Body Satva Essentials

By Body Satva Essentials Team      www.bodysatva.com Schematic representation of the transition from beta waves to alpha, theta and ultimately delta waves which represents  deep sleep . Theanine and Melatonin together cover almost all the aspects. Theanine Theanine is an amino acid naturally found abundantly in tea leaves, has anxiolytic effects via the induction of alpha brain waves without additive and other side effects associated with conventional sleep inducers. Relaxation and Anxiolysis (reduction of anxiety) is required for the initiation of high-quality sleep. [1] Mental and physical stress keep the levels of Cortisol on the higher side and the beta brain waves will be predominant. Relaxation and Anxiolysis helps to reduce the Cortisol levels and helps the induction of the alpha brain waves and also the secretion of Melatonin by the pineal gland. Generally, after sunset the Cortisol levels should come down and Melatonin should rise as per the circadi

By Body Satva Essentials Team                         www.bodysatva.com Melatonin may be secreted by the pineal gland when it is dark, but ensures good quality deep sleep and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Melatonin has wide ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and longevity enhancing effects by activating Sirtuin1 and mitochondrial biogenesis . Melatonin is a powerful endogenous antioxidant; more potent than Vitamin C & E, Glutathione and NADH. It’s metabolites are even more powerful in scavenging free radicals and preventing protein oxidation. The metabolites provide a cascading antioxidant effect due to which a single molecule of Melatonin can scavenge up to 10 ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) / RNS (Reactive Nitrogen Species) molecules.[1] Melatonin is a good chelating agent. Melatonin is able to chelate toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, lead and aluminium. [1] Melatonin and its metabolites exert a range of anti-inflammatory

  By Body Satva Essentials Team                        www.bodysatva.com Melatonin has been known as the ‘hormone of darkness’ as its synthesis and secretion are controlled by light/dark cycles, i.e., its production decreases during daytime and increases at night. Earlier, it was considered that Melatonin is exclusively produced by the pineal gland, but it is found in a large variety of foods also. Melatonin has been reported to improve sleep efficiency. Melatonin may help increase total sleep time , relieve daytime fatigue associated with jet lag, reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle ; and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep in people with delayed sleep phase syndrome. It was found that eating melatonin-rich foods could assist sleep. [1] Melatonin exhibits many bioactivities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory characteristics, boosting immunity, anticancer activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, anti-obese, neuroprotective and anti-aging activit

By Body Satva Essentials Team                            www.bodysatva.com Considering that we spend one-third of our life in sleep; it must be an extremely important aspect of the physiology. We shall see why it is absolutely essential to avoid sleep deprivation in order to ‘ prolong youth ’ and lead an ‘ enlightened and balanced life ’. Sleep deprivation is a hallmark of modern society, one that is often considered harmless and efficient . The advent of arti ficial light has permitted the curtailment of sleep to the minimum tolerable and an increase in the time available for work and leisure. In our 24-hour-a-day society, millions work during the night and sleep during the day, a schedule that generally results in substantial sleep deprivation.[1] Sleep deprivation can occur as a result of habitual behavior or due to the presence of a pathological condition. Here we provide evidence against the old notion that "sleep is for the mind, and not for the rest of the body."

By Body Satva Essentials Team                   www.bodysatva.com     Sleep is a very dynamic process regulated by various parts of the brain and the nervous system. Sleep promoting neurons in the brain become more active as we get ready to sleep.  Neurotransmitters can “switch off” or dampen the activity of cells that signal arousal or relaxation .  Sleep Chemicals GABA is associated with sleep, muscle relaxation and sedation .  Norepinephrine and orexin (also called hypocretin) keep some parts of the brain active while we are awake.  Other neurotransmitters that shape sleep and wakefulness include acetylcholine, histamine, adrenaline, cortisol, and serotonin. (Source: NIH – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) . Sleep can be categorized by multiple cycles of rapid eye movement (REM) to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) , where one cycle can last for approximately 90 minutes on average. The sleep cycle proceeds from REM to NREM in 4 stages (Note: Some others

By Body Satva Essentials Team          www.bodysatva.com We spend one-third of our lifetime sleeping!   Sleep is not a waste of time and we must allot adequate time for sleeping even if we have many important jobs to do. Sleep is as important as food and water for our survival. Getting enough quality sleep at the right time is very essential for leading a healthy life. Sleep is important for a number of brain functions. Sleep is a complex and dynamic process that plays a housekeeping role. During sleep tissues are repaired and toxins are removed from the brain and other organs. Sleep affects all tissues and systems in the body including metabolism, immune function, mood and performance.  Chronic lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep, increases the risk of disorders like hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression. Sleep mechanisms Two internal biological mechanisms –circadian rhythm and homeostasis regulate sleep-wake patterns