablet provides 150 milligrams of magnesium, more than one-third of your daily requirement. These chewable vitamins include: Magnesium – the three magnesium compounds (magnesium citrate, magnesium malate, and magnesium glycinate) are pre-activated and ready for use by the brain and other organs. These magnesium compounds are well tolerated, safe to take long-term, and can be used by people of all ages. Magnesium Chewables tablets help your muscles and your mind relax, promote positive mood and calm, and help you get quality sleep.* Restful Sleep Restful Sleep contains the body’s own sleep hormone melatonin to get you to sleep and keep you asleep through the night.* It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing effect that can help ease you into a peaceful sleep.* These capsules include: Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 helps with the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, GABA), which need to be balanced for healthy sleep. Magnesium – sometimes called “the relaxation mineral,” magnesium plays an important role in energy production that helps with muscle relaxation, in lowering stress hormone production via the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary axis), and in enhancing GABA action to allow for sleep. Magnesium helps calm the mind and enhance overall sleep quality. GABA – GABA is the major neurotransmitter for inducing calm by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons. Valerian – an herb used traditionally for centuries for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, valerian contains GABA and may also work closely with brain GABA receptors to help calm brain activity. It supports deep, restful, quality sleep. Melatonin – melatonin is the hormone naturally produced by the brain to initiate sleep and carry you through your daily sleep/wake cycle. It promotes restful sleep and healthy sleep patterns. Restful Sleep eases you to sleep and helps you stay asleep all night so you can wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.* Serotonin Mood Support Taking BrainMD’s Serotonin Mood Support can help correct stress-related nutritional deficiencies, promote positive mood, and help curb emotional eating.* It can help you handle the ups and downs of life with more composure.* This formula supports important brain neurotransmitter systems that positively influence mood.* Its ingredients include: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – this nutrient is readily converted to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that is a major mood regulator. Serotonin circuits may also increase the activity of dopamine, also associated with positive mood. Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 is needed by the enzyme that converts 5-HTP to serotonin, as well as for making dopamine. It is also essential for the body to utilize proteins, fats and carbs. Methylfolate – methylfolate is the most active form of the folate vitamin, which is crucial for maintaining positive mood. Methylfolate is pre-activated folate and is better utilized than folic acid, which is a manufactured substance not found in nature. Methylfolate bypasses the common mutation called C677T, which folic acid cannot do. Vitamin B12 as Methyl-cobalamin – the body’s most readily-utilized vitamin B12, not cyano-cobalamin which contains toxic cyanide. This formula has sufficient methyl-B12, which backs up methylfolate in the brain and other organs, to ensure neurotransmitter balance favorable to healthy mood. Saffron – the world’s most expensive spice, saffron has a long history of being used to induce happiness and has consistently improved mood, stress, and other mental functions in many clinical trials. Lifestyle habits such as mind-body relaxation techniques, healthy dietary routines and daily use of Serotonin Mood Support, can work together to elevate mood and promote restful sleep.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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3 of the Best Ways to Get Quality Sleep
There’s a prevailing mindset among workaholic Americans that it’s socially acceptable to be sleep deprived. Many participate in work binges and settle for 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night, which simply isn’t an adequate amount of rest. According to the Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep problems that interfere with their daily functioning. If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of physical and mental issues. Risks of Sleep Deprivation Skimping on sleep can affect your health in more ways than you might imagine. Losing sleep has been associated with: Lower overall blood flow to the brain Negative effects on your cognition, mood, and memory Greater appetite linked to increases of the hunger hormone, ghrelin Loss of focus and willpower Low mood and occasional anxiety There are many bad habits that rob people of a good night’s sleep. Here’s how to fix a few of them… Avoid These 3 Common Sleep Stealers Move the Clock Instead of looking over at your alarm clock every time you toss and turn, move the clock so you can’t see it. If you wake up in the middle of the night, resist the urge to look at the clock. Checking the time can make you feel anxious, which will only make it harder to go back to sleep. When it comes to your alarm clock, “out of sight/out of mind” is really the best strategy. Tech-free Bedroom Establish a time when all devices in the household will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. It’s also a good idea to remove all electronics from your bedroom since they emit light that can stimulate the brain and keep you awake. A tech-free bedroom can also reduce the amount of electromagnetic frequencies your body absorbs. