Neuropsychopharmacologist says one natural pill helps you sleep
As people struggle with the hot summer nights, a scientist who specialises in brain chemistry has explained how ingredients like ashwagandha and lemon balm can help with a more restful sleep. One in five people in the UK - 13.5million of us, are not getting enough sleep, according to Mental Health UK.
63% report their sleep is disrupted by hot weather, meaning sleep is worse in warm, weather Studies have shown that organic ingredients like ashwagandha, lemon balm, l-theanine and reishi mushrooms can help people sleep better.
Dr Rayyan Zafar, a Scientist at Imperial College London and the Chief Scientific Officer of Moodeys, said: . 'The key to good sleep is REM sleep. It's like hitting the reset button for your brain—it keeps you sharp, balanced, and ready to take on the day. But stress and restlessness can get in the way so it helps to find ingredients that can combat it. That's where natural sleep boosters like ashwagandha, lemon balm, reishi mushroom and l-theanine can help.
READ MORE: One thing treats depression 'better than drugs or talking therapy'
READ MORE: Eating this 20p fruit could help prevent wrinkles and ease arthritis pain
'Ashwagandha can help to lower cortisol (the 'stress hormone') so your body can relax. Lemon Balm can be useful in reducing anxiety and quieting a racing mind. Reishi Mushroom is a fungus that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation and relax our central and peripheral nervous system. And L-Theanine? It has been found to induce relaxation and rest. These are all organic compounds found in nature that will help you drift into sleep smoothly and help you to stay there.
'These powerful ingredients work best in capsules as they are fast absorbing and have high bioavailability. The result? A calmer nervous system, less stress, and deep REM sleep that leaves you feeling amazing in the morning.'
Ashwagandha, lemon balm, reishi mushroom and L-Theanine are all sold separately and are available in pharmacies and supermarkets, however, combining the ingredients in supplements could be the ultimate sleepmaxxing hack. The supplements are available in a combined pill.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Farm day visitors warned over Cryptosporidium parasite threat
Tens of thousands of visitors due to attend a UK-wide open farm day this weekend have been warned about a parasitic infection that causes serious gastrointestinal illness. There were 17 outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis linked to farms in England and Wales in 2024 and an outbreak in south Wales earlier this year has seen dozens of people fall ill. According to inspection reports from the past five years - released to the BBC under the Freedom of Information Act - some farms repeatedly ignored health inspectors' advice and allowed children to handle sick animals in filthy pens. The organisers of Open Farm Sunday, which sees 190,000 visitors, said its farms have high health and safety standards. Cryptosporidium can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and is spread through direct contact with animals or touching surfaces that have animal faeces on them. The young, pregnant women and those with health conditions which affect their immune system can be particularly vulnerable. Public Health Wales said individual cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to visits to Cowbridge Farm Shop at Marlborough Grange Farm in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, this spring had now risen to 89 people. In England, one of those affected after a farm visit was Emily Fryer's six-year-old son Isaac. He was admitted to hospital after falling ill following a visit to Gannow Farm in Worcestershire last year. Mrs Fryer told the BBC: "He didn't eat or drink for about five days. He just slept all the time. His sugars were dangerously low and they admitted him. "Obviously, I was really worried then. Because he is autistic and non-verbal, we didn't really know how we could help him." Mrs Fryer said the family had taken hygiene seriously when they visited the farm and had washed their hands thoroughly using facilities provided on site. A year earlier the farm had been issued with a prohibition notice by the Health and Safety Executive because it was failing to prevent or control the risk of exposure to cryptosporidium. Those issues were dealt with and the farm was licensed to show animals to the public in 2024. Mrs Fryer said she was disappointed that the farm had been allowed to reopen to visitors. "I just think it's awful," she said. The owners of the farm, which has now stopped its open days, declined to comment when approached by the BBC but have previously said they had "made every precaution possible" to prevent an outbreak. Many farms across the UK have had to diversify their businesses over recent years to boost their profitability, with public open days, petting farms and play barns becoming an important source of income. But inspection reports released to the BBC under the Freedom Information Act by the UK's national cryptosporidium reference unit show that a small number of farms are not meeting health and safety standards - and, in extreme cases, are ignoring warnings from inspectors. On one farm in Wales, which was linked to a number of outbreaks, inspectors found sick animals kept on display and a lack of handwashing facilities, risk assessments and staff training. According to reports, the inspectors told the farm those failings were "consistent with those identified previously. This indicates you are failing to maintain the required improvements from one season to the next". Another farm visited in 2023 had also failed to implement recommendations from a previous inspection, which led to another outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, while another farm, due to host a school visit a few days after inspection, was found to be failing. "Comparing current visit to last year found the conditions worse," the report noted. