Melatonin is a popular product many people are familiar with, but may not understand why it is so essential. Melatonin is often referred to as Sleep Hormone and is a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland, but many people do not know it is also produced by bacteria in the gut. Melatonin plays many…
One of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is poor sleep; individuals with AD wake up exhausted and become less refreshed as their symptoms progress. Until now it was not fully understood what this link was between restless nights and AD. New research has found that older individuals with less slow-wave sleep, the deep sleep…
As the day goes on neurotransmitters (nerve signaling chemicals) control whether we are asleep or we are awake. These neurotransmitters act on different neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Serotonin and Norenpinephrine are 2 chemicals that aid in keeping the brain awake and alert. Adenosine begins to accumulate in the brain the longer we are…
There are many nutraceuticals with evidence that reinforces their use for both relaxation and sleep support. Here is a summary of the clinical data and mechanisms for how they work to promote either sleep or relaxation: GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) For Sleep and Relaxation Support: The balance of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Glutamate, two neurotransmitters…
According to a new small study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found experiencing even one night of sleeplessness may lead to an immediate increase in beta-amyloid, a protein found in the brain and associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Beta-amyloid proteins clump to together to form amyloid plaques in people with this Alzheimer’s…
According to a new study published in Nature Communications, human red blood cells (RBCs) circadian rhythms may be regulated by Potassium. Concentrations of Potassium in RBC increased during the day and declined at night. These significant fluctuations in RBC Potassium levels followed the circadian rhythms. Pharmacological chemicals were used by researchers to either block or…
According to a new study, poor sleep quality was linked with composition of the gut microbiome and cognitive flexibility in healthy older adults. Low amounts of bacteria in the phyla Verrucomicrobia and Lentisphaerae, were associated with poor sleep quality as well as performance on specific cognitive tests. Stool samples were provided by study participants. Data…
Gaba Ingredient Shows Sleep Benefits: A new study finds GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) may aid people in falling asleep faster. Researchers also found longer, successive deep, non-REM, stages of sleep, known to be the most beneficial portion of the sleep cycle, with GABA supplementation. What is GABA? According to Web MD : GABA, technically an amino…