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may help you get quality sleep. Don't Drink and Sleep Even though it’s a nightly ritual for many people, drinking alcohol before bed doesn’t help you achieve deep sleep. Instead of drinking a glass of wine before bed to help you sleep, try a mixture of warm unsweetened almond milk, a teaspoon of vanilla (the real kind, not imitation), and a few drops of stevia. This may increase serotonin activity in your brain and help you sleep. Getting high-quality sleep is essential to wellness. If you have healthy habits, such as avoiding caffeine later in the day and getting regular exercise, but still have problems falling asleep, a scientifically formulated and safe dietary supplement that promotes restful sleep may give you the relief you need. If you have difficulties entering a relaxed state before bedtime, you might consider taking GABA. GABA Essentials Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that neurons (nerve cells) release to allow them to communicate with other neurons. The neurotransmitter most associated with calming effects in the brain is GABA. Research suggests increasing GABA activity in the brain can help improve mood and generally have calming effects. GABA also is fundamentally important for the healthy maturation of new nerve cells (neurogenesis) and for the overall development and maintenance of the brain. GABA has mild relaxation properties that support a balanced mood and restful sleep. Lower activity of this neurotransmitter in some brain regions has been linked to mood challenges, difficulties with self-control, and excessive worry. GABA Calming Support Taking BrainMD’s GABA Calming Support helps relax the body and mind, correct stress-related nutritional deficiencies, and generally promote calming brain activity to help you get quality sleep. It can help you handle the ups and downs of life with more composure. 5 Key Ingredients of GABA Calming Support GABA Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter produced across the brain and crucial for many aspects of brain renewal and self-regulation. GABA helps regulate excessive firing of neurons, which promotes a sense of calm. It supports the body’s other natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep. L-Theanine This unique amino acid is not incorporated into proteins and seems to help regulate GABA, dopamine and serotonin circuits. It is rapidly absorbed and quickly shifts the brain toward a predominance of alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation. Clinical research indicates l-theanine can have calming and relaxing effects while preserving mental focus. Lemon Balm Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family and has been used as a medicinal herb in Southern Europe and the Middle East for over 2000 years. Research suggests that it increases GABA activity in the brain as well as the activity of acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter that promotes mental focus. Magnesium Sometimes called the relaxation mineral, magnesium is profoundly important for practically all the body’s functions. It’s essential for making energy, some of which is necessary to prepare the body for sleep. It plays important roles in muscle relaxation, calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality. Vitamin B6 Also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps with the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GABA), which need to be balanced for healthy sleep. It helps promote relaxation and enhances your mood. GABA Calming Support FAQ How do I take GABA Calming Support? Adults can take 1 to 6 capsules daily with water, on an empty stomach. The dosage for children should be directed by a nutritionally informed physician. Can I use this product for sleep? Yes, GABA Calming Support can help you get to sleep. It enhances calm and helps allow you to unwind at the end of the day, which prepares you for healthy sleep. Will GABA Calming Support make me groggy during the day? No, GABA Calming Support is designed to help calm an overactive mind and promote relaxation in the body, while maintaining mental focus. It does not cause grogginess. Do I need to take this every day for it to work? If you have a greater need for mind and body relief, taking GABA Calming Support each day is highly recommended. If you only need occasional support, you can take it on an as-needed basis. What Others Are Saying More Relaxed “I have noticed that I am more relaxed in stressful situations. Also, I have been able to experience a higher quality in my sleep. I fall asleep faster without having those rolling thoughts before falling asleep.” -Vic Restful Sleep “In preparation for 3 month trip, my mind has been in hyper-drive. This has really helped me focus and turn off the anxious and planning mind so I can have a full night’s restful sleep.” -Pamela GABA Calming Support is a natural sleep aid that has helped countless people get quality sleep. For more information about GABA Calming Support and our full catalog of brain healthy supplements, please visit the online store at BrainMD.
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5 of the Best Natural Ways to Get Restful Sleep
If there was a free and easy way to improve your energy, mood and well-being, would you do it? Would it surprise you to learn that you already do it every night? Sleep is essential to your overall health and ability to function in life. But are you getting enough sleep? If not, it’s time to focus on your sleep as if it’s one of the most important things in your life…because it is! The Risks of Sleep Deprivation According to the Institute of Medicine, (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleeping problems which interfere with their daily routines. Unfortunately, sleep issues are only getting worse with the prevalence of busy schedules, devices, energy drinks, video games and Netflix. The list of reasons why people pass up a good night’s sleep is extensive. Skimping on sleep can negatively impact your health in more ways than you might imagine. Getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night has been associated with lower overall brain activity, which can adversely affect your: Weight Energy Mood Athletic, school, and job performance And most importantly, decision-making It should come as no surprise, then, that many sleep-deprived individuals struggle to maintain a healthy mood, memory, and lifestyle. When you miss out on sleep, your brain pays the price. The good news is that there are many ways to naturally improve the quality of your sleep. Here are just a few… 5 Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep 1. Write It Down The process of journaling gives stressful thoughts a place to live other than your brain. Once those concerns have been expressed, they often lose their intensity and urgency, which will allow you to relax mentally. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help release the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. 