Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts

Saturday 8 June 2024

Foods and Herbs to Help Prevent Insomnia: Natural Remedies for a Restful Night

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a frustrating and exhausting experience, leading to difficulties in concentration, mood disturbances, and overall poor health. 

While there are various treatments available, including medication and therapy, many people prefer to explore natural remedies first. This blog post will delve into foods and herbs that can help prevent insomnia, promoting better sleep naturally.

Foods That Promote Better Sleep

Certain foods contain nutrients and compounds that can encourage a more restful night's sleep. Here are some of the top sleep-promoting foods to consider incorporating into your diet:

Almonds:

Almonds are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in sleep regulation. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with sleep.

Kiwi:

Kiwis are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are packed with vitamins C and K, and studies have shown that consuming kiwi can improve sleep onset, duration, and efficiency.

Chamomile Tea:

Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea is a popular natural remedy for insomnia. It contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, promoting sleepiness and reducing anxiety.

Turkey:

Turkey is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that increases the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Consuming turkey can help you fall asleep more easily and improve sleep quality.

Fatty Fish:

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both of which have been linked to better sleep. These nutrients help regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in sleep regulation.

Walnuts:

Walnuts contain melatonin, serotonin, and magnesium, making them a great choice for promoting sleep. Eating a handful of walnuts before bed can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

Rice:

Consuming foods with a high glycaemic index, such as white rice, a few hours before bed can help improve sleep quality. High-GI foods increase the production of tryptophan, which is then converted into serotonin and melatonin.

Herbs That Help Prevent Insomnia

In addition to sleep-promoting foods, certain herbs have been traditionally used to combat insomnia. Here are some effective herbs to consider:

Valerian Root:

Valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. It is believed to increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep.

Lavender:

Lavender is well-known for its soothing scent, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser, apply it topically, or use lavender sachets in your pillow.

Passionflower:

Passionflower is another herb that can increase GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep. It can be consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form.

Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress. It has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms by regulating the body's stress response.

Lemon Balm:

Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has calming effects that can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep. It can be enjoyed as a tea or taken as a supplement.

Peppermint:

Peppermint has muscle relaxant properties that can help with sleep. Drinking peppermint tea before bed can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to drift off to sleep.

Conclusion

Insomnia can significantly impact your quality of life, but natural remedies like sleep-promoting foods and herbs can offer a gentle and effective solution. By incorporating these foods and herbs into your daily routine, you can support your body's natural sleep mechanisms and enjoy more restful nights. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet. Here's to sweet dreams and restful nights!

Monday 26 June 2023

Goodrays Reports Growth of 1,491% as Waitrose Expands CBD Range

Waitrose supermarkets are taking four new products this month (June) which Goodrays predicts will contribute to the brand tripling its revenue over this next financial year.

A four flavour mixed pack will be sold exclusively through Waitrose as a permanent SKU, RRP £7.50. It contains 250ml cans of Elderflower & Yuzu, Blood Orange & Grapefruit, Raspberry & Guava and Passionfruit & Pomelo. It is completely plastic-free, vegan and low calorie, and each can contains a market-leading 30mg of CBD.

Waitrose has also taken CBD Zen Drops and CBD Night Drops Oil and 'anytime' CBD Gummies. CBD Oils, as recent research by Goodrays shows, are currently the most popular way for the UK to consume CBD. 

Goodways Head of Marketing Henry Colyer said: “For Waitrose to have taken on our whole range is game-changing for us - it supports our brand mission to educate on the benefits of CBD and provide daily calm and clarity to people all over the UK. We are excited to have launched the mixed four pack of our delicious flavours - just in time for the festival and summer party season in the UK. Our fully recyclable pack allows you to enjoy relaxation without the toxification. 

"Goodrays is the perfect alternative to a four pack of beer or cider when you want to take a break and achieve a bit of balance. Waitrose now offers an option for multiple moments of the customer's daily routine, thanks to our oils designed for day and night, and tasty gummies that can be enjoyed when needed.”

Goodrays recent research of 2000 CBD users showed that the most popular way to consume CBD is:

Oils and Tinctures (54% reported this was their preferred way to consume CBD)

Drinks (40%)

Gummies (32%)

Coffee (26%)

Balm (24%)

Other (6%)

Goodrays now has a team of ten and is based in Shoreditch, London.

Awareness around mental wellbeing has been a huge driving force for Goodrays' founder Eoin Keenan. Keenan has been a vocal advocate of the power of the hemp plant for over a decade.  He launched Goodrays in 2021 to focus on high quality CBD products at an accessible price point, such as oils and RTD canned drinks. Goodrays is now available at Waitrose and Tesco and other major retailers such as WH Smith.