What Helps Insomnia

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain’s pineal gland. It works with your body’s circadian rhythm, as well as, regulates body temperature, blood pressure and hormone levels. Production naturally decreases with age. Melatonin is commonly used as a treatment for sleep disorders including jet lag and insomnia.

Valerian is a tall, flowering grassland plant, Valeriana officinalis, native to Europe and Asia. Its roots and rhizomes have been used since the ancient Greeks and Romans to treat anxiety and insomnia. By increasing gamma-Aminobutyric acid levels, also known as GABA, Valerian has a calming effect and is used in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches and menstrual symptoms.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the human body absorbed through foods including nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts), beans (black beans, edamame) and vegetables (spinach, potatoes). It is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body helping maintain nerve and muscle function, a healthy immune system, blood glucose levels, as well as, aiding in energy and protein production.

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, is a bushy, flowering plant in the mint family native to North Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Named from the Latin verb “lavare” meaning “to wash”, Lavender dates back to the ancient Egyptians. Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used as a food flavoring, fragrance, aroma therapy, topically as an antiseptic, and orally to treat anxiety, digestion and digestive symptoms.

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound in the Cannabid sativa L plant, commonly known as hemp. Originating in Central Asia, hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years.  CBD is non-psychoactive and has been used to treat conditions ranging from chronic pain and anxiety to autoimmune and skin diseases.

5-HTP, abbreviated from 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a chemical produced by the body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan is naturally occurring in foods including seeds (pumpkin, chia, sesame, sunflower), dairy (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar), meat (beef, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey), fish (halibut, salmon, trout, snapper) and grain (oats, buckwheat).  5-HTP is attributed to increasing the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, appetite, sexual behavior and pain, while promoting feelings of well being. As a supplement, 5-HTP is produced from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, a woody, climbing shrub native to Africa.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psychotherapy centered on bringing awareness to inaccurate or negative thinking, therefore altering behavioral patterns. In addition to helping individuals manage stressful situations, CBT is used in the treatment of mental health disorders including depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family native to Europe. Fragrant and adored by bees, it was named melisophyllon by the Ancient Greeks, loosely translated as “honeybee leaf”. The Romans named it apiastrum or simply “bee“.  Medically prescribed since the Middle Ages for stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, gastro-intestional discomfort and pain, Lemon Balm is used today for its calming effects and to treat cold sores.

Meditation is a set of techniques encouraging a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. Originating in ancient Asia, it migrated worldwide in the 20th century in the form of a religious practice. Due to its calming and relaxing effects, Meditation is used in the treatment of stress, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, pain and other mental health conditions.