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.

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.

Accumulating evidence from both epidemiologic studies and well-controlled laboratory studies indicates that chronic partial sleep loss may increase the risk of obesity and weight gain. Recent studies in both adults and children have shown that sleep restriction results in metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased evening concentrations of cortisol, increased levels of ghrelin, decreased levels of leptin and increased hunger and appetite.

Poor sleep may contribute to worse outcomes in people with diabetes, if sleep deprivation is not identified and attended to, it may lead to other complications such as difficulty controlling one’s blood glucose levels, an increased risk of complications, reduced quality of life, and consequently a reduced life expectancy.

Sleep deprivation can be managed!

Valerian root extract

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Its use as a medicinal herb for sedative purposes and relaxation dates to ancient Greece and Rome where its therapeutic properties were described by Hippocrates in the early Western medical literature. Extracts of the root have since been used for their calming effects and as a regular supplement to promote sleep.

The bioactive compounds believed to contribute to its mode of action belong to several classes of naturally occurring organic molecules. These include valerenic-  and isovaleric acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), alkaloids such as chatinine, valerianine, and valerene, and several iridoids; valtrate and isovaltrate.

Valerian’s primary usage is to help calm the restless mind and help alleviate anxious thoughts, thereby making it easier to fall and stay asleep without obsessing about stressful matters. Valerian extract’s mode of action involves enhanced signalling of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway, the same neurotransmitter system in the brain that the benzodiazepines, a class of sedative and hypnotic pharmaceutical drugs, therapeutically target.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora) is a large genus of flowering plants native to Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. They are commercially cultivated in many other regions for their aromatic and flavoursome fruit. Extracts of the roots and leaves, however,  have a long history of use as a medicinal herb for relaxation and sedation purposes.

The therapeutically active phytochemicals are the flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin, chrysin, and orientin), indole alkaloids (harman, harmin, harmaline, and harmol) and phenolic acids (formic acid, butyric acid, and GABA). Several of these selectively bind with high affinity to central the benzodiazepine receptor sites and therefore exert a similar but more gentle anxiolytic effect than the class of benzodiazepine drugs.

Inositol

Inositol is an organic food compound found in certain fruits, beans, and grains. Structurally, inositol is related to the vitamin B family and performs a similar biochemical function in the body. In the brain, inositol’s neurobiological mode of action relates to the neuro-modulatory role it plays in the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle, linked to the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline, involved in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Anatomically, dietary inositol is incorporated in the brain into the cell membranes of neurons as inositol phospholipids, where they serve as a structural and metabolic precursor to subtypes of adrenergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic neuro-receptors in several neurological tissues. Behavioural and biochemical studies have indicated that inositol has the potential to enhance neuro-receptor sensitivity and modulate neuro-signalling proteins, thereby helping to direct nerve membrane trafficking. As documented in three separate publications in the American Journal of Psychiatry, evidence suggests that inositol supplementation demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy against placebo regarding emotional well-being, stress reduction, and sleeping patterns relating to conditions which included Panic Disorder, Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a biologically essential trace element which plays an essential role in the regulatory activity of over 300 enzymes involved in nerve conduction and the production of neurotransmitters. Magnesium helps to calm the nervous system due to its ability to block certain brain N- MDA receptors (methyl D-aspartate), thereby inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission and thus guarding against mental overload. Inadequate magnesium levels have been linked to insomnia,  anxiety, and increased pain perception (hyperalgesia). Conversely, studies on magnesium supplementation have shown improvement overall emotional well-being, sleep patterns, anxiety levels and mood.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that supports several physiological, biochemical, and neurological functions. The bioavailability of zinc in the brain can influence the central nervous system (CNS) function through various mechanisms, and diets deficient in zinc have been known to result in behavioural disorders and diminished cognitive function. While the exact role of zinc in the pathophysiology of depression and sleep disorders remains unclear, the inverse relationship between zinc levels, mood, and sleep quality has been established in several studies that evaluated zinc bioavailability in emotionally dysregulated patients.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D modulates several enzyme systems in the brain involved in the biosynthesis of several neurotransmitters and the development of receptors on neurons. Optimal levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream are necessary to preserve neurological function and studies have shown that Vitamin D exerts a neuroprotective effect which helps reduce neuroinflammation, thus preserving cognitive function.

