The link between sleep, concentration, and mood.

Disrupted sleep may involve difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or an alteration in the quality of sleep. This leaves the individual feeling unrefreshed, emotionally depleted, and vulnerable to the development of various mental and physical disorders.

What is the purpose of sleep?

Metabolism is a complex biological chain reaction that fluctuates all day. Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that construct new molecules from smaller units mostly derived from food. While anabolism takes care of the building-up and creational aspects of metabolism, catabolism is responsible for the breaking-down and ultimate degradation of cellular components.

At night, during the sleep-cycle, many of the body’s systems go into ‘anabolic state’, a renewal process that is essential for the restoration of the immune, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. These are also required to optimally maintain the function of neurons which ultimately regulate mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Of the most pronounced physiological changes that happens in the body during sleep occurs in the brain. This is because sleep allows the brain to use significantly less energy for ‘thinking’, thereby allowing it to replenish its energy supply in the form of the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate) required for nerve transmission, neurotransmitter production and nerve growth.

What are the consequences of poor sleep?

Sleep deprivation, also known as sleep insufficiency or sleeplessness, is the condition of not having adequate sleep duration and/or quality of sleep to support your normal level of alertness and mental performance to get your hardworking brain through the next day. Sleep insufficiency can be either chronic or acute and may vary widely in severity.

Research has demonstrated that individuals with sleep deprivation problems are more likely to display decreased levels of concentration, battle to keep their mood upbeat and have an increased risk of developing a mood disorder or chronic pain syndrome.

Why should sleep deprivation not be ignored?

Over the last thirty years the concept that sleep serves a restorative function has gained strong scientific support from several research studies. More of these are emphasizing the key role of deep and proper sleep.

Two common symptoms of not getting enough sleep or poor sleep are fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. But having poor or insufficient sleep also increases one’s risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression and/or anxiety. This becomes a vicious cycle as sleep becomes more disturbed in a mood disorder, the mood disorder is more resistant to treatment unless the sleep disorder is concurrently treated, and lastly, any residual untreated sleep disorder increases the risk of relapse even after successful management of the mood disorder.

What does SleepVance contain?

SleepVance contains a unique blend of plant-derived (phytochemical) ingredients, vitamins and minerals known to promote healthy sleep patterns, increase sleep quality, and alleviate the daytime consequences of sleep deprivation. These are Valerian root (Valeriana officianalis), American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Passionflower (Passiflora), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Inositol, Glycine, Folate (as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate), Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C and Zinc.

What can SleepVance do for you?

• SleepVance:
  • Aids with the promotion of healthy sleep patterns
  • Increases sleep quality
  • Alleviates the daytime consequences of sleep deprivation
  • It can be combined with any insomnia medication to improve sleep patterns

What are the side-effects and contra-indications of SleepVance?

• SleepVance elicits natural sedative properties and should therefore not be taken before driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation has not been established and the administration of SleepVance during pregnancy and breastfeeding is therefore contraindicated.
• Mild gastric irritation may occur if taken on an empty stomach, but generally, the natural ingredients in SleepVance has a low side effect profile.
• Anyone with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Valerian root, American skullcap, Passionflower, 5-HTP, Inositol or any other active or inactive ingredient in SleepVance should avoid taking SleepVance.

How should SleepVance be used?

ADULTS:

Take two tablets on a daily basis 1-2 hours before bedtime with supper or a later pre-bedtime snack/drink (preferably not on an empty stomach).

Tablets may be crushed or chewed to facilitate swallowing.

CHILDREN:

SleepVance is not recommended for children under the age of 18 years.

OLDER CHILDREN:

SleepVance contains the amino acid 5-HTP pharmaceutically registered in some countries for adult use only. SleepVance kids, a specialised teenage formulation, is better suited for children between 8 and 18 years.

YOUNGER CHILDREN:

SleepVance is not recommended for children under the age of eight.