Positive Thinking and Good Sleep: Studies Confirm a Link

positive thinking for anxietyDo you often find yourself tossing and turning during the night and unable to get enough sleep? If so, you might want to try incorporating some positive thinking into your daily routine.

Your thoughts can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between positive thinking and good sleep, with references to some fascinating studies.

First, let’s define positive thinking. Positive thinking refers to a mindset that focuses on the good, rather than the bad in life. It involves actively seeking out positive experiences and emotions, even in challenging situations.  A positive point of view envisions the ideal, desired outcomes in family, work, and social settings. Positive thinking can help reduce, and possibly eliminate, stress and anxiety, which are common components of poor sleep.

So, how exactly does positive thinking impact sleep quality? A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that individuals who practiced positive thinking before bed experienced improved sleep quality and less nighttime awakenings. The study also found that positive thinking had a greater impact on sleep quality than a common therapy treatment for sleep disorders.

Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that individuals who engaged in positive thinking activities, such as journaling about positive experiences, had significantly better sleep quality and duration than those who did not engage in these activities.

But how exactly can you incorporate positive thinking into your daily routine to improve your sleep? Here are a few tips:

  1. Think about the best part of your day: Find the most enjoyable point of your day and acknowledge yourself for it.  Whether it gave you joy or you gave it to someone else.
  2. Visualize positive outcomes: Before bed, take a few minutes to visualize positive outcomes for the next day. Write them down and include specific details. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
  3. Read something positive or just a fun story: Before bed, read a book or story of the type that makes you feel happy and positive. This can promote good sleep.
  4. Write down anything you want to remember: Clear your mind by noting down anything that needs to go on your “To Do” list for the next day.  Then forget about it and envision yourself sleeping peacefully.
  5. Most importantly, avoid negative people at all costs. Surround yourself with happy, thriving people who have their own life under control and who are pursuing their goals. Their positive thinking will be contagious!

Incorporating positive thinking into your daily routine can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. So, the next time you’re having trouble sleeping, do some of the tips above.  You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.

This article was written for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals II — I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”

So, in addition to practicing positive thinking with the tips above, consider adding some absorbable calcium and magnesium to your evening.

The Best Nuts for Better Sleep

best nuts for sleepGreetings to you,

We’ve made this short and informative two-minute video (below) for you on the best nuts to eat for good sleep.  Take a peek at it below.

There are certain nuts that contain high amounts of both magnesium and melatonin.  One study on magnesium found that it “brought about statistically significant increases in sleep time and a significant reduction in early morning awakenings.”

Regarding nuts specifically, studies in the Nutrition Journal (2005) and Nutrients Journal (2017) found that nuts contain good amounts of many components that are known to enhance a deep, restful sleep.

This video was created by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II. Feel free to share the video with anyone who would like to enjoy a better night’s sleep.  And sleep well!

 

 

 

What is Cilantro? The Top 8 Health Benefits of Cilantro!

cilantro benefitsGreetings to you,

Cilantro is an amazing herb with fantastic health benefits.

According to Medical News Today, cilantro fights pain and inflammation, enhances skin health and has anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties

Per Dr. Josh Axe, this plant removes heavy metals from the body, cleanses the urinary tract, settles digestive upset, and acts as a calming sedative. Cilantro has been found effective for calming anxiety and improving sleep due to its unique qualities.

Watch the video below to find out more about cilantro benefits and how it can be used in many types of dishes and foods.

This video was created for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Valerie H. of Santa Clarita, California says: “I had such severe menopause insomnia that it took me hours to fall asleep even though I was extremely tired. My legs also had crawling and tingling feelings at night. I got the Sleep Minerals and after about a week, it started to work really well. I fall asleep now within 20 minutes and no more restless legs.”

Here’s to your good health and great sleep.

 

The Best Teas for Sleep, Stress and Anxiety

best teasThe Best Teas for Sleep, Stress and Anxiety

Greetings to you,

Can making and drinking a cup of tea help to reduce stress and increase relaxation?

