On paper, the idea of being an insomniac could be appealing. Think about all the things you could get done if you didn’t sleep! In reality, sleeplessness is actually one of the worst feelings. If you’ve ever experienced it then you know all too well it can make you suffer because you DO want to sleep. You just can’t. So you float around in sleep purgatory – too tired to do anything productive and too awake to sail off into dreamland. The impact of that missed sleep is huge. Even if you do manage to lightly doze off for a bit, there’s no refreshment in the morning and you feel useless the next day
without copious amounts of caffeine. The body doesn’t respond well to missed sleep over time either. The underlying reasons for sleeplessness can vary, but if you examine your situation you may find there are some natural supplements that can help you. Three popular supplements for aiding sleep are melatonin, 5-htp and GABA.
Melatonin Benefits for Sleeplessness
Melatonin is the body’s regulating signal for sleep. It’s a hormone released based on circadian rhythms. So without any outside interference, melatonin levels would start to increase within the body as the sun went down and decrease in the morning when your body sensed the light of the sun. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that clearly in today’s always-on society. Light from TVs, computers and smartphones all confuse this primal reaction and disrupt the natural release of melatonin and the onset of a natural sleep cycle. Supplementing with melatonin will help restore some balance and get you back on natures clock. Taking as little as .3mg 30 minutes before bed can turn you into Rip Van Winkle.
5-HTP Benefits for Sleeplessness
Even if your body does decide to shut down for the day, your brain may not always be cooperative. It’s funny how lying down to go to sleep can prompt your brain to remind you of all the little things you need to remember or may have forgotten. The amino acid 5-HTP is a precursor to l-tryptophan (the infamous “sleepy chemical” in turkey) and serotonin, two naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that help relaxation. 5-HTP converts very efficiently, restoring balance to your brain and helping your mind slow down. Providing relief from sleeplessness is a core benefit of 5-HTP.
L-theanine Benefits for Sleeplessness
L-theanine is an amino acid occurring naturally in many teas and has been unknowingly used to achieve a calm zen-like state by monks for thousands of years. Lately, research has been piling up that shows the psychological and physiological benefits of theanine supplement in the areas of relaxation and calming. L-theanine changes your brain waves and helps you achieve an alpha state, which is the state of wakeful relaxation. Reaching an alpha state before bed helps you relax and provides a smooth transition to sleep.
If sleeplessness is a problem for you and you can’t seem to count enough sheep every night, consider one of the supplements above. These safe, natural products will leave you feeling well-rested in the morning.