2. Energizing Exercise Although not an obvious choice when considering practical sleep aids, vigorous exercise can assist the body in establishing and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Physical activity boosts blood flow and with it the delivery of oxygen and other needed nutrients to the brain. It also stimulates neurogenesis, the ability of the brain to generate new brain cells, and neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt to challenges, self-regulate, and calm the body down in preparation for sleep. Helpful tip: since physical exertion late in the evening may energize you and keep you awake, don’t exercise within two hours of the time you go to sleep. 3. Turn Off the Tech It’s not unusual for parents to limit their kids’ TV or tablet time to help them calm down before bedtime, so why shouldn’t adults adopt the same rule? Establish a time when all devices in the household will be turned off for the remainder of the evening. It’s also a good idea to remove all electronics from your bedroom since they emit light that can stimulate the brain and keep you awake. A tech-free bedroom can also reduce electromagnetic frequencies, which might also interfere with your sleep. Creating a relaxing environment, free from the distractions of the outside world, may help facilitate better sleep. 4. Just Breathe Diaphragmatic breathing is an effective and simple method for overcoming stress and quieting your mind. It’s also ultra-convenient since it can be done anywhere, anytime. When you take shallow breaths, it limits the amount of oxygen that reaches your brain cells and reduces your overall brain function. Taking deep breaths relaxes your muscles, relieves tension, and helps your brain function better. Here’s where you can learn more about the basics of deep breathing. 5. Get Restful Sleep If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of issues.* When you fall behind on your sleep, blood flow to your brain decreases and you are much more likely to make bad decisions.* Scientists have discovered that the brain has a special waste management system that works to get rid of toxins while you sleep.* Without healthy sleep, the cleaning crew doesn’t have enough time to do its job and trash can build up, potentially causing brain fog and memory problems.* BrainMD’s Restful Sleep contains melatonin to help you get to sleep, sleep throughout the night, and wake up feeling rested.* It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian.* Together, these nutrients produce a soothing effect that can ease you into a peaceful sleep.* 5 Key Ingredients of Restful Sleep Restful Sleep uses a combination of nutrients that naturally support healthy regulation of your circadian rhythms, which promote quality sleep and reduce daytime fatigue.* Restful Sleep’s 5 ingredients can help you fall asleep, stay asleep and enjoy a better quality of sleep*: GABA Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter produced across the brain to naturally inhibit excessive firing of neurons, resulting in a sense of calm.* It supports the body’s other natural mechanisms for quieting the mind and gradually falling asleep.* Magnesium Sometimes called the relaxation mineral, magnesium is actually profoundly important for practically all the body’s functions.* It’s essential for making energy, some of which is necessary to prepare the body for sleep.* It plays important roles in muscle relaxation, calming of racing thoughts, and in promoting overall sleep quality.* Melatonin Melatonin is the main hormone the brain produces to naturally regulate the body’s 24-hour rhythms and sleep/wake cycle.* Staying up too late, working swing or graveyard shifts, traveling through time zones, taking certain medications, and the aging process itself, all can affect melatonin production and wreak havoc on your sleep.* Melatonin is central to all the body’s mechanisms for promoting restful sleep and healthy sleep patterns.* Valerian For centuries, the herb valerian has been used for its calming and sleep-inducing properties.* Valerian may work through the GABA receptors, which calm brain activity when activated.* It supports deep, restful, quality sleep.* Vitamin B6 Also known as pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate, vitamin B6 helps with the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GABA), which need to be balanced for healthy sleep.* It helps promote relaxation and enhances your mood.* Restful Sleep FAQ How do I take Restful Sleep? Start by taking one capsule 60 minutes prior to your desired bedtime, and if you’re not feeling drowsy after 30 minutes, take another one. A few individuals may find they need a third or even fourth capsule each night. If you think you might benefit from an even higher intake, consult a nutritionally informed physician. Will Restful Sleep make me feel groggy the next day? No. Restful Sleep is specially formulated to be safe and non-habit-forming.* It won’t make you wake up drowsy or irritable the next day.* Instead, you’ll feel awake and refreshed.* Will Restful Sleep work for children? Children aged 4 and older can benefit from this supplement. Start with one capsule then gradually increase, if necessary, up to a maximum of 4 caps per day. Can I take Restful Sleep if I’m nursing or pregnant? Restful Sleep isn’t recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant.* What Others Are Saying Works Great “I have trouble sleeping for a variety of reasons, but whenever I take this supplement I fall asleep easily with no groggy feeling the next morning.” -Jill Great Sleep Aid “I can sleep better than I have for many years. Prior to learning about Restful Sleep, I always woke up at night – and then had trouble falling asleep. Now, if I do wake up, I fall back asleep pretty quickly.” -David Restful Sleep has helped countless people get peaceful, quality rest and may be able to help you too. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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Learn How Natural Sleep Aids Can Improve Your Health