A study from the City University of London found that drinking a cup of tea does indeed help with relaxation, not only from the action of drinking it, but also from the calming ritual of heating the water or using a kettle.

The ritual of slowing down to make the tea is one of its greatest calming benefits.  One of the main ingredients in the best teas is L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid that increases the levels of calming chemicals in the brain.

Many health benefits can be obtained from drinking herbal teas.  Some of their medicinal effects include soothing stress, easing nausea, helping with menopausal or menstrual symptoms, relaxing muscles, and calming an upset stomach.

Take a peek at the video below to discover some of the most time-proven best teas. This video was created for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Tammy M. of Meridian, Idaho says: “I was plagued with insomnia for five years and desperate for a breakthrough. Nothing has helped me more than Sleep Minerals — I’m so sold on them I could go door to door promoting them. I’m 60 years old and have never slept so soundly.”

Here’s to your good sleep and a balanced point of view by drinking the best calming teas and taking some absorbable calcium and magnesium.

Antidepressants for Sleep vs Natural Sleep Aids

antidepressants vs natural sleep aidsGreetings to you,

The video below describes the pros and cons between antidepressant drugs for sleep and natural sleep aids.

Its interesting to note that the journal “Sleep” reported that prescriptions for sleeping drugs have decreased by 54%, but that antidepressants for sleep have increased by a surprising 146%.

While most people would prefer to take a natural, non-addictive remedy without uncomfortable side-effects, there is a scarcity of effective natural options, as well as a lack of education and information available to people outside of their medical doctors offices.

Have a look at the 3-minute video below to learn more about the science behind natural sleep aids that work, as well as some of the side effects of antidepressants.

This video was created by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.

Alex R. of Ramseur, North Carolina says: “Sleep Minerals II has been a blessing for me. It has given me the opportunity to withdraw from a highly addictive sleep medication over time, and has allowed me to sleep while going through this most difficult ordeal. What’s great about it is it doesn’t lose its effectiveness, which is something that happens with medications. I am most thankful for this product.”

Sleep well!

 

The Top 7 Nutrition Facts and Myths

Greetings to you,

The video below reveals the “Top Seven Nutrition Facts and Myths”.

Here you’ll discover some simple, basic guidelines for having great health.

For example, Which food contains most all of the vitamins and minerals?

How important is calorie counting to achieving an ideal weight?

Is there one perfect diet for everyone?

Take two minutes to see this video and find out these answers and more!

Created for you by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.

The Top 8 Sleep Tips for Insomnia – Most Proven Ones


sleep tipsGreetings to you,

The two-minute video below reveals the top eight sleep tips for insomnia. Learn the best, most proven ways to enjoy better sleep.

These sleep tips are for anyone who has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. If this describes you or someone you care about, take a peek at this entertaining video and share it with others.

Here’s to your good sleep and great health!

This video was created by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains and more energy.

Video: Sleep Remedies for Insomnia – Best Minerals to Take

sleep remediesGreetings to you,

This brief video is an entertaining overview of the best minerals for creating a deeper, longer, more relaxing sleep.  In this article, we will go into more detail about each one of these sleep remedies.

There are four minerals that are researched and particularly proven to be good sleep remedies.

Calcium: This mineral is directly related to our cycles of sleep. In one study published in the European Neurology Journal, researchers found that calcium levels in the body are higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase.

Adelle Davis is one of the earliest nutritionists to base her dietary recommendations on scientific research studies. Davis writes about the roles of calcium in her book “Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit.” She suggests natural sleep remedies for insomnia and says: “A calcium deficiency often shows itself by insomnia, another form of an inability to relax. The harm done by sleeping tablets, to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on them, could largely be avoided if the calcium intake were adequate.”

Magnesium: In magnesium deficiency, chronic insomnia is one of the main, central symptoms. Sleep is usually agitated with frequent nighttime awakenings. On the other hand, a high magnesium diet has been found to be associated with deeper, less interrupted sleep. This was proven in a study done by James Penland at the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota.

James F. Balch, M.D., author of Prescription for Nutritional Healing, writes that: “A lack of the nutrients calcium and magnesium will cause you to wake up after a few hours and not be able to return to sleep.”

