7 Stress-Busting Vitamins to Aid Sleep & Relaxation

There’s nothing worse than a sleepless night; looking at the clock, counting down the hours before you have to be up again for work. We’ve all been there, in fact, two thirds (67%) of adults here in the UK suffer from disrupted sleep. 77% of people also said they felt tired in the mornings, again a sign of a poor night’s sleep.

Whether it’s stress, anxiety or something playing on your mind. At times it can feel just impossible to switch off.

Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director at Aviva UK Health explains, “As well as suffering from general fatigue, people who regularly don’t get enough sleep are at higher risk of serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Sleep deprivation can be very distressing and often has a negative effect on mental health.”

If, like millions of us, a good night’s slumber is something you can only dream of; there are simple lifestyle changes that could make including exercise, routine, diet and supplementation.

Here, we give you the lowdown on 7 dreamy, tried and tested, stress busting vitamins and minerals, sure to soothe, de-stress and unwind.

1. Vitamin B6

Also known as pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, and plays a role in helping to regulate levels of melatonin - our bodies' sleep hormone. Taking Vitamin B6 supplements before bed leads to better quality of sleep and feeling more refreshed on waking. It’s calming effects don’t end there, as it’s also known to ease anxiety and irritability in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

2. Copper

Copper is an often overlooked mineral which contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues, keeping our bodies in check. Research shows that it regulates sleep and wakefulness. If Copper and Zinc levels in the body are off-balance, this can cause sleep disturbances.

3. Zinc

Studies show that taking Zinc supplements improves the quality of sleep. Taking just an 4mg extra of zinc a day can make a major difference to the health of cells, which in turn makes your body better able to fight infections and diseases.

4. Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 deficiencies, although rare, can cause tiredness and fatigue. Referred to by many as “the anti-stress" vitamin, Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid is used by the body’s adrenal glands to produce sex and stress hormones. Ongoing research suggests that people under higher stress may benefit from an increase in B-Vitamins.

5. L-Theanine

Chances are you have had “a nice cup of tea” to help you relax. This relaxing effect is actually caused by L-Theanine. L-theanine not only creates a sense of relaxation, but research also shows it improves the quality of sleep by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.

6. Chamomile

Chamomile has long been used worldwide for it's wonderfully calming effect, whether in tea, or essential aromatherapy oils. Chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquilliser, shown to induce sleep in research trials. Known for it's calming properties, Chamomile also helps to regulate mood.

7. Lemon Balm

This popular plant often found in teas needs no introduction. Used the world over for some 2000 years, lemon balm has long been a go-to ingredient to calm frazzled nerves and anxious minds. The Ancient Greeks recognised lemon balm for it’s ability to treat anxiety, promote sleep, and sooth agitation. Modern day research shows they were onto something, proving that consuming lemon balm has positive effects on stress and mood.

Supplementation to aid sleep and relaxation are by no means a new phenomenon. For years, the shelves have been awash with pills, capsules, tablets and even gummy sweets promising to leave you feeling zen. But did you know that only 10%-20% of the nutrients in vitamin pills are absorbed into the body, whereas liquid, drinkable vitamins are absorbed up to 98%.

As an award-winning British brand, here at Pink Cloud Beauty Co, we've carefully taken all 7 of our handpicked stress-busting vitamins and minerals and blended them into one delicious, easy-to-use formula, in our mixed berry flavoured Relax Drinkable Vitamins.

Just take a handy pre-portioned sachet, tip the contents into a glass and add water to taste. If you like an intense flavour add 200ml, for a lighter delicate taste, we recommend 600ml.

With natural colours and flavourings, and only 23 calories per serving; Relax Drinkable Vitamins are also delicious mixed with hot water and served in your favourite mug!