Sleep Factors By BioGenesis Nutraceuticals Overview & Drug Interactions

Calcium is a vital nutrient found in various foods such as dairy products, certain vegetables, and many fortified items. Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, predominantly as hydroxyapatite. The remaining calcium circulates in the blood, extracellular fluid, muscles, and other tissues, where it is essential for processes like nerve signaling, muscle contraction, vascular activities, glandular secretion, and maintaining cell membrane and capillary permeability. It also plays critical roles in enzyme reactions, respiration, kidney function, and blood clotting, and is involved in neurotransmitter and hormone release, amino acid uptake, vitamin B12 absorption, and gastrin secretion. Calcium balance changes with age: it is positive during periods of growth, stable in adulthood, and tends to become negative in older age. Calcium loss occurs through feces, urine, sweat, and shedding skin cells. In women, reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium absorption and retention, increase bone turnover, and lead to lower bone mass. Calcium supplements come in various forms, including citrate and carbonate, which differ mainly in their calcium content and absorption rates. Calcium citrate is easily absorbed and can be taken without food, making it suitable for older adults or those with low stomach acid. In contrast, calcium carbonate, which contains a higher percentage of calcium, is best absorbed when taken with meals.

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a role in many important physiological processes, including the contraction and relaxation of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of blood pressure. Magnesium is found in a variety of foods, including leafy green vegetables, nuts, and grains, and it is also available as a dietary supplement. There are several different forms of magnesium that are available as supplements, all of which can be used to prevent deficiency. Additionally, magnesium is purported to have several different health benefits, such as improving sleep, reducing muscle cramps, reducing anxiety, and preventing or treating migraines. Although magnesium is essential for health, magnesium-containing foods and supplements can interact with some prescription medications if used at the same time.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. The plant is known for its strong, distinctive odor and its purported medicinal effects. Valerian contains a number of active compounds, including valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to have a sedative effect on the body and are may to be helpful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Valerian is also believed to have mild tranquilizing and muscle-relaxing properties and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. The root of the valerian plant is most commonly utilized in dietary supplements and is often standardized for valerenic acid content.

Inositol is a type of carbohydrate (sugar alcohol) that is found in a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, and grains. It is also known as vitamin B8 but is not considered 'essential' as it can be synthesized in the human body. Inositol is involved in a number of important physiological processes, including the metabolism of fats, the regulation of insulin, and the transmission of nerve impulses. Inositol is a popular dietary supplement and is believed to have a number of potential health benefits. It is thought to have a role in the treatment of certain mental health conditions, is believed to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and may be helpful in the prevention or management of heart disease. In addition, inositol may have anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful in the treatment of certain skin conditions.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of functions, including regulating brain activity and behavior, relaxation, and sleep. GABA is endogenously produced in the brain from the amino acid glutamate and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of nerve cells in the brain and central nervous system. GABA is a popular dietary supplement and is used to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep, but more research is needed to determine its safety and effectiveness.

Theanine, often referred to as L-theanine as that is the predominant isomer of theanine, is an amino acid commonly found in tea leaves, particularly in green tea. It is purported to increase levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. L-theanine may also promote a sense of calm and improve overall well-being. Some studies have also suggested that it may improve cognitive function, although more research is needed. Most reported drug interactions with theanine are due to its sedative effects.

5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally-occurring amino acid and a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is used as a dietary supplement to improve mood and help with anxiety, sleep disorders, and other conditions. It is also sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat migraines and fibromyalgia. The 5-HTP found in supplements is most often obtained from the seeds of the tropical shrub Griffonia simplicifolia

Skullcap is a perennial herb native to North America. It is a member of the mint family and has small, blue or purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is named for its shape, which resembles a small, hooded skull. Skullcap is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, and some studies have suggested that skullcap may have sedative and anxiety-reducing effects. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are two different plants that are often referred to simply as "skullcap." but they belong to different species and have different medicinal properties.

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a plant species in the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. German chamomile is a popular herbal remedy and is often used in teas, tinctures, and other preparations for its calming and digestive properties. German chamomile has Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States.

Hops are the female flowers (also known as cones) of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus, and a member of the Cannabaceae family. Hops are native to Europe and are widely cultivated in many parts of the world. Hops have a variety of applications, such as for food flavoring and brewing beer. Hops extract has been used in topical medicinal preparations and as a dietary supplement.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with fragrant white and purple flowers that is native to the Americas. It is purported to have a number of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving sleep. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Passionflower may also have mild sedative and muscle-relaxing effects and may be helpful in the treatment of muscle spasms and other muscle disorders. Dietary supplements containing passionflower are generally standardized to contain no less than 1.5% of the flavanoid vitexin.

Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a plant species in the lettuce family that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a tall, annual plant with small, yellow flowers and leaves that resemble the leaves of cultivated lettuce. Wild lettuce is sometimes called "opium lettuce" due to the milky sap it contains that has been purported to have sedative and analgesic effects. Wild lettuce has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is thought to have various medicinal properties, including sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic effects. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and pain.

California poppy is a plant, part of the Papaveraceae family, and native to North America. It is known for its bright orange flower and used in traditional medicine to help treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also used as a food or garnish. It is the official state flower of California.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pineal gland. It is involved in several different bodily processes, such as the regulation of the body's sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement and is often used to help people with sleep disorders, such as insomnia, fall asleep more easily. There is some evidence to suggest that melatonin supplements may be helpful in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and improving sleep quality, although the results of studies on this topic have been mixed. Studies show better support for some specific conditions, such as Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder. Melatonin is generally considered to be safe when used in the short term, although it can cause side effects in some people, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. While melatonin is a natural hormone, it is often synthesized for its use in dietary supplements.