We all know that sleep is important, for our wellbeing and longevity. Esteemed sleep expert Matthew Walker has described sleep as a 'Swiss army knife for health'.
Time asleep isn't idle—it's during this sacred time that our body undergoes a wide range of restorative processes that affect every aspect of our health. Immune function, hormones, gut health, mental health, liver, thyroid—the list goes on—are all either supported by adequate and quality sleep, or disrupted by a lack thereof.
For better or worse, a myriad of diet and lifestyle factors all influence the quality and quantity of our sleep. Nutrients and herbs also play an influential role.
In this blog, we'll be exploring some key nutrients and herbs that can support the winding down of our minds and bodies to ease into a good night's sleep.
The key to a good sleep is facilitating the natural decline of our cortisol levels, allowing our nervous system to enter 'rest and digest' mode.
Herbs to Support Sleep
- Passion Flower: Passion flower boosts levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter.
- California Poppy: A known relaxant which also binds to and activates our calming GABA receptor sites.
- Tart Cherry: Tart cherry stimulates the production of melatonin—our sleepy time hormone.
- Chamomile: Chamomile contains a molecule called 'apigenin' which supports relaxation, and managing anxiety.
- Ginger Root: Ginger supports the gastrointestinal system by increasing hydrochloric (HCL) acid levels in stomach, reducing reflux and nausea at night time which can keep us awake.
- Lavender Powder Extract: Lavender works as an anxiolytic, encouraging relaxation and calm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Nutrients to Support Sleep
- Magnesium: Magnesium is a relaxing and calming mineral, especially soothing for our body and muscles.
- Zinc Picolinate & Vitamin B6: These nutrients support anxiety and stimulating melatonin pathways.
- L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid that can help to increase relaxation, and appears to improve sleep quality.
Clinically, we often see clients experiencing difficulties in getting to sleep, staying asleep, and waking up tired—even when they've had 8 or so hours sleep.
We have found that a range of herbs and nutrients can be incredibly supportive for winding down the brain and the body, in preparation for a night of quality rest. BePure Deep Sleep was born out of successful clinical usage of herbs for quality sleep support, and a want to share those benefits beyond clinic doors!
What's the difference between BePure Deep Sleep and BePure Magnesium Restore?
The magnesium bis-glycinate in BePure Magnesium Restore has primarily relaxing effects on our physical body. This makes it ideal for people who exercise a lot, and use up their magnesium supply, experience restless leg syndrome, or anyone who feels agitated when trying to go to sleep or finds it hard to generally to relax.
The herb and nutrient formula of BePure Deep Sleep is designed to help the brain wind down in time for sleep.
Taken together, BePure Deep Sleep and BePure Magnesium Restore are the ultimate duo to prepare for a night of quality, restorative sleep.