Are you getting enough sleep? Do you have difficulties turning your brain off at night? Do you have irregular sleeping patterns that leave you tired all the time? Do you have harmful habits that prevent you from getting to bed at a decent hour (like eating unhealthy snacks while binge-watching your favorite TV show)? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you’re not alone. According to research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep problems which interfere with their daily functioning. And it’s progressively getting worse with the proliferation of gadgets and bad habits. Risks of Sleep Deprivation Skimping on sleep can affect your health in more ways than you might imagine. Sleeping less than six hours a night is associated with: Lower overall blood flow to the brain Negative effects on your cognition, mood, and memory Greater appetite due to increases of the hormone ghrelin, known to affect obesity Loss of focus and willpower Low mood and occasional anxiety Sleep issues also may contribute to mental unbalances. People with lack of sleep are four times more likely to develop feelings of melancholy compared to those with healthy sleeping patterns. Benefits of Quality Sleep Sleep helps all the cells in the body repair and renew. It gives the brain a chance to wash away toxins that build up during the day and helps keep the nerve cell connections and pathways active and constantly self-renewing. Having high-quality sleep is essential to wellness. If you have healthy habits, such as avoiding caffeine later in the day and getting regular exercise, but still have problems falling asleep, a scientifically formulated and safe dietary supplement that promotes healthy sleep may give you the relief you need. The 4 Most Common Sleep Issues & Solutions 1. Too Wired to Sleep Perhaps you’re the life of the party who always seems to have an endless supply of energy. Or maybe you’re the kind of person who enjoys movie marathons or all-night video game binges. With so many exciting things to see and do, it can be a challenge to dial back the adrenaline and calm down long enough to fall asleep. Suggested Supplement: Restful Sleep If you aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, you’re setting yourself up for a host of issues. When you fall behind on your sleep blood flow to your brain decreases, and you are much more likely to make bad decisions. Scientists have discovered that the brain has a special “waste management system” that works to get rid of toxins while you sleep. This includes deposits thought to contribute to age-related memory issues. Without healthy sleep, the cleaning crew doesn’t have enough time to do their job and trash builds up, causing brain fog and memory problems. Restful Sleep contains melatonin to keep you asleep throughout the night. It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as magnesium, vitamin B6 and valerian. Together, these nutrients produce a soothing, sedative effect that helps ease you into a peaceful sleep and get a long uninterrupted period of rest. 2. Too Stressed to Sleep Maybe you have a looming deadline for a project at work or just remembered that you have a twelve-page paper due tomorrow for one of your classes. Or maybe you’re intently focused on a job promotion or simply enjoy working hard. Among workaholic Americans, there’s a prevailing mindset that it’s socially acceptable — and even a badge of honor — to get less rest. They may participate in work binges and settle for 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night, which simply isn’t an adequate amount of brain rest. Suggested Supplement: Everyday Stress Relief To stay healthy in today’s fast-paced world, you need to be more resilient to stress. Everyday Stress Relief replenishes your body’s levels of nutrients that can be depleted during times of excessive stress AND has herbal extracts clinically proven to have calming and antistress effects. This formula includes: Magnesium, a mineral important for calm, balanced and mentally focused demeanor. The vitamin-like nutrient taurine that has versatile benefits for electrical transmission in the brain and supports the adrenal glands which are crucial for coping with stress. Holy Basil, revered in the East for improving adaptation to occasional anxiety, feelings of exhaustion, forgetfulness and other problems related to stress. L-theanine from green tea reduces tension and promotes rest without diminishing alertness. Relora® is a unique mix of two herbs that can enhance healthy management of the stress hormone cortisol while easing anger, negative mood, and confusion. These well-studied nutrients and herbals support your body’s coping with stress on multiple levels. At the end of a stressful day, Everyday Stress Relief can help you stay calm so that you can drift off to a peaceful sleep. 3. Too Distressed to Sleep Perhaps you’re dealing with significant emotional issues like losing a job or a loved one. Or perhaps your life just hasn’t turned out quite as you’d planned. Repetitive or automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), can take their toll on you mentally and prevent you from getting consistent and quality sleep. Suggested Supplement: Serotonin Mood Support Our brain produces the naturally soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry and is involved in maintaining healthy mood and promoting feelings of calmness. Serotonin also can help control late-night appetite. This supplement is highly geared to promote serotonin activity in the brain. It contains 5-HTP, a nutrient that the brain can readily convert into serotonin on demand. It also contains saffron, the world's most expensive herbal with a long history of traditional use for "inducing happiness". Saffron has consistently improved mood in a number of clinical trials. Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for enzymes that make serotonin and other key transmitters. This formula also includes methylfolate, the pre-activated and most readily utilized form of the folate vitamin. Methylfolate is paired with methyl-vitamin B12 to help ensure the brain makes sufficient melatonin (our sleep hormone) AND has the biochemical tools for renewing and maintaining its almost-200 billion cells. Lifestyle habits such as daily exercise, consuming “smart” carbohydrates in moderation, and taking a dietary supplement like Serotonin Mood Support can work together to elevate mood, promote calm and facilitate sustained and deep sleep. 