Folate (presented as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate)

Folate is an essential micronutrient belonging to the vitamin B family and a cofactor for several neurotransmitters that play a critical role in sleep regulation, including the modulation of REM sleep quality. Supplementation of folate typically occur as folic acid, folinic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). However, studies have shown that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) offers better absorption and bioavailability and has for this reason, has been selected for inclusion in SleepVance kids.

Vitamin C

Adequate vitamin C is critical for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Individuals with recorded vitamin C deficiency often report feeling depressed and display poor sleeping patterns. Conversely, studies of hospitalised patients who frequently have lower than normal vitamin C levels have found a significant improvement in mood and sleeping patterns after receiving vitamin C supplementation.

One tablet contains:

SleepVance kids contains a unique blend of plant-derived (phytochemical) ingredients that help to promote healthy sleep patterns, increase sleep quality, and alleviate the daytime consequences of sleep deprivation.

There are various hormones, vitamins, nutrients i.e micro and macro involved in the natural sleep, concentration, and mood regulation cycles. SleepVance kids aims to tackle each of these individual components by adopting a holistic approach designed to rectify the underlying nutrient and hormonal deficiencies associated with the majority of these disorders.

SleepVance kids is a multiple active ingredient formulation scientifically formulated to address multiple pathways associated with both sleep duration and quality. It’s unique blend of scientifically formulated ingredients are tailormade to maximise efficacy as well as minimise potential side effects associated with most sleep disorder remedies.

It is also a non-sedative and non-habit-forming formulation making it the ideal product to alleviate sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, inattention and the complications associated with the conditions.

SleepVance kids can be used to:

• Aid with the promotion of healthy sleep patterns
• Increase sleep quality
• Combat the daytime consequences of sleep deprivation
• Combat daytime irritability and inattention
• Assists in improving your child’s overall mental wellbeing

In general, anyone suffering from any of the symptoms caused by sleep deprivation can benefit from using SleepVance kids.

Children between 8 and 12 years:

Chew one tablet daily with supper or a snack 1-2 hrs before bedtime (preferably not on an empty stomach).

Children between 12 and 18 years:

Chew two tablets daily with supper or a snack 1-2 hrs before bedtime (preferably not on an empty stomach).

Children under 8 years:

Use not recommended in children younger than 8 years.

Adults:

Chew 2-3 tablets daily 1-2 hrs before bed with meals.

SleepVance kids is contraindicated in:

• Known or suspected pregnancy.
• Known hypersensitivity to Valerian root, Passionflower, L-Theanine, Glycine, Inositol or any other active or inactive ingredient in SleepVance kids
• Children younger than 8 years.

SleepVance kids generally has a low side-effect profile even when used for extended periods. Gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal fullness and nausea have been reported. It is therefore recommended that SleepVance kids is taken with meals.

Yes, SleepVance kids can be used in combination with other prescription medication such as Zolpidem, Zopiclone, loprazolam, Concerta, Ritalin and other Centrally acting prescription medication. Our experience has shown an improved outcome of individuals who use such combinations.  Please do not discontinue the use of your chronic prescription medication without the consent of your doctor. We advise against replacing any prescription medication with SleepVance kids. For individuals who are not on any sleeping aids, SleepVance kids can be taken on its own to combat sleep deprivation and inattention.

Yes, SleepVance kids can be taken together with both OTC and natural sleeping aids. Care should however be taken to ensure that one does not overdose on individual ingredients when combining natural remedy and such we recommend that you thoroughly read through the label or consult a healthcare professional before opting to combine. SleepVance kids is however a multimodal formulation capable of addressing most sleep related ailments without having to combine it with anything else.

• Shop Online
• South Africa: At any pharmacy. No prescription is required.
• Namibia: At any pharmacy. No prescription is required.
• International Email us at info@mnilifestyle.co.za for international purchasing information.

Valerian root extract

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Its use as a medicinal herb for sedative purposes and relaxation dates to ancient Greece and Rome where its therapeutic properties were described by Hippocrates in the early Western medical literature. Extracts of the root have since been used for their calming effects and as a regular supplement to promote sleep.

The bioactive compounds believed to contribute to its mode of action belong to several classes of naturally occurring organic molecules. These include valerenic- and isovaleric acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), alkaloids such as chatinine, valerianine, and valerene, and several iridoids; valtrate and isovaltrate.

