BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RDN
get some
sleep! How are you doing with your sleep? There are a variety of reasons that sleep can be difficult. Some of us don’t get enough sleep, while others struggle with getting a quality night’s sleep. Devices disrupt sleep and stress alters sleep.
Recommended Sleep Time
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are the recommended hours of sleep per day: Children: 9-13 hours, depending on age Teenagers: 8-10 hours each day Adults: 7 or more hours of sleep each day, although many get by on less than 6.
Importance of Rest
Rest is an essential part of every day! Here are just three of many reasons why sleep is important for children, teens, and adults. Immunity—Lack of sleep can increase the chance that you will get sick. Rest helps the body recuperate each day. Mood & Focus—Lack of sleep can contribute to irritability, stress, anxiety, and depression. It is well known that lack of sleep has a negative impact on concentration and ability to focus.
ChildLife
Sleep Essential All natural sleep support for children.* With calming lemon balm, passionflower, and ETAS asparagus extract. Melatonin free. Natural berry flavor.
24
Recovery—If you don’t sleep well, your energy level will be low. Good sleep refreshes the body, helping with recovery between each day.
3 Tips for Better Sleep
We know sleep is important, but how can we better enhance our sleep? Here are three ways to improve sleep quality. q Manage Stress. Stress is a common contributor to insomnia and sleep disturbance. Manage stress naturally with herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha. Try yoga or deep breathing exercises in the evening to calm the body and mind. r Create an Environment for Sleep. Take time to wind down before bed, turning off all devices and TVs at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed. Make sure the bed and bedroom are comfortable—a cool, dark room supports better sleep. s Try Natural Remedies. A deficiency of the mineral magnesium is associated with insomnia and anxiety, so maintaining magnesium status can help improve relaxation and rest. Certain nervine herbs, like lemon balm and passionflower, can help nourish the nerves and calm the mind. ●
Natural Vitality
Calm Magnesium Glycinate Capsules The anti-stress capsule. Supports magnesium levels in the body.* With gentle, easily absorbed magnesium glycinate, plus lavender and lemon balm.
AUGUST 2022
SM_0822_308_24.indd 24
6/29/22 9:43 AM
