While eventually you might drift off, does the level of stress you experience through the day, either in short bursts or constant, affect the quality of sleep you get at night?
The short answer is yes.
Physical or emotional stress can be either acute or chronic. During stressful situations the body produces the hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol which, among other things, are designed to keep you alert to deal with the stressor. When this stress signal is constant and doesn’t shut off, the increased levels of these hormones make it very hard to fall asleep.
The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, are responsible for making and secreting these hormones, so in situations of ongoing stress which impacts sleep, supporting adrenal gland health can be beneficial in helpful to restore the healthy functioning of the release of these hormones.
Certain herbs and nutrients can be wonderful at supporting a healthy stress response in the body. Herbs such as Rhodiola, Ashwagandha and Licorice as well as the nutrients magnesium and tyrosine are all nourishing options.
Herbs of Gold Stress Ease contains a blend of herbs including Rhodiola, traditionally used in Western herbal medicine (WHM) as an adaptogen to relieve the symptoms of stress and fatigue. Stress Ease also features Ashwagandha, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support the nervous system and promote sleep. Finally, Herbs of Gold Stress Ease also contains Licorice, traditionally used in WHM to not only support adrenal gland health, but also maintain healthy adrenal gland function.
Magnesium has a reputation for being “the great relaxer” because it really is. It supports muscle health as well as nervous system function, an all-important part of helping you to wind down at bedtime. Magnesium can be useful when combined with sleep herbs, such as Passionflower and California poppy, as contained in Herbs of Gold Magnesium Night Plus. Passionflower and California poppy are herbs traditionally used in WHM as nervous system relaxants to induce sleep and relieve restlessness.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that not only supports a healthy stress response in the body but is also helpful in supporting both the health and function of the nervous system. Available as a nutrient either on its own or in combination with herbs, tyrosine is an often forgotten, but helpful nutrient in supporting stress. Herbs of Gold Tyrosine 1000.
Finally, the adrenal glands store some of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is an important part of getting adequate amounts of vitamin C from your diet to support the healthy functioning of your adrenal glands.
