Why is sleep so important for our wellbeing?
We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping.. So something we spend so much time doing must be pretty significant to our health, right?
Sleep might just be the biggest stress reliever out there, and sometimes you just can’t beat getting in bed after a long day. We all love sleep, how could we not.. after all it allows us to recover from the mental and physical excursions that life can bring.
Adults aged 18 to 60 years are recommended to sleep at least 7 hours each night, otherwise, they run the risk of becoming sleep deprived. Symptoms of short term sleep deprivation are slowed thinking, reduced attention span, worsened memory, poor decision-making, lack of energy and mood changes. Starting to get the picture? Well the symptoms of being sleep deprived for a prolonged period of time are significantly more intimidating such as; increased blood pressure, higher heart rate, inflammation, weight gain, memory loss, hallucinations and decreased fertility.
How does sleep help you?
Great question. Well, when you sleep, your body produces proteins called cytokines that have immune-boosting effects and serve as fuel for your white blood cells. Lack of sleep decreases the production of cytokines and makes you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Affects emotions and social interactions - Trying to fake excitement when seeing an old friend or on a first date when tired can be extremely challenging. To be on top form you need your consistent 7 hours kip.
Lack of sleep can be dangerous - A lack of sleep can have a massive impact on the safety of tasks such as driving or operating machinery. 1 in 5 accidents on major roads are caused by tiredness.
May help you maintain or lose weight - Sleep deprivation may increase your appetite and cause you to eat more calories. In particular, you’re more likely to eat foods high in sugar and fat as ‘easy fix’ to a lack of energy. Also with a lack of sleep you are less likely to exercise the following day.
May strengthen your heart - Sleeping fewer than seven hours per night is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Supports a healthy immune system - Getting at least 7 hours of sleep can improve your immune function and help fight the common cold.
Poor sleep is linked to depression - One study in 2,672 participants found that those with anxiety and depression were more likely to report poorer sleep scores than those without anxiety and depression.
Click here for some tips on improving sleep.
Where does B.fresh come in?
We have teamed up with Nutrition Expert Matt Jones BSc, to create the 100% natural ‘Sleep’ shot. Which is a formidable fusion of fruits, botanical extracts and amino acids, such as tart cherry, chamomile and L-tryptophan. Where each ingredient has gone through a rigorous audition process to ensure they sing in perfect harmony to help you fall asleep.
What does it include?
L-Tryptophan 5HTP – L-Tryptophan 5HTP is plant-based, derived from Griffonia seed. Known to boost the production of serotonin and melatonin, AKA the ‘happy hormone’ and ‘sleep hormone’, L-tryptophan has long been regarded for its beneficial effects on mood and anxiety.
Contains Chamomile – Chamomile is made from the dried and powdered flowers of the plant Matricaria recutita L. and is commonly regarded as a mild tranquilizer or sleep inducer. Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in abundance in chamomile tea.
Contains Tart Cherry – increases the bioavailability and efficiency of tryptophan whilst increasing the body’s production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Contains Apple – Apples are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6 which both aid sleep.
Contains Kiwi – Kiwi is rich in serotonin and antioxidants, both of which increase sleep efficiency.
Contains Honey – Honey helps the brain release melatonin. Contains natural sugars to raise insulin levels, allowing L-tryptophan to enter the brain.