4. Too Worried to Sleep Do you get overwhelmed easily or have difficulty coping with new or challenging situations? Do you anticipate the worst and worry about every detail of your life… and the lives of your family and friends? If so, you might have a case of “monkey mind.” Monkey mind is a term used to refer to the chatter of worry, fear, and doubt that can be heard inside your head. Whether directed at yourself or others, monkey mind can rob you of joy, peace of mind, and a good night’s sleep. Suggested Supplement: GABA Calming Support Taming your anxious thoughts is integral to your happiness. When you’re calm and collected, you’re much less likely to overreact to the inevitable frustrations of life—and far more likely to think clearly and respond appropriately. If your hectic schedule is causing you too much aggravation, frustration, and irritability, take a deep breath and try GABA Calming Support. GABA Calming Support helps stimulate the production of calming brain waves which promote relaxation. This formula provides a generous allowance of authentic GABA, identical to the transmitter the brain makes. GABA is the brain's main calming transmitter. Vitamin B6 and magnesium facilitate GABA's transmitter actions while having calming effects of their own. Lemon balm is a European herb that likely helps the brain conserve GABA. Clinical studies indicate it improves mood, and feelings of calmness. Tips to Help You Establish a Healthier Sleep Routine In addition to nutritional support, here are 5 additional tips that can help you establish a healthy sleep routine: Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule Regardless of how much sleep you got the night before, go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends. Create a Restful Environment Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, not too hot or cold. Also, keep your room as dark as possible while sleeping. Use soothing nature sounds, soft music or even a fan to induce a relaxing mood that can lull you to sleep. Don’t Take Naps This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you experience extreme wakefulness. Daytime naps will disrupt your nighttime sleep cycle. Get Regular Exercise Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise not only boosts blood flow to transport nutrients to the brain, but it also stimulates the brain to make new cells and tune up existing cell networks that help the brain self-regulate and calm down. However, be careful about exercising within four hours of the time you go to bed; for some people, vigorous exercise late in the evening generates so much energy it can keep them awake. Write It Down Keeping a journal gives stressful thoughts a home, another place they can live instead of in your brain. Once those thoughts have been written down, they often lose their intensity and urgency, which will allow you to relax mentally. Writing in your journal 10 minutes before you go to bed can help release the stresses of the day and put you in a restful state of mind. Lack of sleep is hazardous to your health. Protect your sleep as if it were one of the most important things you ever do—because it is! These 4 supplements provide safe and clinically proven ingredients that help you cope with stress, relax, fend off negative thoughts and anxieties, and get that great night's sleep that your brain - and body - need. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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6 Tips For Beating Jet Lag While Traveling
Have you ever experienced disturbed sleep? Dangers of Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation has reached epidemic proportions. According to the authoritative Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research, as many as 70 million Americans have ongoing sleep problems¹ that interfere with their daily routines. The recommended daily sleep duration for adults is 7 to 9 hours, and children need more. Losing sleep has been associated with: Lower overall blood flow to the brain Negative effects on cognition,² mood, and memory Greater appetite linked to increases of the hunger hormone ghrelin Loss of focus and willpower Mood issues and occasional anxiety Have you ever experienced disturbed sleep, daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and functioning, or stomach problems following international travel or frequent flying? If so, then you were likely experiencing the symptoms of jet lag. What is Jet Lag? Also known as desynchronosis or time zone change syndrome, jet lag is a physiological disorder that disrupts your body's circadian rhythms. It occurs when you travel across two or more time zones which results in your body’s internal clock being out of sync with cues, such as light exposure and eating times, of the new time zone. The more time zones you cross, the worse the jet lag will be. Additionally, traveling from west to east is associated with more severe jet lag.³ It can take up to a full day for each time zone crossed for your body’s internal clock to adjust fully to the local time. Jet Lag Symptoms Symptoms of jet lag vary widely and can be affected by a variety of factors such as number of time zones crossed, age of the traveler, and general state of health. Typical symptoms of jet lag include: Headaches Lethargy Difficulty concentrating Sleep issues Loss of appetite Irritability Low mood Slight confusion Gastrointestinal disturbances Although you may not be able to eliminate jet lag entirely, you can greatly lessen its effects by following 6 simple strategies. 6 Simple Strategies to Prevent Jet Lag While Traveling 1. Stay Hydrated Dehydration reduces your body’s ability to produce melatonin, making it hard to both fall asleep and stay asleep when you want and need to. In addition, being dehydrated often makes the symptoms of jet lag much worse. It is recommended that you drink at least 84 ounces of water a day. 2. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine While it may be tempting to try a cocktail to get drowsy or caffeine to stay alert, these two beverages can contribute to dehydration (see #1) and negatively affect your sleep patterns. 3. Start Your Trip Well-rested Starting your trip out sleep-deprived can make the symptoms of jet lag worse. 4. Simulate Your New Schedule Before You Leave The long-standing recommendation is that if you are traveling east, move your bedtime earlier by 30 minutes per day for a few days prior to your trip and do the opposite if you are traveling west. Research has demonstrated that that changing your meals⁴ to match the time in your destination prior to your trip can help synchronize your internal body clock to help beat jet lag. 5. Establish Your New Routine One of the best ways to combat jet lag is to get in the rhythm of your destination the second you get off the plane. If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, resist the urge to nap and do your best to stay awake until the local nighttime. Your body may beg for sleep, but stand firm and force your body's transition to the local time. 6. Try Melatonin Melatonin is released by your body produced when it gets dark to let your brain know that it’s time for your body to sleep. You may find it very helpful to use a supplement containing melatonin to help you sleep at night when your body is finding it difficult to adjust to the new time zone. BrainMD’s Restful Sleep combines melatonin with four other ingredients to help you fall asleep, stay asleep and enjoy a better quality of sleep.