Tag Archives: sleep quality

Healthy Carbs for Better Sleep: The Latest Research

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better sleepBetter sleep is something that millions of people with insomnia are looking for.

Per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey results, about 1 in 8 people, or 12% of Americans said they have been diagnosed with chronic insomnia.

What if one of the the keys to restful slumber could be related to what you put on your plate? Recent studies reveal that certain healthy carbohydrates can work wonders for improving sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up less often. Here’s a breakdown of the top sleep-friendly carbs and how they benefit your body.

Sweet Potatoes: A Sleep Superfood

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with sleep-promoting nutrients. High in potassium and magnesium, they help relax your muscles and reduce nighttime cramping.  A 2022 study in the *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine* highlighted that potassium-rich diets can reduce nighttime disruptions, making sweet potatoes an excellent choice for dinner.

Oats: The Comfort Carb

A bowl of oatmeal isn’t just a comforting snack; it’s a scientifically proven sleep booster. Oats are high in melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, and they’re also a great source of calcium, which helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to produce melatonin. Plus, oats contain slow-digesting fiber that keeps blood sugar stable, preventing nighttime awakenings. According to a study in *Nutrients*, calcium is a vital nutrient for improving deep sleep.

Bananas: Nature’s Nightcap

Bananas are a natural sleep aid, loaded with magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, which supports healthy nerves and reduces stress. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. Regarding the magnesium contained in bananas, an analysis of several different studies explored the impact of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality. The findings revealed that magnesium not only improves overall sleep quality but also enhances sleep duration.

Brown Rice: For Slow and Steady Rest

Brown rice is a fantastic option for those who wake up frequently during the night.  This whole grain provides steady energy and contains GABA, a natural brain chemical known for its calming effects on the nervous system. The Healthline website shared a study showing improved sleep from GABA supplementation. Brown rice is also a good source of the mineral manganese, which promotes strong, dense bones when combined with calcium and vitamin D.

According to the National Council on Aging, brown rice contains many of the B vitamins including B1, B3, B6, and B9. Vitamin B9, also known as folate, is a key player in helping the body produce serotonin and melatonin for a good night’s sleep

Quinoa: Iron for Strong Sleep

Quinoa is a complete protein and a top choice for vegetarians seeking sleep-friendly carbs. In addition to magnesium, quinoa is rich in iron, which supports healthy oxygen flow to the brain and reduces fatigue.  A 2023 study in *Advances in Nutrition* found that iron-rich diets can significantly reduce a form of insomnia known as restless leg syndrome.

A Recipe for Restful Nights

Incorporating these foods into your daily meals can pave the way for a relaxing night’s sleep. Whether it’s a sweet potato mash for dinner, a banana-oat smoothie before bed, or a quinoa salad for lunch, these healthy carbs will help you fall asleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.

Supplements for Better Sleep and Good Health

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original and effective calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II (also containing vitamin D and zinc), and Joints and More, a natural supplement with MSM for joint support, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

Minerals for Good Sleep Quality: Studies Show Zinc Effective

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sleep qualityRecent studies have highlighted the significant benefits of zinc in promoting better sleep quality.

These findings come as welcome news to the 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffering from sleep disorders, many of whom turn to medications for relief.

These figures come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences demonstrates that zinc can help individuals fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Zinc is a vital mineral for sleep regulation and it is also the most important mineral for immune function. The amount of zinc present in the body is a factor that can determine the quality and quantity of sleep. Zinc aids in the manufacture of chemical messengers in the brain such as melatonin and serotonin, which support a sound night’s sleep and help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

In another study, published in the Workplace Health and Safety Journal, researchers found that participants who supplemented with zinc experienced shorter sleep latency, meaning they fell asleep more quickly compared to those who did not take zinc. The study also indicated that zinc contributed to increased sleep duration and improved overall sleep quality.

These benefits make zinc a promising natural alternative to traditional sleeping pills, which can have numerous side effects and lead to addiction. With over 9 million Americans using prescription sleep aids (per the CDC), zinc offers a natural solution that can enhance sleep without the risk of dependency or adverse effects.

The popular natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs combines zinc with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to create an effective natural remedy for sleep troubles. The blend of these essential minerals works synergistically to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

L.R.C. of Massachusetts says: “I had become dependent on sleeping drugs and couldn’t sleep without them. Now I take the Sleep Minerals before bed and I can sleep through the night without drugs. I’m also able to easily fall back to sleep if I do have to get up. Another benefit is this helps alleviate my chronic fatigue and aches and pains.”

For those seeking a natural way to improve sleep, Sleep Minerals II can be found online at the Nutrition Breakthroughs website and at Amazon. By addressing nutrient deficiencies and supporting the body’s natural sleep processes, Sleep Minerals II offers a safe and effective alternative to sleeping pills, harnessing the power of zinc and other vital minerals.

Magnificent Magnesium Benefits: Skin, Hair, Nails, Good Sleep

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magnesium benefitsThis health news is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural sleep aid Sleep Minerals II
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Greetings to you,

In the pursuit of overall well-being, magnesium shines as a powerful superhero. Its many proven magnesium benefits include enhancing both our internal health and our external beauty.

