{"product_id":"clinicians-rem-sleep","title":"Clinicians REM Sleep","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClinicians REM Sleep\u003c\/h2\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What is REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r REM Sleep is a combination of natural herbal ingredients, vitamins and minerals that support natural sleep hormones and help to calm and relax the body ready for sleep. REM Sleep offers effective sleep support if you suffer from insomnia or stress, or travelling across time zones, so that you have a good night’s sleep and wake refreshed and rested for the day ahead.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r Why use REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Sleep is a time when our body restores vital processes and is important to our health and wellbeing and ultimately to our survival.  Lack of quality sleep that includes the normal sleep cycle can have serious effects on our ability to function in everyday life, as well as impacting on our health and overall quality of life.  Insomnia or some form of disruption to normal sleep patterns is a common problem, and can be due to many factors including stress, anxiety, a health condition, shift work or travelling across time zones.  REM Sleep contains a combination of natural herbal ingredients, minerals and vitamins that supports natural sleep hormones, promotes calm and relaxation and helps you get a good night’s sleep.  REM Sleep can provide effective sleep support to overcome sleep problems by helping to fall asleep and stay asleep, so that you wake refreshed and rested for the day ahead.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Key Benefits of REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSupports natural production of hormones that promote sleep\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eProvides natural sleep support when anxiety or stress is keeping you awake\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eProvide sleep support while travelling across time zones\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eNatural herbal ingredients to calm and relax the body ready for sleep, while reducing anxiety\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eGluten and dairy free\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eNo added artificial colours, sweeteners, flavours or preservatives\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSuitable for long-term use\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is sleep? \u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Sleep is not a time of inactivity but is when the brain carries out many restorative processes and manages the nerve pathways that allow us to function.  Meanwhile the rest of our body is busy making repairs, clearing away toxins and producing hormones.  Quality sleep, and enough of it, is essential to our wellbeing.  Sleep deprivation is associated with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, reduced immune function and increased risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and obesity.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r The normal sleep cycle\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r The normal sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes and is repeated 4-6 times a night.  One cycle consists of the first four stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), during which we move from very light sleep gradually into deep sleep, when it is difficult to be awakened.  During NREM sleep there is little eye activity, heartbeat and breathing slows, body temperature falls, and brainwave activity gradually become slower.  This is when the body is most relaxed and when it undergoes restorative processes like renewing energy supplies, tissue repair, boosting the immune system and secreting hormones that control growth and metabolism.  The next stage of sleep is known as rapid eye movement sleep (REM).  During REM sleep, although the eyes are moving, the muscles in our arms and legs are temporarily paralysed.  The eyes move rapidly from side to side under the eyelids, heartrate increases, and breathing becomes fast irregular and shallow.  This stage is associated with dreaming and if woken during this stage we often remember our dreams.  REM is an important stage in the sleep cycle as this is the time when the brain processes and stores information, which is important for learning and memory. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is the sleep\/wake cycle?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r The sleep\/wake cycle determines when it is time to sleep and when it is time to wake and is controlled by the circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that controls cyclical changes in the body like sleep, body temperature and hormone secretion over a 24-hour period.  This internal clock is set by external cycles of daylight and darkness which determine when we should go to sleep and when we should wake.  This cycle involves the secretion of the melatonin, the sleep hormone, which is produced in the pineal gland of the brain.  The secretion of melatonin is triggered by darkness so that it is produced at night and regulates the natural sleep\/wake cycle\u003csup\u003e1.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is insomnia?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Insomnia is any disturbance in the normal pattern sleep that leaves you unrefreshed in the morning and affects your ability to function.  Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can be short term or long term and is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, waking in the night, waking too early and not being able to go back to sleep, or a combination of all these. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is an anxiolytic?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r An anxiolytic is a substance that can relieve anxiety, aid sleep, or have a calming effect.  Anxiety is a factor is sleep disruption and if reduced this can help restore quality sleep patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r What is GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid)?\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r A neurotransmitter is a brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate.  Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.  Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.  Whereas glutamate has a stimulating effect on the brain, GABA has a sedating and calming effect on the brain.  These neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors and can be regulated by various external chemicals.  For example, alcohol decreases glutamate activity, caffeine increases glutamate and decreases GABA release, tranquilizers and sleeping pills like benzodiazepines increase GABA activity. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the ingredients in REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Each capsule of REM Sleep contains the following active ingredients:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003ePassion flower (Passiflora incarnata) \t540mg (extract equivalent to dry herb)\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eScullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)\t\t80mg (extract equivalent to dry herb)\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eMagnesium aspartate complex\t\t312 mg (equiv magnesium 62 mg)\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eVitamin B3 (nicotinamide)\t\t\t12.5mg\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eVitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)\t6 5 mg (equivalent to vitamin B6 5 mg)   \u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Other ingredients\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Magnesium stearate, tapioca.