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the 16 outbreaks in England last year was a provisional figure and data analysis due to be published later in the month may see that rise. Both Public Health Wales and the UKHSA have warned the estimated 190,000 visitors who will be visiting the 250 farms taking part in Open Farm Sunday this weekend to make sure they take basic hygiene measures. Jo Hatton, an education specialist for organisers of the open farm event LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), said all its participating farmers were given advice and training on how best to keep visitors safe. "We are supporting farmers to open their farms and with their risk assessments. We are on the phone with farmers checking in with them throughout the planning process and helping them to understand how to ensure that that visit goes smoothly and everyone goes home happy and healthy," she explained. One farm manager who says he is ensuring the highest health and safety standards for visitors on Sunday is Andy Bason, who will be welcoming around 2,000 visitors onto Newhouse Farm, Alresford, Hampshire. He said LEAF's health and safety training had "really opened my eyes to what's needed to host this kind of event". "With the kind of numbers we see, it is a huge task. We want everyone to come here, have a great day and go home safe without any illness," he explained. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said that the health and safety of all visitors to farms was "taken extremely seriously". Number of people ill from petting farm hits 89 Infection causes girl to lose half her body weight Family attraction confirms outbreak of sickness bug
Medscape
13 hours ago
- Medscape
Experts Suggest NHS Heart Risk Checks from Age 25
MANCHESTER — Cardiovascular health assessments should begin much earlier, focusing on lifetime risk rather than just their 10-year projections, experts said at the British Cardiovascular Society Annual Conference 2025. 'We are looking at cardiovascular risk assessment far too late', said Beverley Bostock, a Queen's nurse and president-elect of the Primary Care Cardiovascular Society (PCCS). Bostock was introducing a conference session titled '25 is the new 40: shifting the focus to lifetime risk'. Prevention Focus in NHS Strategy Derek Connolly, a consultant cardiologist in private practice in Birmingham, said he hoped this approach would be supported in England's 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS. 'There is going to be an enormous emphasis, we think, going forward, on preventive cardiology – and it's about time that that was the case', he said. Connolly said that the team behind the plan were 'very into prevention' and 'had done the math' on the potential benefits of well-known strategies such as lifestyle interventions. By addressing modifiable risk factors earlier and throughout the life course, 'they've worked out that if we do a lot of these things, not only do we save lives, but we save money, and we keep people in work and paying taxes', he said. Rising CVD Burden Recent data in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology , highlighted during the session, projected a 90% increase in global cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence over the next 25 years. CVD-related deaths are expected to rise from 20.5 million in 2025 to 35.6 million in 2050 – a 73.4% increase in crude mortality. Current NHS Risk Assessments The NHS currently assesses 10-year CVD risk from age 40, repeating every 5 years until age 74. This is typically measured using the cardiovascular risk score (QRISK 2), embedded in GP consulting software, although QRISK 3 and QRISK lifetime offer greater predictive power. Jim Moore "CVD risk is predicated around a lifetime exposure to risk factors,' said Jim Moore, a recently retired GP with a special interest in cardiovascular medicine. 'Just modest changes in those risk factors — your lipid profile or blood pressure — can, we know independently, and in combination, improve your outcomes.' Moore, a past president of the PCCS, said 10-year calculators may underestimate risk in those under 40, even when significant risk factors are present. Lifetime calculators could be 'persuasive' tools in patient consultations, he argued, with results helping to steer discussions towards lifestyle changes and risk factor modifications. The key message, he said, was the need for a holistic approach, which was 'something that we really do not see routinely happening in my area within primary care'. Case for Earlier Screening Scott Murray, a consultant cardiologist at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and former president of the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, made the case for assessing CV risk in people under 40. Scott Murray Modern lifestyles characterised by sedentary behaviour, poor dietary habits, and increasing stress were contributing to rising CVD in younger populations. 'We're seeing more obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension', Murray said. 'I like to think of it a bit like this: so, you've got your genetic predisposition – genetics loads the gun, and your environment pulls the trigger.' Murray proposed age 25 as a theoretical "sweet spot" for screening. 'There's a sort of lifestyle transition at age 25 into more independent adulthood, more able to potentially think about family responsibilities.' At age 25, most people have finished puberty and reached physiological maturity. Data suggests that starting CVD screening at this age would be cost-effective by maximising opportunities for lower-cost interventions, according to Murray. However, he acknowledged potential difficulties in engaging 25-year-olds when NHS health checks for over-40s have not reached hoped-for targets. Targeted Approach Laura Ormesher, a National Institute for Health and Care Research academic clinical lecturer at the University of Manchester, suggested that pregnancy could be an ideal time to educate younger women about lifestyle-related CVD risk. 'We know that adverse pregnancy outcomes increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and I think we've got to make the most of that opportunity during the pregnancy,' she said. She added that the postnatal period — typically 'a little bit less complicated for women' — is a time when many felt 'empowered to try and improve their long-term health for their child and their family,' Ormesher added. Dr Sundhya Raman Dr Sundhya Raman, a lifestyle physician, acknowledged that universal health checks from age 25 might be too ambitious but supported a targeted strategy. 'Maybe we need to target the higher risk individuals with strong family histories of raised BMI,' she said. 'There is great potential for when you educate one person, you educate a family, you educate a community,' Raman added. Moore has received honoraria for participation in educational activities and advisory boards from AstraZeneca, Amarin, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly and Company, Daiichi-Sankyo, Novartis and Medtronic. Raman acknowledged she was a founder of My Wellness Doctor and My Weight Loss Doctor Clinic . Murray declared being the founder and medical director for Venturi Cardiology but had no relevant conflicts of interest. Ormesher had no conflicts to declare.