* Restful Sleep Restful Sleep contains the body’s own sleep hormone, melatonin, to help you get you to sleep.* It also includes the calming neurotransmitter GABA, as well as the relaxing mineral magnesium, vitamin B6, and valerian, to help keep you asleep.* This nutritional-herbal combination produces a soothing effect that can help ease you into a peaceful sleep.* These capsules include: Melatonin – melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain to initiate sleep and promotes healthy sleep patterns.* Vitamin B6 – vitamin B6 helps with the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA), which need to be balanced for healthy sleep.* Magnesium – sometimes called “the relaxation mineral,” magnesium helps calm the mind and enhance overall sleep quality.* GABA – GABA is the brain’s major inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter, inducing calm by inhibiting excessive firing of neurons distributed throughout the brain.* Valerian – an herb used traditionally for centuries for its calming and sleep-inducing effects, valerian supports deep, restful, quality sleep.* Restful Sleep eases you to sleep and helps you stay asleep all night so you can wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.* Beating Jet Lag Traveling is so fun and fulfilling, even if it can be a bit exhausting. No matter how challenging, try your hardest to follow these 6 tips and you'll be living like a local in no time! At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen. References: ¹Colten, H. R., & Altevogt, B. M. (Eds.). (2006). Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation: An unmet public health problem. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11617 ²Csipo, T., Lipecz, A., Owens, C., Mukli, P., Perry, J. W., Tarantini, S., Balasubramanian, P., Nyúl-Tóth, Á., Yabluchanska, V., Sorond, F. A., Kellawan, J. M., Purebl, G., Sonntag, W. E., Csiszar, A., Ungvari, Z., & Yabluchanskiy, A. (2021). Sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance, alters task-associated cerebral blood flow and decreases cortical neurovascular coupling-related hemodynamic responses. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 20994. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00188-8 ³Choy, M., & Salbu, R. L. (2011). Jet lag: Current and potential therapies. P & T, 36(4), 221–224, 231. ⁴Ruscitto, C., & Ogden, J. (2017). The impact of an implementation intention to improve mealtimes and reduce jet lag in long-haul cabin crew. Psychology & Health, 32(1), 61–77. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1240174.
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What’s Keeping You Up At Night?
Did you know that getting less than seven hours of sleep a night has been associated with lower overall brain activity? It’s true! And this can negatively affect a whole range of issues such as weight, mood, memory, decision making, and more. In 1900, Americans averaged nine hours of sleep. According to a recent poll, Americans now average only six hours and forty minutes. The problem with this is that sleep deprivation causes lower activity in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes, affecting attention, judgment, impulse control, memory, and learning. Considering all of this, it is no surprise that sleep-deprived individuals struggle to maintain a healthy mood, memory, or body. Furthermore, in fascinating new research, scientists discovered that the brain has a special “waste management system” that works while you sleep to get rid of toxins. Without healthy sleep, the cleaning crew does not have enough time to do their job and trash build-ups, causing brain fog and memory problems. So what’s keeping YOU up at night? There seems to be an endless number of reasons why millions of us are missing out on a good night’s sleep. Here are some of the most common factors: A warm room Light in the bedroom Noise Gadgets by the bed Going to bed worried or angry Negative thoughts: ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) tend to run through our mind when it’s not focused on anything else. Being sedentary: While it is well-known that those who exercise will sleep better, new research indicates that being sedentary actually interferes with good sleep. Medications: Many disturb sleep, including asthma medications, antihistamines, cough medicines, anticonvulsants, and stimulants. Caffeine: Too much coffee, tea, chocolate, or even some herbal preparations—especially when consumed later in the day or at night—can disrupt sleep. Alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana: Although these compounds initially induce sleepiness for some people, they have the reverse effect as they wear off, which is why you may wake up several hours after you go to sleep. Snoring: It can wake you, your sleep mate, or everyone in the house if it is really loud. Sleep apnea: With this condition, you stop breathing for short periods of time throughout the night, which robs you of restful sleep and leaves you feeling sluggish, inattentive, and forgetful throughout the day. Stressful events: The death of a loved one, divorce, a major deadline at work, or an upcoming test can cause temporary sleep loss. Having high-quality sleep is essential to wellness, although for some it can be elusive. If you avoid sleep robbers and practice good sleep hygiene, but still have problems falling asleep, a natural supplement that supports sleep may give you the relief you need. BrainMD has several natural supplement formulas that contain ingredients shown in clinical studies to help relax your body, calm your mind, and facilitate sustained and deep sleep. We recommend GABA Calming Support to calm a wound up and worried mind, Restful Sleep to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, and Serotonin Mood Support for running ANTs.