Zinc: A study in a scientific journal found evidence indicating that zinc may be involved in the regulation of sleep. Their research concludes that the amount of sleep varies according to the amount of zinc in the blood, while orally administered zinc increases the amount and the quality of sleep in mice and humans.

Another study on zinc points in the direction that people taking extra calcium should also increase their zinc intake in order to prevent calcium from blocking zinc absorption into the body. The richest dietary sources of zinc are oysters, liver and beef, followed by nuts, popcorn, poultry and lamb.

Potassium: One recent study from the Journal “Sleep” researched the effects of potassium supplements as sleep remedies.  After one week of taking potassium supplements, there were significant improvements in the quality of sleep and less waking up during the night.

A deficiency of potassium can interfere with restful sleep due to the potential for stiff muscles or muscle spasms in the night. The blood needs to maintain a good balance between potassium and sodium (salt).  Potassium is found abundantly in fresh vegetables and fruits, so these are a good focus as opposed to eating a lot of processed or packaged foods containing high sodium.

One popular supplement containing many of these minerals is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  Richard P. of Parkville, Maryland says, “The Sleep Minerals are making quite a difference. I was regularly waking up at around 3:00 a.m. and after a few days use my sleep improved quite a lot. I wake up once a night to go to the bathroom, but the great thing is, I then fall back asleep and sleep several more hours. This has been a great improvement.”

Make good use of minerals in foods and supplements to ensure getting a great night’s sleep.  To learn more, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.

Best Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals for Sleep

minerals for sleepBy Dr. Tariq of the  Nishtar Medical University in Pakistan

Do you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night? After a hectic day, do you toss around in bed with a preoccupied, heavy head?

Finding the best supplements for better sleep can be frustrating with hundreds of ads and products on the internet.

Does our diet have a role in our sleep? What are the most proven natural sleep aids that have been revealed by scientific research? Read on to learn more about the best minerals, herbs, and vitamins for improving sleep at night.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), sleep problems are pretty common; in fact, about one-third of Americans do not get a good sleep. Sleep is as essential for a person as food is for a healthy life. A good amount of sleep is required for our brains to function properly.

Every day, good quality sleep enhances learning, memory, problem-solving, and creativity.

What’s more, lack of proper sleep is associated with anxiety, daytime drowsiness, and increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.1

Several supplements on the market contain natural sleep aids with herbs, vitamins, and minerals, but how do these supplements work, and which ones may be the best for an individual?2,3

The best thing to do is to try a small amount of each one of them separately and note the results in a journal. And then compare the results of each one as to which ones were the most beneficial.

HERBS THAT HELP YOU SLEEP

Here are some of the most well-known herbs for relaxation and better sleep.

CHAMOMILE

Chamomile is a herb that has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, soothe your nerves, and help with sleep. It is normally used as tea or in capsules, as are most of the herbs for sleep.4,5

PASSIONFLOWER

Passionflower contains flavonoids which are a group of natural chemicals found in many herbs and fruits, possessing anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer) properties. These act to reduce pain, calm the mind and help with sleep if added with other herbs like lemon balm.6

HOPS FLOWERS

Hops flowers contain a variety of compounds which remedy restlessness, nervousness and sleep difficulties. Pillows filled with these are also used for sleep.7

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha root extract is a natural compound that induces sleep, improves sleep quality, and soothes the nerves to relieve stress. It can help a person sleep better throughout the night.8

 KAVA

Kava helps some people with sleep disorders. Kava leaves are dried and used in capsules or tablets. It helps to reduce anxiety and provide a calmer, less stressed state of mind.9

MINERALS FOR SLEEP

Many minerals affect the state of health of our bodies and their various systems. A few minerals stand out as bright stars in the sky for their ability to induce good sleep.

MAGNESIUM

Difficulty in sleeping throughout the night is the first symptom of magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is the essential nutrient for better sleep. It helps the body prepare melatonin, a sleep hormone made in the brain that directly aids good sleep.12

Magnesium also relieves muscle tension and mental stress by helping to produce amino acids, for example, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid – a signaling molecule in the brain).13

Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables, avocado, bananas and yogurt.

