Getting a good night’s rest is critical to our overall health and wellbeing. Not only does sleep help the body restore and rejuvenate itself, but it allows our brain to solidify new memories, synthesize our hormones and strengthen our body.
Without it, the immune system can weaken, often leading to weight gain or health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and more.
Discover the relationship between ayurveda and sleep, more specifically how certain natural compounds like magnesium and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) can help us reach relaxing, restorative sleep.
How Does Ayurveda Improve Sleep?
In Ayurvedic practices, there are mind-body types known as doshas. The three doshas, vata, pitta and kapha all represent unique blends of physical, mental and emotional characteristics, and essentially all represent overall homeostasis and health of one's body [1].
However, when these doshas are imbalanced, our bodies become more susceptible to ailments and disease.
For centuries, ayurveda and sleep have been closely linked. In fact, sleep is one of the pillars of Modern Ayurveda, and is considered to be as important as diet in maintaining overall balance and health. According to Ayurvedic texts, insomnia is increased by vata and pitta, causing physical or mental exertion and sometimes disease. However, these fluctuations in sleep can all appear different [1].
To restore this imbalance, Ayurvedic medicine has long relied on several natural compounds and ingredients such as magnesium, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the ever so popular adaptogen, Ashwagandha.
Magnesium and Sleep
Countless clinical trials and studies show that maintaining a healthy level of magnesium often allows for a more deep, sound sleep. This is due to its role in increasing GABA, a natural occuring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter within the brain. An increase of GABA also allows for deep, restorative sleep.
These studies have shown that supplemental magnesium can improve sleep quality, especially in those who suffer from insomnia [2]. Studies also show that taking at least 3 months of a magnesium-melatonin-vitamin B complex can remediate insomnia, no matter the cause [3].
Today, magnesium and melatonin are both well known for their sleep benefits, yet there are other natural remedies that can help alleviate insomnia as well. For example, this Deep Sleep supplement not only contains magnesium and melatonin, but also blends mucuna pruriens, saw palmetto and chamomile to help prevent sleep disruption, induce sleep and promote antioxidant activity.
Anxiety and Sleep
Although many experience sleep loss due to insomnia, there are others who lose sleep due to anxiety and stress.
Have you ever been in the position where you lay down to sleep, but your mind keeps racing over the day’s events or your to-do list? Sleep loss to anxiety is relatively common, but important to address, as sleep loss can also cause an anxiety disorder.
Although there are many strategies like meditation, exercising and decluttering that can help alleviate this anxiety and increase sleep, there are also natural remedies that can be taken to relieve stress and improve sleep.
Like mentioned above, both magnesium and GABA can be supplemented in order to help the body and mind relax. Although to fully allow your body to relax, you’ll want to find something that can help manage stress such as the adaptogen, Ashwagandha.
If you haven’t already heard of Ashwagandha, it is a powerful ancient medicinal herb that is becoming more popular in natural supplements and foods. Not only does it help relieve stress, but it is known to also increase energy levels and improve concentration.
This plant can be found in its natural form, but natural supplementation blends like this Stress Relief Ashwagandha can be used to also improve thyroid function, boost immunity, and reduce anxiety and depression.
Here at Fusionary Formulas we believe in tackling both anxiety and sleep issues together, in order to effectively restore your doshas balance. Supplementing with our Deeper Sleep Bundle will help provide the proper nutrients for deep REM sleep while limiting grogginess and improving concentration throughout the day.
Resources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4448595/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212970/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6910806/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-does-anxiety-affect-sleep
https://www.mapi.com/ayurvedic-knowledge/sleep/balance-your-body-with-ayurved-to-sleep-better.html
Trikamji J. Sushrutha Samhita with Ni-bandha Sangraha commentary of Sri Dalhanacharya. 6th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 1997. pp. 358–59.
Dr. Shivani Gupta is a pioneer who redefined the health and wellness industry by bridging the gap between ancient and modern medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in Ayurvedic Studies, a 5,000-year-old philosophy that prevents disease and illness through the connection of mind, body, and spirit.