As life slowly returns to normal, many of us are taking a closer look at our health. One aspect that affects more Americans than any other is sleep—specifically, insomnia. If you’ve recently completed a detox, you might already be experiencing one of its many benefits: improved sleep quality.

An Increase in Difficulties With Sleep

The past few years have brought heightened stress, and we’ve seen a significant increase in patients seeking help with sleep disturbances. A recent clinical study published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that individuals who contracted COVID-19 are 41% more likely to experience sleep issues. The study also revealed an increased likelihood of depression and anxiety in COVID-19 survivors—39% and 35%, respectively.

The Role of Minerals

Minerals play an important role in supporting restful sleep and avoiding nutrient depletion, which can be a reason for irregular sleep cycles and how it relates to the function of the nervous systems, specifically calms the nervous system. Adequate sleep is crucial for numerous functions, including learning, concentration, memory, and even immune system support. It also plays a vital role in heart health, blood pressure regulation, and maintaining healthy insulin levels.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences, including increased risks of high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It can also impact appetite control, leading to weight management challenges due to altered levels of leptin and ghrelin. Moreover, during sleep, our bodies undergo essential detoxification processes, allowing for nutrient transport and optimal cellular function.

Understanding Sleep Issues

Insomnia can present itself in several forms:

• Primary insomnia: Not directly associated with other health conditions.
• Secondary insomnia: Caused by other illnesses such as arthritis, heart disease, or depression.
• Chronic insomnia: Lasting for months or years.
• Temporary insomnia: Often lasting days or weeks but may return.

Certain medications can also contribute to sleep disorders. Common culprits include:

• Blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers, diuretics),
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs,
• Hormones (e.g., thyroid medications, contraceptives),
• Bronchodilators,
• Nicotine, and Over-the-counter pain relievers containing caffeine.

How Medication Can Affect Sleep

The medications listed above are contributors of mineral depletion and nutrient depletion. That’s one of the reasons why people are having a hard time sleeping, four out of the six listed medications are stimulants that stimulate the nervous system and endocrine system which disrupts sleep.

Interview with Gerald Roliz

In relation to how pharmaceuticals contribute to sleep challenges, we have an interview with a former pharmaceutical sales representative and the author of Pharmaceutical Myth, Gerald Roliz.

Natural Options to Improve Sleep

If you’ve been struggling with sleep, now is a great time to explore natural options to improve your rest. Minerals play a critical role in sleep regulation, and we are happy to help you assess which nutritional support might best support your needs. Let’s Work Together

Attribution: Mountains Stock photos by Vecteezy