Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Stress is a key trigger of sleep problems.


Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone and is required for many vital purposes, including proper glucose metabolism, blood pressure, immune function and inflammatory response. In times of stress, either mental or physical, the body can produce an excessive amount of cortisol. At these high levels, cortisol can disrupt normal sleep patterns.

We now know that stress and anxiety on a chronic basis can lead to a hypersecretion of stress related hormones, including cortisol, that have now been correlated not only with sleeplessness, but also with cognitive performance, suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances and the subsequent deposition of body fat, decreased bone density, muscle wasting, heart related problems, and a decrease in proper immune response.

The main culprit of stress is the inability to fall and stay asleep. The worrying, the anxiety, the constant thinking about the day’s or tomorrow’s events keep many of us from enjoying a restful night’s sleep.

Insomnia often leads to a cycle of destructive behaviors that worsen health: lots of coffee and soft drinks to stay awake, certain food cravings, such as carbs or sweets, cigarette smoking, and prescription medication. Many sleep medications leave us drained of energy and feeling “hung over” the next day.

Common causes of stress related sleep problems

- School or job related stress; family or relationship stress; worry about serious medical conditions; death of a loved one, etc.
- Shift work - the night shift pits the sleep cycle against the body’ natural rhythm.
- Jet lag - the body is responding to another time zone.
- Noise - a snoring partner, barking dog, loud neighbors, soaring airplanes, etc.
- Environmental discomfort - too hot, too cold, too light, beds too hard, etc.
- Medications - some medications interrupt sleep. Note: Talk with doctor or pharmacists if you are noticing this side effect.
- Sleep disorders - such as sleep apnea, which is interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea may also increase inflammation in the body and lead to problems such as heart disease.
- Caffeine intake - especially when consumed in the evening hours.
- Tobacco use - nicotine cravings can wake up users three to four hours after they go to bed.
- Alcohol use - deprives users of deep, restorative sleep.

If lifestyle changes don’t seem to work, consider Serene

Serene is a new all natural dietary supplement by New Spirit Naturals to help rebalance an over active central nervous system and relieve stress-related sleep disorders This all natural dietary supplement contains a proprietary blend of all natural extracts that have been used for thousands of years in Japan and China.

Magnolia officinalis extract U.S. patent 6,814,987 & 6,582,735

Known as Hou Po in traditional Chinese Medicine, this potent herb has been used traditionally for treating digestive problems like abdominal distention and diarrhea, and respiratory problems like cough and asthma. It is one of the best herbs in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for treating digestive gas, bloating, colic, and diarrhea; and, because it dries and resolves "dampness", it is great for lung problems associated with excess mucus, wheezing and cough.

In pharmacological studies, Magnolia officinalis was found to have anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) effects, to balance cortisol production by the adrenal cortex, to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth, to reduce pain and inflammation, and to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. The effectiveness of Serene’s patented, standardized extract has been verified by clinical studies.

Ziziphus spinosa extract

Used for centuries in Chinese medicine to nourish the heart yin, augment liver blood and quiet the spirit for irritability, insomnia, anxiety, and forgetfulness. It possesses calming properties, exerts a relaxing effect on smooth muscle and removes obstructions to the smooth flow of Chi.

Serene Sleep Aid has been tested in human clinical trials and in-home-use trials (IHUT). The later test is used for determining the efficacy of a product in real life situations.

How does Serene work?

Serene was developed to address stress related sleep disorders by helping to calm an overactive CNS (central nervous system) while preserving natural muscle relaxation.

Our research shows that stress is a major factor in sleeplessness and restlessness.
In addition, stress plays a major role in weight management:

-Stress activates the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal axis, resulting in an increase in cortisol levels.
-Cortisol increases the availability of glucose through hepatic gluconeogenesis and the release of glucose substrates for fat cells and muscles.
- The uptake of glucose is inhibited, which results in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.
- The increase in cortisol levels signals the brain that the body is in stress, causing food cravings, especially high fat, high sugar foods.
- These foods, in turn, cause additional stress, thereby fueling the stress-cortisol cycle.
- Eventually, more fat is stored than the body needs, unless sufficient exercise is in place to compensate or the stress is reduced.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants have been used to suppress appetite in an attempt to counteract stress induced appetite. This approach not only aggravates the problem, but also has a high abuse potential and several serious side effects that effect cardiovascular and cerebral vascular health. Side effects of CNS stimulants can also include physical dependency, withdrawal problems, slowed reaction time, sedation, weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, confusion, blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, or headaches.

Products containing Ephedra (ma huang) are an example of CNS stimulants

Serene provides a different alternative that, addresses stress related sleeplessness, restlessness and weight gain by helping to rebalance an over active CNS (central nervous system). The effectiveness of Serene may be enhanced by the use of certain vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and calcium.

How does Seren work?

Serene was developed to address stress related sleep disorders by helping to calm an overactive CNS (central nervous system) while preserving natural muscle relaxation.

How to Use Serene

Take one capsule nightly for a minimum of two weeks. Many people achieve the desired effect the first night. Others may need up to two weeks in order to help bring stress hormones into balance. Serene is not habit forming and may be taken nightly for an indefinite period of time. Do not take if pregnant or lactating, as clinical tests have not been performed on these subjects. If you are currently taking prescription medications or are receiving medical treatment, you should consult with your physician. Keep out of reach of children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Information contained in this bulletin is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. In all case, it is recommended that you consult with your health care professional before initiating a supplement program.

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