Valerian’s primary usage is to help calm the restless mind and help alleviate anxious thoughts, thereby making it easier to fall and stay asleep without obsessing about stressful matters. Valerian extract’s mode of action involves enhanced signalling of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway, the same neurotransmitter system in the brain that the benzodiazepines, a class of sedative and hypnotic pharmaceutical drugs, therapeutically target.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora) is a large genus of flowering plants native to Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. They are commercially cultivated in many other regions for their aromatic and flavoursome fruit. Extracts of the roots and leaves, however, have a long history of use as a medicinal herb for relaxation and sedation purposes.

The therapeutically active phytochemicals are the flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin, apigenin, chrysin, and orientin), indole alkaloids (harman, harmin, harmaline, and harmol) and phenolic acids (formic acid, butyric acid, and GABA). Several of these selectively bind with high affinity to central the benzodiazepine receptor sites and therefore exert a similar but more gentle anxiolytic effect than the class of benzodiazepine drugs.

Inositol

Inositol is an organic food compound found in certain fruits, beans, and grains. Structurally, inositol is related to the vitamin B family and performs a similar biochemical function in the body. In the brain, inositol’s neurobiological mode of action relates to the neuro-modulatory role it plays in the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle, linked to the production of the neurotransmitter’s serotonin and noradrenaline, involved in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Anatomically, dietary inositol is incorporated in the brain into the cell membranes of neurons as inositol phospholipids, where they serve as a structural and metabolic precursor to subtypes of adrenergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic neuro-receptors in several neurological tissues. Behavioural and biochemical studies have indicated that inositol has the potential to enhance neuro-receptor sensitivity and modulate neuro-signalling proteins, thereby helping to direct nerve membrane trafficking. As documented in three separate publications in the American Journal of Psychiatry, evidence suggests that inositol supplementation demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy against placebo regarding emotional well-being, stress reduction, and sleeping patterns relating to conditions which included Panic Disorder, Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid involved in neuro-protein production and neurocentral nerve transmission. Additional glycine supplementation is currently used for several disorders in medical practice, including the normalisation of sleep, the treatment of alcoholism, certain cerebral circulatory disorders, depression, and anxiety. Glycine has been linked to sleep promotion through its action on NMDA receptors and through enhancing glutamate sensitivity, thereby helping to reset the circadian clock.

L-Theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in certain food especially green and black tea, and several types of mushroom. Several studies have demonstrated that L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a biologically essential trace element which plays an essential role in the regulatory activity of over 300 enzymes involved in nerve conduction and the production of neurotransmitters. Magnesium helps to calm the nervous system due to its ability to block certain brain N- MDA receptors (methyl D-aspartate), thereby inhibiting excitatory neurotransmission and thus guarding against mental overload. Inadequate magnesium levels have been linked to insomnia,  anxiety, and increased pain perception (hyperalgesia). Conversely, studies on magnesium supplementation have shown improvement overall emotional well-being, sleep patterns, anxiety levels and mood.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that supports several physiological, biochemical, and neurological functions. The bioavailability of zinc in the brain can influence the central nervous system (CNS) function through various mechanisms, and diets deficient in zinc have been known to result in behavioural disorders and diminished cognitive function. While the exact role of zinc in the pathophysiology of depression and sleep disorders remains unclear, the inverse relationship between zinc levels, mood, and sleep quality has been established in several studies that evaluated zinc bioavailability in emotionally dysregulated patients.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D modulates several enzyme systems in the brain involved in the biosynthesis of several neurotransmitters and the development of receptors on neurons. Optimal levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream are necessary to preserve neurological function and studies have shown that Vitamin D exerts a neuroprotective effect which helps reduce neuroinflammation, thus preserving cognitive function.

Folate (presented as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate)

Folate is an essential micronutrient belonging to the vitamin B family and a cofactor for several neurotransmitters that play a critical role in sleep regulation, including the modulation of REM sleep quality. Supplementation of folate typically occur as folic acid, folinic acid or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). However, studies have shown that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) offers better absorption and bioavailability and has for this reason, has been selected for inclusion in SleepVance kids.

Vitamin C

Adequate vitamin C is critical for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter’s dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Individuals with recorded vitamin C deficiency often report feeling depressed and display poor sleeping patterns. Conversely, studies of hospitalised patients who frequently have lower than normal vitamin C levels have found a significant improvement in mood and sleeping patterns after receiving vitamin C supplementation.