The stress-sleep connection: A complex interplay
Stress and sleep share a bidirectional relationship, each influencing the other in many ways. When we experience stress, whether it be due to work deadlines, financial worries, or relationship issues, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are essential for our survival in acute situations, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the body's stress response system, resulting in feelings of nervousness, irritability, and difficulty relaxing.
Consequently, the body's ability to unwind and transition into restful sleep becomes compromised. Elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. This, in turn, can lead to:
- Fatigue
- Poor cognitive function
- A weakened immune system
By adequately managing stress and supporting restful sleep, you can start feeling like your best self! Let us introduce you to Herbs of Gold Magnesium Night and Stress Ease, two golden formulas you can lean on for support.
Magnesium Night – for sleep support
A unique formula that addresses sleep and stress in one, containing nutrients and herbs such as:
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral involved in numerous physiological critical processes in the body, one of which is supporting healthy nervous system function and a healthy stress response in the body. A healthy nervous system fosters adapting to the challenges of life in a healthy manner.
Passionflower
A medicinally potent bloom that captivates the eyes, Passionflower fortuitously offers a dual therapeutic benefit. It is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine (WHM) to relieve restlessness and mild anxiety, states of being that can negatively impact sleep.
California poppy
Well-recognised for its alluring orange flowers, California poppy is special in that it’s traditionally used in WHM to induce sleep as well as pain, a factor that can often disturb sleep.
Stress Ease – for nurturing resilience
Stars of this comprehensive formula include:
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a highly valued medicinal plant that grows in quite harsh environments – think arctic and high altitudes. Just as it can thrive in inhospitable locations, Rhodiola offers similar benefits in times of difficulty, traditionally used in WHM as adaptogen, to relieve symptoms of stress and reduce feelings of tiredness.
Withania
The roots of the Withania plant are strongly medicinal, having long been used as a go-to herb in the face of stress. Withania is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote vitality as well as improve memory and cognition, plus supports energy production, many areas of health of which are negatively affected by stress.
Licorice
Besides its popular use in confectionary, Licorice makes a great ally to Rhodiola and Ashwagandha in this golden formula, having been traditionally used in WHM to support adrenal gland health. The body possesses two adrenal glands that sit atop each kidney, responsible for producing stress hormones. When we experience persistent stress, our adrenal glands may work overtime to deal with the stressor, and if under-supported, we may end up feeling fatigued and weak. That is why Licorice is a wonderful herbal option to consider in times of stress.
Now is the time to break free from your constant cycle of tension and poor sleep! By nurturing harmony between the mind and body, you will feel more empowered to reclaim your vitality and embrace each day with renewed energy and happiness.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
