Sleep Peacefully! Supplements in the Fight for Healthy Sleep
Can’t fall asleep again and tossing and turning in bed? Reach for proven ways to deal with sleep troubles! We present our overview of supplements supporting falling asleep.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies insomnia as a lifestyle disease, similar to depression or diabetes. Research has shown that it affects up to half of the population.
Sleep problems can be caused by factors such as stress and may be short-term. However, if the problem persists for more than a month, deeper underlying causes should be explored. Hormonal imbalances, anxiety, or vitamin deficiencies could be contributing factors.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates our circadian rhythm. It plays a crucial role in immunity and body regeneration. Insomnia hinders daily functioning. The solution may be melatonin – a natural hormone regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
There are many sleep aids available on the market. The wide range of products makes it difficult to choose the right one. Leading the ranking of dietary supplements for good sleep is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in our brain. When the sun sets in the evening, the production of melatonin usually begins to rise. It binds to receptors in the brain to decrease neural activity and lower dopamine levels – a hormone that prevents falling asleep. In short, melatonin signals to the body that it is night and it can relax to fall asleep more easily. However, studies are inconclusive about whether melatonin can help treat insomnia with adults.
So what besides melatonin?
Magnesium and Zinc are among the most well-known supplements improving sleep quality. Magnesium has an anti-stress effect and acts as a tonic. We will feel its greatest effect especially in cases of deficiencies, as magnesium is one of the most deficient components of an average diet. Zinc, on the other hand, positively affects brain function and regulates hormonal balance, making sleep more efficient and allowing the body to regenerate much faster.
Sleep problems may also be influenced by a deficiency of vitamin B, mainly B3, B5, B6, B9, B12. They have a significant impact on the proper functioning of the nervous system and regulate the supply of tryptophan, which in turn affects the production of melatonin. It is also believed that a deficiency in vitamin E can result in insomnia.
Sleeping disorder has become one of the increasingly diagnosed conditions and is classified among lifestyle diseases. So it is worth taking care of ourselves from the inside and to ensure sleep quality.
