Details

Published: September 14 2021

How it Works: 

During sleep, cerebral spinal fluid runs through the brain to clear toxins and create new neural connections crucial for retaining information and slowing down aging. This process is called glymphatic drainage. The glymphatic system primarily works during sleep, so in order to successfully create new cerebral pathways and clear waste products, it is essential to get at least 6 hours of sleep.

Why it Works: 

Legs up the wall, temperature changes and minerals help the body shift into a parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and out of flight or fight mode.

• Legs up the Wall: Lying for 5-10 minutes with legs up the wall will reset circadian rhythm and improve the body's ability to drop into deep REM sleep (reparative/clears brain plaque). Simply lie with legs resting on the wall with feet above hips taking deep breaths.

• Change Temperatures: Alternating between hot water and cold in the shower (20 seconds hot, 10 cold) for two minutes before bed will greatly improve the body's natural ability to regulate its own production of melatonin.

• Increase Minerals: Magnesium is easily depleted in a state of prolonged heightened stress. This mineral is a precursor to the neurotransmitter Gaba, which aids in the repair process during sleep. Gaba turns on Theta brain waves, facilitating deep levels of relaxation, healing and rejuvenation. In order to up the levels of magnesium before bed, try Calm. It also comes in travel-size packets.

Nora’s Naturals Sleep Tonic Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water
• Half lemon squeezed
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 tsp raw honey

Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs have been utilized for thousands of years in South America and India. These types of roots and herbs from the earth help the body adapt to stress, while supporting its natural hormone balance. 

 One herb that can play a significant role in sleep patterns is ashwagandha. The Indian Journal of Physiological Medicine reports that participants who took ashwagandha for 60 days lowered their cortisol (stress hormone) by 30%. You can take it in the morning with coffee, as well as in the evening with tea. Since it is not a stimulant, there is no downside as to when it is consumed. The herb works throughout the day or night to support adrenals and balance blood sugar.

Another great option is reishi – a herb found in mushrooms. In addition to the positive sleep effects, reishi can help detoxify the body. A study from Food and Chemical Toxicology used the power of the reishi mushroom to reverse chemical-driven liver damage in mice.