Sleep is vital to good health, but unfortunately, many Americans have trouble sleeping. Experts suggest that about half of all adult Americans suffer from some degree of insomnia, and about one-third suffer from life-disrupting insomnia. This lack of sleep affects our mood, metabolism, and even our immune system. It also makes us less efficient in our work and increases our risk of accidents and injuries.
This month's Sunshine Sharing features herbal formulas and supplements that can aid sleep. These products should be used along with other lifestyle changes to aid a good night's sleep. These practices include avoiding the use of stimulants in the late afternoon and evening, refraining from using computers, cell phones, and TVs for an hour before bedtime, and either darkening the room or wearing a sleep mask. It also helps to set a regular bedtime and wake-up time as this allows the body to develop the habit of regular sleep.
Melatonin is naturally produced in the pineal gland at the base of the brain. This hormone is essential to three common and important elements of life, namely: energy, sleep, and aging. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland from serotonin. When it gets dark, the pineal gland, which is sensitive to light, begins to convert the neurotransmitter serotonin into the hormone melatonin.
Melatonin helps us get a normal night’s sleep so we can wake up refreshed, alert, and energized. It also benefits…
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Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the brain from the amino acid l-tryptophan. Serotonin helps elevate mood, promote restful sleep, and reduce cravings for carbohydrates. It also enhanced intestinal motility. Many antidepressant drugs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, work by increasing the effect of serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake. This causes the serotonin produced by the body to have a more lasting effect.
To produce serotonin, the amino acid tryptophan is first converted into 5-hydroxy-tryptophan…
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One of the most important things we can do to cope with stressful times in our lives is to get a good night’s sleep. Deep sleep helps the body heal and gives it time to balance itself to prepare for another day.Unfortunately, stress often deprives us of the restful sleep we need by making us tense and unable to relax. An Herbal Sleep Aid Formula will help calm the nervous system so we can relax and fall asleep. It can help relax muscle tension and may be helpful for some aches and pains, including…
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GABA (Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid) is an amino acid that acts as a major calming neurotransmitter in the brain. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it inhibits the overactivity of nerve cells in the brain. Many people with anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and other brain disorders do not manufacture sufficient levels of GABA.GABA plays a critical role in normalizing the nervous system. In fact, it is estimated that 40% of the synapses in the human brain utilize GABA. Proper levels of this…
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