Sleep Soundly And Wake Up Refreshed
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Some nights I’d toss and turn in bed for hours on no end. I’d be tired as hell but no matter how long I’d try to keep my eyes closed, I just either can’t fall asleep or can’t stay asleep. Waking up every hour or so to check the time doesn’t help either, but I can’t help myself. Hours go by like minutes and next thing you know, I’d wake up in the morning feeling drained before my feet even hit the floor. Other mornings, I could swear I got at least eight hours of sleep yet my body tells a different story. The trouble was, at times I'd spend too much time thinking about work the next morning that I worry about not being able to sleep, which makes it even harder to 'switch off'.
My doctor prescribed Xanax to help with my anxiety. It helped to calm the nerves and I was able to fall asleep easily but I’d wake up feeling really groggy. I didn’t want to grow dependent on the drug so I stopped taking it after a while. I learned to manage my anxiety and sleeping patterns eventually through yoga, meditation and maintaining an active lifestyle.
However, recently I discovered a new way to cope with the occasional bedtime troubles. Blackmores Sleep Sound Formula is a safe and natural remedy that helps support the body’s natural ability for a good quality sleep. Unlike prescription drugs or sleeping pills, it actually leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated the next morning!
Blackmores Sleep Sound Formula contains naturally derived extracts of valerian and lemon balm plus magnesium to help those who are experiencing sleep difficulties or particularly disturbed sleeping patterns to achieve a restful, restorative and quality sleep.
Since I’ve already been taking Blackmores supplements (Women’s vitality multi and Fish Oil 1000), I decided to give this one a try. The fact that it’s made with natural ingredients adds bonus points in my books.
The recommended dosage as stated on the label is 2 tablets, 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you may take an additional half a tablet.
The natural, active ingredients include Valerian extract, lemon balm and magnesium.
Valerian extract helps to reduce the time it takes for you to fall asleep and improves sleep quality so you wake up feeling well-rested. Lemon balm provides a calming effect and relieves restlessness. Magnesium is important for the healthy function of the nervous system and muscle function. I learned that those who suffer from magnesium deficiency tend to have less time in deep sleep phases, hence, are more likely to wake up in the middle of the night.
Blackmores Sleep Sound Formula comes in a glass bottle with 30 tablets inside. The tablets come in an average size of 2cm width, I had no problem taking both tablets at a time with some water or non-caffeinated warm tea.
I took two tablets nightly for five days and woke up each morning feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. It definitely helped me to feel more relaxed so I’m able to ‘switch off’ and sleep soundly all night.
Sleep Sound Formula can be taken as long as required. However, if you continue to have sleeping problems, it is recommended that you see a healthcare professional to address any underlying issues.
Small changes to your routine can also help you to sleep better. Here are my top 3 bedtime rituals that help me to relax, sleep better and ultimately, live better.
1. Drink herbal tea
I’ll have a cup of green tea in the morning but usually skip caffeine past noon. At night, I’ll have a ‘sleepy time’ tea which is made of ingredients that promote sleep such as lemon balm and lavender flowers.
There’s just something inherently calming about a warm sip before bed, even it’s just the ritual of taking the time to do so.
2. Twenty-minute yoga
Practicising yoga for at least 20 minutes helps me to wind down as it relaxes both the mind and body. Stretching in general has a calming effect as it releases tension in the body. Make sure to breathe in deeply and exhale slowly when doing each pose to reap the benefits.
3. Relieve stress through meditation
When you're stressed out, your adrenal glands release hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which keep you amped up and struggling to snooze. I spend at least 10 minutes on meditation to calm the mind and ease the soul. It encourages me to be present and slow down all the worries that collect throughout the day. It’s a simple but powerful way to relieve stress. You just have to take the time to try it yourself!
Are you still up past midnight struggling to fall asleep? Check out Blackmores Singapore Facebook page and take part in the IQ quiz that is scheduled every midnight from 31 March to 7 April 2014. Why not put this time to good use and challenge yourself with fun brain teasers as you’ll stand a chance to win a bottle of Sleep Sound Formula (worth $39).
There are 5 sets of Sleep Sound Formula to be won every night for 8 consecutive nights. Send in your correct answer to [email protected]. First 5 people who gets it right wins. For more information on Sleep Sound Formula, you may visit http://www.blackmores.com.sg/products/Sleepsound
Good luck and good night!