This essential mineral plays a crucial role in over 300 processes in the body, and scientific studies highlight its remarkable impact on skin, hair, nails, and good sleep.  Let’s see how magnesium benefits can contribute to a radiant appearance and restful slumber.

Magnesium and Skin Health

Our skin, the largest organ, serves as a reflection of our internal health. Magnesium, with its anti-inflammatory properties, aids in maintaining a clear complexion and reducing acne. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that a magnesium-based cream significantly improved inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Magnesium also supports the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss and promoting hydration.  A study titled “Skin Minerals: Key Roles of Mineral Elements in Skin Functions,” reports that magnesium regulates the maintenance of skin tissue and its moisture.  It emphasizes its roles in skin health and in fighting against skin aging.

Magnesium for Silky Hairmagnesium benefits

Have you ever desired to have luxurious, silky hair? Magnesium might be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing. Research published in the Biological Trace Element Research journal suggests that magnesium deficiency may contribute to hair loss.

Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining the health of hair follicles (the cells that surround the root of a hair), and supporting the production of keratin — the protein responsible for strong and vibrant hair.

In addition to preventing hair loss, magnesium contributes to improved hair texture and strength. Another study found that magnesium supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in hair breakage and increased hair elasticity.

magnesium benefitsMagnesium and Strong Nails

Brittle nails can be a telltale sign of nutritional deficiencies. Magnesium steps in as a key player in promoting strong and healthy nails. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology notes that magnesium deficiency can lead to nail abnormalities, including ridges and cracks.

Supplementing with magnesium helps enhance nail growth and resilience. A study titled “Nails in Nutritional Deficiencies” found that magnesium supplementation led to improvements in nail health by reducing instances of splitting and breakage.

Magnesium for Restful Sleepmagnesium benefits

Sleep, a cornerstone of overall well-being, is intricately linked to magnesium levels in the body. Magnesium acts as a natural relaxant, regulating the calming chemicals in the brain and promoting a peaceful state that leads to high quality sleep.

An analysis of several different studies explored the impact of magnesium supplementation on sleep quality. The findings revealed that magnesium supplementation not only improved overall sleep quality but also enhanced sleep duration.

Conclusion

In the realm of beauty and well-being, magnesium emerges as a multifaceted ally, contributing to radiant skin, lustrous hair, strong nails, and restful sleep. The scientific literature overwhelmingly supports the positive impact of magnesium on various aspects of our external appearance and internal health.

As you embark on your journey to reap these magnesium benefits, aim to eat a balanced diet that’s rich in magnesium-containing foods such as leafy greens, cooked spinach, nuts, seeds, fish, banana, avocado and whole grains.

The science is clear: Magnesium is more than just a mineral — it’s a beauty and wellness essential.

Positive Thinking and Good Sleep: Studies Confirm a Link

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positive thinking for anxietyDo you often find yourself tossing and turning during the night and unable to get enough sleep? If so, you might want to try incorporating some positive thinking into your daily routine.

Your thoughts can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between positive thinking and good sleep, with references to some fascinating studies.

First, let’s define positive thinking. Positive thinking refers to a mindset that focuses on the good, rather than the bad in life. It involves actively seeking out positive experiences and emotions, even in challenging situations.  A positive point of view envisions the ideal, desired outcomes in family, work, and social settings. Positive thinking can help reduce, and possibly eliminate, stress and anxiety, which are common components of poor sleep.

So, how exactly does positive thinking impact sleep quality? A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that individuals who practiced positive thinking before bed experienced improved sleep quality and less nighttime awakenings. The study also found that positive thinking had a greater impact on sleep quality than a common therapy treatment for sleep disorders.

Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that individuals who engaged in positive thinking activities, such as journaling about positive experiences, had significantly better sleep quality and duration than those who did not engage in these activities.

But how exactly can you incorporate positive thinking into your daily routine to improve your sleep? Here are a few tips:

  1. Think about the best part of your day: Find the most enjoyable point of your day and acknowledge yourself for it.  Whether it gave you joy or you gave it to someone else.
  2. Visualize positive outcomes: Before bed, take a few minutes to visualize positive outcomes for the next day. Write them down and include specific details. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
  3. Read something positive or just a fun story: Before bed, read a book or story of the type that makes you feel happy and positive. This can promote good sleep.
  4. Write down anything you want to remember: Clear your mind by noting down anything that needs to go on your “To Do” list for the next day.  Then forget about it and envision yourself sleeping peacefully.
  5. Most importantly, avoid negative people at all costs. Surround yourself with happy, thriving people who have their own life under control and who are pursuing their goals. Their positive thinking will be contagious!

Incorporating positive thinking into your daily routine can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. So, the next time you’re having trouble sleeping, do some of the tips above.  You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

This article was written for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals II — I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”

So, in addition to practicing positive thinking with the tips above, consider adding some absorbable calcium and magnesium to your evening.