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Ancient Wisdom to Help You Sleep
If you knew something that was essential to a brain-healthy life, gave you energy, improved your mood and decision making, and you could do it right from the comfort of your home, would you make sure you did it? Well, how much are you sleeping? Healthy sleep is absolutely essential to a brain-healthy life, but are you putting the effort into getting enough sleep? Protect your sleep as if it were one of the most important things you ever do—because it is! Sleep rejuvenates all the cells in your body, gives brain cells a chance to repair themselves, helps wash away toxins that build up during the day, and activates neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate due to inactivity. How Lack Of Sleep Effects Your Life Additionally, getting less than seven hours of sleep a night has been associated with lower overall brain activity, which can negatively affect your: Weight Energy Skin Mood Overall health Athletic, school, and job performance And most importantly, decision making Insomnia causes lower activity in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes – affecting attention, judgment, impulse control, memory, and learning. Considering all of this, it is no surprise that sleep-deprived individuals struggle to maintain a healthy mood, memory, or body. According to the Institute of Medicine, (US) Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research as many as 70 million Americans have chronic sleeping problems which interfere with their daily functioning. And it is progressively getting worse with the proliferation of gadgets and bad habits. What to Do About Poor Sleep So, what do you do when you are lying awake with a restless mind struggling to get sufficient, good-quality sleep? If you already do all the right things, such as getting regular exercise, eating right, avoiding caffeine later in the day, and practicing good sleep hygiene, but still struggle with sleep problems, a good nutritional supplement that supports your body’s natural relaxation response and healthy sleep cycle can make all the difference. One thing to consider is valerian (Valeriana officinalis, root), a well-recognized perennial plant native to Europe and Asia with anti-anxiety properties that is used as a mild tranquilizer, sedative, and muscle relaxant. The active ingredient of valerian comes from a foul-smelling oil produced in the root of the plant – many people describe it as smelling like moldy cheese or dirty socks! Despite its unappealing scent, people throughout history have still turned to valerian for its unique properties. The ancient Roman physician, Galen, wrote about the virtues of valerian; in the Middle Ages, medical literature used the term “All Heal” to describe the herb; and valerian has long been a staple of Chinese and Indian medicine. In the United States, valerian was commonly used prior to the development of modern pharmaceuticals. This centuries-old treatment for insomnia has also been helpful for symptoms of nervousness, stress, increased emotional reactivity, agitation, and pain. It has also been found to decrease seizure frequency in epileptic patients. Historically, valerian efficacy was thought to be primarily due to enhancement the activity of the calming neurotransmitter, GABA. More recent evidence supports its effect on adenosine and 5HT-5a– receptors which are located in a region of the brain involved in regulating the circadian system. Unlike prescriptions, valerian has a much lower potential for addiction and has been used to help people who are trying to decrease their use of prescription tranquilizers or sleeping pills. It is important to note that anyone using prescription sleeping pills or tranquilizers should decrease or stop their use only under the supervision of a physician. It may take two to three weeks to start feeling the effects of valerian, so it isn’t the best sleep aid for short-term use, such as when you have jet lag. It is better suited for long-term use and has been found to improve deep sleep, which leaves you feeling more rested in the morning. There are hundreds of different preparations of valerian available and these preparations vary remarkably in the amount of volatile oils they contain, the bioavailability of the preparation, as well as potential contaminants. Look for it as an ingredient in many sleep formula supplements and be sure to buy a brand you trust! Note: valerian should not be taken in combination with alcohol, barbiturates, or benzodiazepines, and it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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How To Protect Your Body From Stress
Do you ever feel stressed out? Kids, jobs, traffic, bills, relationship issues, parents aging, siblings fighting, not to mention the overwhelming amount of everyday responsibilities you need to keep track of…stress is more like a daily experience than an occasional event. Usually, people think of stress as bad…but really, stress is both good AND bad. Stress can motivate us (to study for an exam or pay our bills on time), it can protect us (we buy alarm systems for our homes, businesses or cars), and it can feed us (we go to work to put food on the table). However, too much stress is very bad for your brain and body, and unfortunately, too much of it can also kill you. By some estimates, as much as 80% of all disease and illness is initiated and aggravated by stress. In fact, left unchecked, chronic stress can have serious personal and social consequences, including: Health problems Low self-esteem Disability Family conflict Withdrawal from social activities Alcohol and substance abuse Legal and criminal problems Suicide So, what do you do if you are dealing with too much stress? Countless articles seem to offer the same advice: count to twenty, take deep breaths, envision yourself on a beach, and take some yoga. While these strategies can indeed help, for many, adding a supplement that supports a healthy response to the inevitable stress we all face can mean the difference between feeling overwhelmed and having peace of mind. That’s where basil comes in. That’s right – basil. But not the kind that makes food taste so wonderful…we’re talking holy basil. Never heard of it? You’re not alone, at least in the Western world. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is an Eastern herb, revered in Ayurvedic medicine as "The Queen of Herbs" for over 3,000 years. Known as an adaptogenic herb, holy basil enhances the body's natural protective response to physical and emotional stress. Adaptogenic herbs do not alter mood, but they help the body function at its optimal level during times of stress. Research demonstrates that they do this by modulating the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Long revered as a powerful antioxidant with demonstrated antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, the most compelling research data suggests that holy basil possesses its greatest potential in the areas of stress relief and relaxation. Considering the fast-paced world in which we live, these findings prove to be extremely significant. In a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, holy basil improved adaptation to problems associated with stress, including: Occasional anxiety Forgetfulness Decreased attention Feelings of exhaustion Sleep problems Holy basil is just one of the powerful and effective ingredients in BrainMD’s Everyday Stress Relief. This safe, non-sedating, and non-habit-forming formula combines holy basil with other well-studied herbs and nutrients that help support your body’s response to stress on multiple levels. While it's perfectly natural to feel stress if you need a little-added support to find some relief and peace of mind, give holy basil a try.