CALCIUM

Calcium is among the essential nutrients that significantly impact sleep by affecting REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep – a phase of sleep when your brain is more active and your eyes move faster). Decreased calcium levels affect sleep cycles and lead to difficulty getting deeper and longer sleep.14

Calcium is found in dairy products such as almonds, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens and sardines.  By taking the correct amount of calcium, the sleep cycles of our body can be corrected.

Calcium should be taken in balance with magnesium in a two to one ratio, with twice as much calcium as magnesium.

BEST VITAMINS FOR SLEEP

Sometimes vitamin deficiency can be a cause of sleep deprivation.   If one or more of these are deficient in the diet, a good night’s sleep can become more difficult to obtain.

VITAMIN D

Many experts say that vitamin D deficiency is associated with sleep disorders and if your blood levels of Vitamin D fall to a low level, it can lead to sleep disorders and restless leg syndrome. A person can get vitamin D from sunlight, eggs, salmon, and mushrooms. Supplements can also be used.15

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is perfect for hair, nails, and skin, but it is also an important nutrient that has a vital role in improving sleep at night. There is a close relationship between memory impairment and sleep deprivation.

Vitamin E has regenerating and oxygenating effects in the brain that can help prevent sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment.16 Vitamin E is found in almonds, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, avocados, and olive oil.

VITAMIN C

People with low levels of vitamin C may have problems with falling asleep and staying asleep at night.17 If vitamin C is used along with Vitamin E, it may help reduce the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Citrus fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, as well as kale, kiwi, red peppers and stawberries.18

B VITAMINS

Vitamin B-6 plays a vital role in immunity and recalling dreams. It is also essential for the production of melatonin, which is necessary for deep sleep. Hence a vitamin B-6 deficiency may lead to sleep disorders.

Natural sleep-aids with the B vitamins should contain the whole spectrum such as B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, and B-12, etc., to avoid any imbalances. They work better together to reduce stress and create melatonin. 19,20

Vitamin B-12 is important for brain and red blood cell functioning. It also helps by regulating sleep-wake cycles and REM sleep.21

THE BOTTOM LINE

Getting a good amount of sleep is vital for good health. Several herbs, minerals, and vitamins can be effective in helping a person fall asleep better and stay asleep longer.  They can be found at health food stores and at nutritionist and chiropractic offices.

Some other good sleep tips would be to go to bed and get up at the same time each day, keep the bedroom cool and dark while sleeping, and use a comfortable mattress, In addition, do some daily exercise that you enjoy such as walking, get outside for some sunlight during the day, and wear earplugs and an eye mask while sleeping.

This natural health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.

References:

