As the cold weather continues, National Bed Month in March provides a good excuse to stay wrapped up and think about the importance of a good night's sleep.
Sleep plays a vital role in thinking and learning, and most of us who have difficulty nodding off will know how a lack of sleep affects us, making us irritable and moody and reducing our ability to concentrate.
Unbeknown to some, a bad sleep can lead to a weakened immune system and can put us at risk of serious medical conditions including obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Research conducted by the Henry Potter Advisory Committee on behalf of Potter's Herbals revealed that a bad night's sleep also affects our day-to-day activities.
One in five (19.25%) of us do less exercise the day after a poor night's sleep. Almost a third (29.15%) said that getting a good night's sleep helps them to perform better at the gym. 39% of those asked complained that they had trouble getting to sleep often, with a further 37% saying that this affected their ability to learn and listen to people, problem solve and focus on the task at hand. Interestingly, 56% of adults also rank a lack of sleep as the biggest cause of stress ahead of money, work, relationships and family matters.
Sleep specialist Chireal Shallow of the Henry Potter Advisory Committee for Potter's Herbals observes "If more of us could get a good night's sleep, we might well be able to reduce the risk of some of the health problems that currently blight our nation, such as stress. Fortunately, there are products with specially blended, high quality herbs that can help ease sleeplessness, by working naturally to relax the body. Potter's Nodoff Plus Mixture which contains tried and trusted ingredients including passionflower, hops, valerian and skullcap, gently eases the body into relaxation and induces sleep."
"Their effects are well-documented. Studies show that passionflower may reduce anxiety without certain reported side effects of some prescription medicines and valerian has been shown to help reduce the time needed to fall asleep as well as relieve feelings of stress. Potter's Calm & Relax tablets contain hops, skullcap, vervain and valerian to help combat symptoms of stress, such as irritability, agitation and tenseness in the body."
There are three remedies in Potter's Herbals sleep and stress relief range. These have been blended together based on Potter's deep experience of the synergistic effect of these natural, herbal ingredients to provide tried and trusted remedies:
• Potter's Nodoff Plus Mixture - a herbal sleeping draught which helps promote natural sleep. Along with passionflower it contains Jamaica dogwood, hops, valerian, and skullcap. Passionflower, valerian, skullcap and hops are tried and trusted sedatives and relaxants.
• Potter's Nodoff Tablets - used as an aid to promote natural sleep. They contain passionflower which is a mild sedative.
• Potter's Calm & Relax Tablets - used for the symptomatic relief of tenseness, irritability or agitation due to the stresses and strains of modern life. It contains hops, skullcap, valerian and vervain.
March is National Bed Month