Erin Stokes, Naturopathic Doctor, MegaFood Medical Director | Aug. 2020

If sleep is a challenge for you - trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough hours of sleep - you have lots of company in this area. Sleep problems rank 5th among the health issues individuals say they are personally affected by.^{Footnote 1} What’s more, lack of sleep impacts far more than just how you feel the next day - it affects almost every system in the body.^{Footnote 2}

While there are several healthy habits to promote restful sleep you can adopt, many people with sleep challenges also turn to botanicals and supplements to help support their much-needed rest. Here are three uniquely different supplement options that can promote relaxation and more restful sleep when you need it most.*

Falling asleep

1. Melatonin
“At sunset, your body’s internal clock sounds the alarm, telling [you] to secrete melatonin, signaling the body that it is dark. In response...you start to feel sleepy. As dawn begins to break, melatonin is suppressed...and you awaken. This biological process has been happening since the beginning of time. -Tieraona Low Dog, M.D. Fortify Your Life

Our internal clock is pretty amazing, right?  Well, unfortunately, our modern lifestyle does a lot to interrupt this natural process and discourage melatonin production. Harsh blue lights from our computer, TV, and phone screens are primary culprits, tricking us into thinking the sun is still high in the sky.

In addition to limiting blue-light at night, supplementing with melatonin can help us get our sleep cycle back on track. MegaFood melatonin gummies were crafted to support healthy sleep cycles.* We added in wild blueberries and tart cherry, both natural sources of phytonutrients, to impart color and a delicious berry taste with no added flavorings.* Speaking of things you won’t find in these gummies...no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or colors, or sugar-coating to speak of! They’re Non-GMO, vegan and have two grams of sugar per serving. And like all our supplements, you can rest assured these gummies are glyphosate residue free as well. Give yourself a break from hard-to-swallow tablets with these delicious (pre) bedtime, drop-shaped gummies.

2. Magnesium
Another culprit of elusive sleep can be tension. One simple way to help soothe muscule tension and support relaxation at bedtime is with magnesium.* Magnesium is an essential mineral ​for​ ​muscle​ ​function, and in addition to supporting an already healthy heart and nervous system, it also aids in muscle relaxation.* Can it be as simple as replacing a common mineral deficiency? For some of us, yes! According to Doctor Low Dog, “Government surveys show that roughly 50% of us don’t get the RDA for magnesium in our diet -- and many of us take medications...that can wipe out the magnesium we are getting” (Fortify Your Life 176).

These days, many people, myself included, are looking to alternative delivery forms in their supplements for ease and convenience. To meet that need, MegaFood now features magnesium options in both powder and chew forms. Relax and Calm* Magnesium Powders contain a gentle and highly absorbable magnesium combination* of malate, glycinate and citrate.* The powder delivers 300 mg of magnesium per serving and is offered in both Raspberry Lemonade and Blackberry Hibiscus Oasis flavors, so you can choose that suits you best! These powders blend easily with water and can be taken any time of day. Since magnesium supports muscle relaxation, I like taking my magnesium supplement in the evening before bed. If you prefer a chew, our grape MegaFood Relax + Calm* Magnesium Soft Chews contain 250 mg of a citrate and malate magnesium complex. The chews are vegetarian, free of gelatin and have 3 grams of sugar per serving. These good-tasting forms make it easier to remember to supplement your diet.

Staying asleep

3. Herbal Sleep
And last (but definitely not least!), we turn to plants for supporting restorative sleep and promoting a sense of calm.*  This is where Herbal Sleep gets it time to shine!*  Dr. Low Dog, M.D. personally formulated this blend of time-tested botanicals - valerian, ashwagandha, hops, and Passion Flower.* Productive sleep with premium herbs! Valerian and hops are included to promote restful sleep.*  Sensoril® Ashwagandha and Passion Flower help to release tension.*  This supplement is a melatonin free alternative, for people that are searching for another option. 

So choose the supplement (or supplements!) that’s right for your individual needs, and you’ll be on your way to the restful and restorative sleep you need!  
 

The effects of modern life can wreak havoc on restorative bodily processes, like sleep and relaxation. Our sleep and stress formulas can aid your body in achieving a greater sense of calm*- check out our full line!

If you’re interested in other ways to boost your energy, check out our full line of energy supplements to give your physical and mental wellness a boost while supporting overall wellness and performance.*
 

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¹ https://www.hartman-group.com/acumenPdfs/www_nutraceuticalsworld_com_issues_2017_05_view_trendsense_g.pdf ² https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Understanding-Sleep