  1. Saksvik-Lehouillier, I. et al. Mild to moderate partial sleep deprivation is associated with increased impulsivity and decreased positive affect in young adults. Sleep 43, (2020).
  2. Binks, H., Vincent, G. E., Gupta, C., Irwin, C. & Khalesi, S. Effects of Diet on Sleep: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2020, Vol. 12, Page 936 12, 936 (2020).
  3. Ji, X., Grandner, M. A. & Liu, J. The relationship between micronutrient status and sleep patterns: a systematic review. Public Health Nutrition 20, 687–701 (2017).
  4. Rafii, F., Ameri, F., Haghani, H. & Ghobadi, A. The effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender and chamomile oil on anxiety and sleep quality of patients with burns. Burns 46, 164–171 (2020).
  5. Chang, S. M. & Chen, C. H. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Advanced Nursing 72, 306–315 (2016).
  6. Lee, J., Jung, H. Y., Lee, S. I., Choi, J. H. & Kim, S. G. Effects of Passiflora incarnata Linnaeus on polysomnographic sleep parameters in subjects with insomnia disorder: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. International clinical psychopharmacology 35, 29–35 (2020).
  7. Benkherouf, A. Y., Eerola, K., Soini, S. L. & Uusi-Oukari, M. Humulone Modulation of GABAA Receptors and Its Role in Hops Sleep-Promoting Activity. Frontiers in Neuroscience 14, 1100 (2020).
  8. Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Yaacob, L. H. & Rahman, R. A. Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE 16, e0257843 (2021).
  9. Bruni, O., Ferini-Strambi, L., Giacomoni, E. & Pellegrino, P. Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Nutrients 2021, Vol. 13, Page 530 13, 530 (2021).
  10. Abbasi, B. et al. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17, 1161 (2012).
  11. Cao, Y. et al. Magnesium Intake and Sleep Disorder Symptoms: Findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study of Chinese Adults at Five-Year Follow-Up. Nutrients 2018, Vol. 10, Page 1354 10, 1354 (2018).
  12. Grandner, M. A., Jackson, N., Gerstner, J. R. & Knutson, K. L. Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients. Journal of Sleep Research 23, 22–34 (2014).
  13. Romano, F. et al. Vitamin D and Sleep Regulation: Is there a Role for Vitamin D? Current Pharmaceutical Design 26, 2492–2496 (2020).
  14. Alzoubi, K. H., Khabour, O. F., Rashid, B. A., Damaj, I. M. & Salah, H. A. The neuroprotective effect of vitamin E on chronic sleep deprivation-induced memory impairment: The role of oxidative stress. Behavioural Brain Research 226, 205–210 (2012).
  15. Otocka-Kmiecik, A. & Krol, A. The Role of Vitamin C in Two Distinct Physiological States: Physical Activity and Sleep. Nutrients 2020, Vol. 12, Page 3908 12, 3908 (2020).
  16. Grebe, M. et al. Antioxidant Vitamin C Improves Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200508-1223OC 173, 897–901 (2012).
  17. Aspy, D. J., Madden, N. A. & Delfabbro, P. Effects of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and a B Complex Preparation on Dreaming and Sleep. Perceptual and Motor Skills 125, 451–462 (2018).
  18. Mayer, G., Kröger, M. & Meier-Ewert, K. Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects. Neuropsychopharmacology 15, 456–464 (1996).

True Story #2 – How I Came To Do What I Do

Greetings to you,

This is Jobee from Nutrition Breakthroughs. Thanks for reading my articles on natural health discoveries, health tips, and remedies.

This is #2 in a series that describes the story of how Nutrition Breakthroughs started and how it’s health articles and supplements came into being.

Around the time that Nutrition Breakthroughs started a couple decades ago, I was living in the Los Angeles area. An opportunity came up for me to do some courses that I really wanted to do in Florida.

I decided to take the trip there – all the way to another coast that I’d never been to before. In order to get the most out of my studies, it was important that I eat well, feel healthy and get a lot of restful sleep.

The only thing interfering with this is that I was unable to get hardly any sleep at all in anticipation of the trip. I got on the plane anyway for the 6 or 7 hour flight, including layovers. The plane touched down in Tampa and I had finally arrived.

As far as my sleep went in Florida, I continued to wake up several times during the night and had tremendous difficulty falling back asleep. I had studied in my nutritional research that calcium and magnesium could help people relax and sleep more deeply.

I searched around and found a product that had these minerals in it and it was formulated in a softgel with oils for better absorption. I began to take it, sometimes every hour during the night when I woke up. It started making a big difference.

I would take one of these often during the night and actually be able to go back to sleep. This was the beginning of a major advancement for Nutrition Breakthroughs. (Although not every sleep aid should be taken this frequently)!

If a supplement like this could actually help me with severe insomnia, would it be worth it for me to create a similar one for my company Nutrition Breakthroughs and help others who have this problem to sleep better too?

Tune in to the next blog article and read it to find out!

So now it’s your turn. I would love to hear from you. Was there ever a similar thing that happened to you where you were so pleased to find a natural remedy that actually worked?

Let me know by sending an email to info@nutritionbreakthroughs.com. I check this inbox myself and I may not reply to each message, but I do read each one. It helps me to provide good information that is of interest.

Here’s to your good health and good sleep.

Jobee Knight
Nutrition Breakthroughs