Stresses, strains and insomnia

Rachel

Stress and insomnia are inextricably linked; both can be the consequence of the other. They affect people at different times of the year and for different reasons, Stress is the result of a multitude of factors – turmoil, upheaval, worry, too busy and too much to do in the time available. When stressed both the mind and body are under strain so it is important to find ways to reduce the effects.

Nutritionist Gareth Zeal said there are many consequences of stress on a person's health. It ages the heart faster, can cause insomnia and can be a contributory factor to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It affects digestion by producing too much stomach acid so that when you eat there is not enough to digest the food.

Alternative remedies

Ginseng family is a good place to start

Magnesium or balancing blood sugar levels

A good multivitamin

Vitamin B Complex helps offset stress. B 3 particularly calms anxiety.

Passiflora for anxiety

Rhodiola rosea help restore the levels of serotonin which is the mood elevator.

Solgar have recently launched Theanine, as a replacement for ‘Kava Kava’, which helps to relax but remain alert. It can also be mood enhancing and help with panic attacks.

Insomnia affects our ability to function properly and can trigger a vicious cycle; the more exhausted, the more stressed which means you cannot relax and sleep at night. Insomnia can be caused by a range of things, caffeine being a main one also hot flushes in menopausal women. For those who wake up a lot, low blood sugar could be the cause. Sometimes insomnia is due to the inability to relax the mind, sleep is disrupted and not of a good quality, insomniacs think, they have not slept much.

Alternative remedies

Valerian – Latin 'valere' meaning strong or healthy. Taken at night and can be mixed with other herbs e.g. hops.

Passiflora – useful for coping with anxiety

Reduce caffeine intake.

5 – Hydroytryptophan (5 – HTP) – derived from l-tryptophan, activates the serotonin to initiate the calm and drowsy state needed for sleep.

Magnesium – which helps the blood sugar levels.

Use of essential oils for relaxation recommended by Sarah Watson, Sales and Marketing Manager at Natural by Nature Oils

Lavender is most popular and has a calming, relaxing quality which aids sleep.

A mixture of lavender, rose and bergamot oils in a bath.

Rose is soothing and an antidepressant

Bergamot is warming and helps with depression, anxiety and can encourage a good night's sleep.

Ginger and black pepper in a bath calm and relax.

Lavender, neroli and Moroc or Roman Chamomile in a vaporiser helps relax.

Juniper is useful for tension and stress

Marjoram, a warming oil can promote the feeling of comfort