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Are You Severely Sleep Deprived?
You have been staring at the ceiling for hours now. The more you think about needing to fall asleep, the more you toss and turn, and all those ANTs start circling. When you wake up the next morning feeling exhausted or defeated, it’s the right time to create a healthier sleep life. Extreme Sleep Deprivation Directly Affects Your Health Many workaholic Americans have an emerging mindset that it's socially acceptable – even mandatory – to get less rest. They may participate in “work binges” and settle for 4-5 hours of sleep per night. That is just not an adequate amount of brain rest for most of us. Truth is, extreme sleeplessness can potentially triple the risk of death from all causes, and is associated with cognitive decline, says Daniel G. Amen, MD in Change Your Brain Change Your Life. Sleeping less than six hours has also been associated with: Lower overall blood flow to the brain Hindering your mood, focus, and memory for days after Increase of appetite, which increases risk for unwanted weight gain Low mood or feelings of anxiousness Loss of motivation and willpower Holistic Treatments for More Soothing Slumbers As this harmful cycle continues, asking your doctor for sleep medication may sound like the only option. However, at Amen Clinics we look at a healthy sleep regimen in a holistic manner, integrating natural healing therapies with the sleeping medications people may already be on. Helpful, night-time supplements can make a difference to your quality of life. They often contain melatonin, GABA (a calming neurotransmitter), magnesium, vitamin B6 and herbal valerian root, used for centuries as a sleeping supplement. Invest in Your Rest – You Deserve It Try these healthy habits alongside a night-time supplement to ensure quality rest and a healthy lifestyle change. Exercise early in the day to increase blood flow to the muscles and your brain as a natural, calming stress reliever Limit caffeine consumption to early afternoon, this gives your body time to wind down Zap all your ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) Limit technology before bedtime, pick up a book instead Meditate for 10 minutes before you hit the sack Free yourself from alcohol and drugs that interfere with optimal sleeping patterns. Learn how to become a real Brain Warrior. Hear more about how to solve your sleeping struggles on one of Amen Clinic's Facebook Live Chats.
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Serotonin, Are You Getting Enough?
Brighten your mood and sidestep negative thoughts with serotonin and nutrients that can help promote calmness, satiation, and a more positive attitude. The human brain naturally produces a soothing neurotransmitter called serotonin, from before your birth and throughout your life. Serotonin plays many important roles in the brain’s biochemistry, and it’s intimately involved in sleeping, maintaining an upbeat mood, self-confidence, even supporting healthy appetite and social engagement. Are You Making Enough Serotonin Naturally? Here’s the thing, though: All-too many people don’t produce enough of this healthy property to experience the calming, positive effects. Plus, a deficiency may potentially affect depression and mood swings. Since serotonin also interacts in your intestinal tract, too-little of this chemical is closely associated with changes in gut health, body temperature and appetite. 8 Signs of Serotonin Deficiency Poor cognitive functioning Carbohydrate cravings and binge eating Constipation and digestive disorders Sleep problems and insomnia Feeling overwhelmed and unhappy Headaches Ringing in the ears Anger and irritability People who struggle with their moods often have very low levels of serotonin, says Daniel G. Amen, MD. Yet, serotonin can be increased in the brain (and body) by eating the proper foods and/or supplementing your diet. Interestingly, he says certain nutrients can help metabolize and help utilize serotonin most efficiently. Some of these nutrients include magnesium, zinc, folic acid, fish oils, vitamins C and B6. Always ask your doctor about supplementing, especially if you have a chronic condition and take medication every day. Also, it is possible (though rare) to have too much serotonin, but that usually occurs when people mix over-the-counter supplements with prescription drugs. Be sure to communicate with your health practitioner. Balancing your serotonin levels may help minimize emotional overeating and sleeplessness. Our effective Serotonin Mood Support can also help brighten your mood and possibly fight off cravings, bad moods and daily anxiety.
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