SLEEP

Lesser known then melatonin, Valerian root is a powerful sleep agent that acts by significantly reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. This wonderful plant acts on the receptors in the brain responsible for sleep, making them more functional and optimizing a proper REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep cycle.

Most likely found in the tea you drink at night, Chamomile works wonders for sleep. With its calming effects chamomile has been called a natural tranquilizer from its widely abundant antioxidant, apigenin. This property binds to the receptors in the brain that activate sleep and help you stay asleep.

Melatonin has become the most popular sleep supplement for its ability to help the body arrive to sleep. This hormone is released in the brain naturally when the body lacks sunlight. Some of us, however, are not able to produce the appropriate amount. So when melatonin is introduced to the body to help prepare for sleep, it lowers the body temperature and respiration rate to help reset the circadian rhythm. This signals the brain to start producing the natural hormone and settling down for the night.

Passionflower has commonly been used for decades to treat anxiety and insomnia. This calming flower is known for its effects on the brain, and its ability to increase levels of GABA in the brain, a chemical that lowers the activity of some brain cells resulting in a more calm and relaxed state of mind to ease the body into sleep, and sustain more hours of rapid eye movement sleep (REM). This herb has also been known to calm anxiety, ease menopausal symptoms, and treat pain.