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Time Business News
Fast Relief from Sleepless Nights – Sleeping Pills with Next Day UK Delivery
Your entire life will suffer negative effects when you lack sleep because it destroys your mood and energy as well as your concentration and your ability to function during daylight hours. Among the many people experiencing sleep difficulties, you probably search for an effective and quick solution for better rest. The wide range of sleeping pills in the UK is now more available through trusted online pharmacies that provide next-day UK delivery. The waiting time for relief is now reduced because you receive it without delay. People throughout the UK benefit from buying sleeping pills online for next-day delivery which revolutionizes their management approach to insomnia and sleep-related disturbances. The purpose ofSleeping Pills UK is to assist patients in quickest sleep onset and optimal sleep duration resulting in improved quality rest. Multiple types of sleeping pills exist in the market and patients can obtain their medicines through both prescribed drug channels and no prescribed channels. Acute insomnia together with short-term sleep problems requires medical prescription of both Zopiclone and Zolpidem medications. These medications now constitute some of the most effective sleeping pills present in the UK market. The market provides over-the-counter products for individuals facing periodic sleep issues. The market offers two main types of medications including antihistamine and herb-based formulas suitable for those who prefer gentler treatments. When you do not sleep well, time becomes important. Waiting for several days to get help can worsen symptoms such as anxiety, poor concentration and low productivity. This is the day after the delivery of the UK. With this service you can buy UK Sleeping Pills and deliver them to the door within 24 hours. The facility and speed of buying online sleeping pills in the UK can make a big difference for someone suffering from back-to-back sleepless nights. Getting rapid relief means avoiding long -term mental and physical consequences of ongoing shortage of sleep. Safety is needed when choosing to Buy Sleeping Pills UK. Always look for licensed UK-based online pharmacies registered with medicines and health product regulation agency (MHRA). These sites will usually need to fill out a medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a qualified health care provider. Avoid websites that provide sleeping pills without any kind of consultation or prescription. These sites can sell false or irregular medicines that may be dangerous to your health. When you use a valid supplier, your consultation, approval and distribution process is handled by professionals and safe. If you are looking for the best sleeping pills available in the UK, Zopiclone and Zolpidem are two of the most prescribed drugs for insomnia. Zopiclone is often available at 7.5 mg tablet and is known to help individuals quickly sleep and sleep at night. Zolpidem, a more widespread drug, has a similar effect and is often preferred for its little life, which reduces the possibility of growing the next day. In addition to these recipe options, natural sleep aids such as melatonin-based supplements, valerian root or antihistamine can also be purchased for Miller symptoms. The opportunity to buy online sleeping pills in the UK provides many benefits. First of all, you save time by avoiding commercial appointments and pharmacy visits. Second, online pharmacies often offer better prices and proper packaging. Third, the next day's delivery lets you address immediate sleep problems without delay. You can also review different product options, customers can read reviews and get medical guidance without leaving home. This availability has purchased the Go-to method for many people who relieve insomnia and other sleep problems in the UK. Click Here to Buy Sleeping Pills Online at UK Sleep Care. It is important to consider the cause of your sleeplessness before you start taking some sleeping pills the UK. Stress, diet, irregular sleep routine and mental health disorders can all play a role in troubled sleep. While the drug can provide immediate relief, long -term solutions often include lifestyle changes. It is recommended to use sleeping pills for short -term support while improving sleep hygiene. This includes maintaining a steady sleep, reducing screen time before bedtime, limiting caffeine intake in the evening and creating a cool sleep environment. Sleep pills can be very effective for those who need quick relief from sleep evenings. However, they are not for everyone. People with a history of drug addiction, breathing problems or some chronic conditions should consult a doctor before using them. Fortunately, when you buy the UK from a well-known online pharmacy, you will get the right medical guidance to ensure that the drug is right for you. If you have tried to change natural means and lifestyle without success, a small course of prescribed British sleep pills can help reset the sleep cycle and improve your overall health. Sleep is important for your physical and mental welfare. Lack of sleep can lead to chronic fatigue, weak immune function, irritability and even depression. This is why quick access to the best sleeping pills with the next day's delivery is more than a luxury – this is a requirement for many. Being able to buy online sleeping pills in the UK gives you control of your sleep health supported health. Whether you work with jet intervals, stress or ongoing insomnia, access to effective drug the next day means that you no longer need to suffer through endless sleep evenings. For people struggling with poor sleep, quick access is important for effective treatment. Thanks to the Internet, it is much easier to Buy Sleeping Pills UK, and has been distributed the following day. Whether you are looking for treatment or prescription solutions, reliable online pharmacies in the UK provide safe, practical and professional service. Sleep should not be a luxury. If you are ready to control your nights and restore your days, consider the facility to buy online sleeping pills in the UK with delivery in the UK the following day. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
