Sleep-Fast Capsules contain the following extracts:
Phosphatidylserine is a type of fat found in every cell of the human body, but most concentrated in brain tissue. It enables the brain to use glucose (blood sugar) more efficiently. Glucose is brain fuel, and when the brain has better access to fuel, it thinks better.
In addition to glucose mediation, phosphatidylserine orchestrates balanced cortisol levels. The adrenal glands produce cortisol in a circadian rhythm: this hormone should peak in the morning and then gradually decrease until evening.
When our cortisol levels fall out of this pattern, the body loses equilibrium. Chronic stress levels cause the adrenal glands to pump out mega-doses of cortisol, which then desensitize two parts of the brain called the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. These act as the shut-off valves for cortisol. When they become desensitized, cortisol levels go haywire.
This illustrates the cycle of hormone resistance: excessive production of a certain hormone causes cells to become overwhelmed, and the cells down-regulate their response to that hormone. Now, the body produces even more of this hormone, because it is not getting into cells. Phosphatidylserine rebalances high cortisol not by blocking the production, but by re-sensitizing the hypothalamus and hippocampus to this hormone.
L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in tea leaves. While tea is the most common dietary source for L-theanine, this compound is also found in some types of mushrooms. In foods, particularly green tea.
How L-theanine works
L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by contributing to a number of changes in the brain:
Boosts levels of GABA and other calming brain chemicals. L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promotes relaxation and can help with sleep.
Lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. At the same time it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage.
Enhances alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative, or letting your mind wander in daydreaming. Alpha waves are also present during REM sleep. L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha-waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity.
Sleep benefits of L-Theanine
With its ability to increase relaxation and lower stress, L-theanine can help in sleep in a number of ways. L-theanine may help people fall asleep more quickly and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers. Research also shows L-theanine can improve the quality of sleep—not by acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.
There’s evidence that L-theanine may help improve sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study examined the effects on the sleep of boys ages 8-12, and found that the supplement worked safely and effectively to improve the quality of their sleep, helping them to sleep more soundly.
One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it works to relax without sedating. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people who are looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation,” without worrying about becoming sleepy and fatigued during the day.
Often when people are so exhausted they can’t sleep, they may feel a sense of desperation and anxiety at bedtime. This is where passionflower can be extremely helpful, as it allows the body to fall asleep on its own terms instead of knocking the mind and body out. Passionflower is a gentle sleep remedy that when consumed consistently can work excellently in the long-term. Passionflower binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which reduces anxiety thus helping you sleep.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to mankind. It is high in Apigenin which is a naturally occurring flavonoid. It acts as free-radical scavenger and antioxidant, exhibiting anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. What is more, apigenin is able to reduce plasma levels of low-density lipoproteins (Lipoproteins are particles made of protein and fats (lipids). They carry cholesterol through your bloodstream to your cells.), inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce thrombotic, as well as reduce cell proliferation.
Chamomile has been traditionally used to reduce tension and induce sleep, to relieve menstrual cramps, quiet upset stomach and relieve intestinal cramping. Chamomile is currently used for IBS, insomnia, indigestion, heartburn, PMS, inflamed bowel, peptic ulcers, intestinal cramping and as an ointment for eczema.
Magnesium L-Threonate is an important mineral that is necessary for overall health. Magnesium -L-Threonate has the unique ability to permeate the brain (crosses the blood-brain barrier) and enhances the receptors that are involved in learning ability, memory (long and short term) and quality of sleep.
In order to fall asleep and stay asleep, your body and brain need to relax. Magnesium L-Threonate aids this process by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the system responsible for getting you calm and relaxed.
Magnesium L-Threonate regulates neurotransmitters, which send signals throughout the nervous system and brain and regulates the hormone melatonin, which guides sleep-wake cycles in your body.
It also binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors which is the neurotransmitter responsible for quieting down nerve activity. By helping to quiet the nervous system, magnesium L-Threonate may help prepare your body and mind for sleep. It also helps treat anxiety and depression, two mood disorders that can cause sleep problems.
Magnesium L-Threonate Helps Regulate Sleep Quality
Not only can magnesium L-threonate help you get to sleep, but it plays a part in helping you achieve deep and restful sleep as well. This is partially due to this mineral's influence on the nervous system. It blocks more "excitable" molecules from binding to neurons, resulting in a calmer nervous system.
Magnolia bark has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years to improve sleep quality and reduce stress. It is only recently that modern medicine has started to uncover the scientific roots why this herb promotes restful sleep. You can take the bark as a nutritional supplement to reduce stress and promote a relaxed state. This can be beneficial in many different parts of your life, but it comes in especially handy if you’re looking for a supplement that can help you sleep better.
The way the magnolia bark induces this sleepy, relaxed state is because it influences the GABA receptors in your brain. As you might know, GABA is the ‘slowing down’ neurotransmitter in your brain. It acts as a counter to the more excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and is responsible for turning down activity in brain cells. And that is exactly what you need when you cannot fall asleep at night.
There are more benefits to taking magnolia bark. take a look at the following list to see what else this bark extract can do for you.
Helps reduce anxiety
Researchers have only recently found out that magnolia bark can have an effect in reducing your anxiety levels. GABA not only helps to induce sleepiness, but it can also turn down the activity of the brain cells that are overactive. And that is exactly what happens in your brain if you’re excessively worrying.
Promotes deeper sleep
Magnolia bark will make you sleep deeper. Studies have shown that magnolia bark works by letting GABA bind to receptors in your brain which decreases the time it takes for them to fall asleep.
Magnolia bark can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper!
Decreases cortisol levels in the blood
A study in 2013 showed that magnolia bark extract can help with reducing cortisol in participants of the study. Cortisol is the stress hormone and responsible for the fight or flight reaction in your body. If you’re suffering from excess stress, then the chances are very high that you’re actually suffering from excess cortisol in your blood. The hormone itself is vital in our bodies, but it only becomes a problem if it is elevated for a longer period of time. When your stress levels fall, your cortisol levels will fall too. And the other way around as well. So taking magnolia bark can help you experience less stress in your life.