Sleep that regenerates
A good night’s sleep is judged on waking up and not on how long it lasts: the important thing is to wake up fit.
Insufficient or disturbed sleep leads to negative phenomena such as reduced performance, lower productivity, less harmony with family and colleagues, reduced social contacts, higher risk of accidents, higher frequency of falls, especially in the elderly, more fragile health.
Certain medicinal plants and specific nutritional supplements can help facilitate falling asleep, reduce or eliminate night waking and early morning awakening, increase the total amount of sleep while respecting physiological sleep, without compromising wakefulness, mental clarity and performance in daily activities.
Melatonin
The guardian of sleep is melatonin, the super-hormone produced by the pineal gland, discovered by Descartes, located in the centre of the brain. Its strategic position guides and coordinates certain fundamental vital rhythms.
Melatonin promotes favourable effects on the body: it improves sleep, increases energy levels, neutralises free radicals, protects against ageing, increases growth hormone which repairs damage in the brain, improves the immune system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Eschscholzia (california poppy)
It is the leader of medicinal plants that promote sleep. Both the aerial parts and the roots of Eschscholzia are used. The main activity is relaxing and facilitating sleep. Indications for its use include difficulty falling asleep and repeated awakenings in stressed and agitated individuals.
Red poppy
It has always been known in popular medicine as a calming and relaxing remedy, useful in minor sleep disorders and free of side effects. It is also known as a medicinal plant that promotes sleep in the elderly and weak.
Passionflower
A climbing shrub native to the humid forests of tropical America, known to the Aztecs, imported into Europe in the 17th century and immediately valued for its sedative and antispasmodic activity. It is used in cases of nervous hyperexcitability and insomnia; stress conditions; mood swings; psychosomatic manifestations; menopausal disorders.
Valerian
It is one of the most studied medicinal plants for its sedative and relaxing properties. Its calming and sleep-promoting properties derive from the activity of the essential oil, valepotriates and certain alkaloids. Valerian is a central nervous system sedative, indicated in mental “surmenage” and insomnia. In particular, it facilitates the induction of physiological sleep and improves its quality.