By: Gretchen Fox Schempp, Wellness Manager
Sleep support is a huge category here in our Wellness department and a 30 billion dollar business overall. I can count on doing a few things every day. Talking to consumers about sleep is something I do multiple times on any given day in the Wellness aisle.
There are a lot of different ways folks struggle with sleep. Many have trouble unwinding, some just struggle to fall asleep, and very commonly people have troubles staying asleep.
There are many reasons sleep is so elusive to so many. The chattering mind, pain, season changes, hormonal changes, stress, and anxiety are just a few. Getting a grasp on what it is that may be preventing you from getting good sleep is a good first step in finding the support you may need.
Diet and lifestyle are always a great starting place with any disorder in life. If you are not eating nutritious food and getting some movement (where possible) it may help to look at these areas first. Eating too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and cause indigestion. Even exercising too close to your bedtime can be stimulating and can inhibit the ability to unwind. Computers, TVs, and electronic devices suppress the release of melatonin thus making it difficult to fall asleep. At least 30 minutes before bed turn those devices off and try some deep relaxing breathing or reading.
Supplemental Melatonin (the sleep hormone created by the pineal gland) can be supportive to healthy sleep patterns. If you suffer from sleep troubles as the seasons change or as a result of aging, melatonin is worth a try. Many people use it successfully to combat jet lag as well. Melatonin is not the end all for everyone though. You may have other factors playing into your inability to sleep well.
The busy mind is a common complaint as to why many have a hard time falling asleep. The amino acid L-theanine can be a great support to quieting the mind and reducing anxiety. L-theanine is naturally occurring in green tea and has the benefit of increasing dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Many benefit from its relaxing and mind calming effects. I love Source Naturals Theanine Serene product for days when my mind gets away from me. Green tea does contain caffeine so using a supplement may be preferable for sleep related purposes.
Many customers who wake in the night and have trouble getting back to sleep are liking Herbs Etc.’s Deep Sleep. This herbal combination is melatonin free and contains some stronger relaxing herbs such as valerian, oats, chamomile, and California poppy.
Rescue Sleep by Bach is a subtle flower essence combination containing a base of stress reducing Rescue Remedy with mind quieting White Chestnut flower essence. Flower Essence Solutions have a popular blend called Flora Sleep that in addition to flower essences has essential oils added.
For hormonal, relaxation, sleep, and mood support look to Winged brand products. This line has absolutely won my heart. Women-owned and formulated specifically for women, there are only a few products in the line: Relaxation, Happiness, and Sleepy. Softgels and gummies available.
Stop in and see a full selection of relaxation and sleep support products and talk to one of our educated staff!