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003eKey Ingredients:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003ePassion flower \u003cem\u003e(Passiflora incarnata):\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Passion flower is a perennial vine and its many species are found mainly in Central and South America.  The flower has been used as in traditional medicine as a herbal sedative and anxiolytic, and to help with sleep disturbance\u003csup\u003e2.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Preclinical studies have demonstrated pharmacological activities of Passion flower extract including anxiolytic and sedative properties, which have been supported in some clinical studies\u003csup\u003e3.\u003c\/sup\u003e  A placebo controlled study demonstrated that a tea containing a low dose of Passion flower improves sleep in for healthy adults with mild fluctuations in sleep quality\u003csup\u003e4. \u003c\/sup\u003e In a clinical study comparing Passion flower extract and oxazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, Passion flower extract was found to be an effective drug for the management of generalized anxiety disorder\u003csup\u003e5.\u003c\/sup\u003e  The pharmacological effects of Passionflower were demonstrated in laboratory experiments to be mediated by modulation of the GABA system\u003csup\u003e6.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Scullcap\u003cem\u003e (Scutellaria lateriflora):\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Scullcap is a member of the mint family.  It is native to the United States where it grows in moist environments, but now grows throughout north America.  In traditional herbal medicine Scullcap was used to treat stress and anxiety.  Baicalein is a flavonoid found in extracts of Scullcap that has been demonstrated to have anxiolytic activity in animal studies.  It binds to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA receptor, which may contribute to its anxiolytic and sedative properties\u003csup\u003e7.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Studies with healthy volunteers have indicated that skullcap was effective in reducing anxiety and improving mood8\u003csup\u003e, 9.\u003c\/sup\u003e  In a review of controlled clinical trials for treatment of mood, anxiety and sleep disorders, Scullcap demonstrated anxiolytic activity\u003csup\u003e10. \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r 5-Hydroxytryptophan:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that regulates many body activities, including sleep, mood, appetite, temperature control, pain sensation and sexual behaviour.  5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin and is synthesised from the amino acid tryptophan, which is obtained from the diet.  Tryptophan is converted by the body to 5-HTP both in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues.  5-HTP is well absorbed into the blood from the gastrointestinal system and is not affected by food, therefore, it is readily available to cross into the brain where it can be used to synthesise serotonin, increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood, sleep and other activities.  Serotonin is also a precursor for melatonin and increasing levels of both serotonin and melatonin have been demonstrated following oral administration of 5-HTP\u003csup\u003e11\u003c\/sup\u003e. The amount of tryptophan in the blood is associated with the regulation of several physiological functions including, mood, sleep, cognition and circadian rhythm.  Low levels of blood tryptophan were found to be associated with poor quality sleep in pregnant women\u003csup\u003e12\u003c\/sup\u003e.  Supplementation with tryptophan, as a precursor for 5-HTP and serotonin synthesis, supported improved sleep in clinical and preclinical studies and was found to shorten time it takes to get to sleep and increase overall sleep quantity and quality\u003csup\u003e13.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Serotonin also improves mood and reduces anxiety, promoting relaxation and calm, which prepares for sleep\u003csup\u003e14.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Animal studies have demonstrated that 5-HTP may have sleep-inducing properties and may be acting on the GABA system in the brain15.  Clinical studies have indicated that supplementation with 5-HTP may be helpful in relieving symptoms of depression\u003csup\u003e16, 17.  \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Magnesium aspartate complex:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Magnesium is an essential mineral obtained from the diet and has been used in traditional medicine to promote calm and relaxation.  Magnesium is important for many physiological processes, including maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, production of energy, control of blood pressure, normal heartbeat, and regulation of the endocrine (hormone) and immune system.  Magnesium deficiency is common and is thought to be related to several health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression.  A review of clinical studies indicates that supplementation with magnesium is associated with reduced stress and anxiety\u003csup\u003e18\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10px;\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e,\u003c\/sup\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand also depression\u003csup\u003e19.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Magnesium supplementation has also been found to improve sleep quality in a study of elderly people with insomnia and also increased blood levels of melatonin\u003csup\u003e20.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Animal and clinical studies have suggested a role for magnesium in circadian rhythm and sleep regulation and the mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of the GABA system.  Magnesium also inhibits the activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which regulates a calcium channel in cells involved in the excitatory state, and is its activation is implicated in anxiety and panic disorders.  Magnesium is thought to dampen down this excitatory and anxious state to promote relaxation and sleep\u003csup\u003e18, 20.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Magnesium aspartate is more bioavailable than some other forms of magnesium like magnesium oxide or sulphate because it is more soluble and better absorbed in the gut\u003csup\u003e21. \u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Nicotinamide is the active form of vitamin B3, which is an essential dietary nutrient.  It is a component of two coenzymes, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) that play an important role in many biological processes, including energy production, synthesis of important lipids, production of steroid hormones and signal transduction in cells\u003csup\u003e22.\u003c\/sup\u003e  Nicotinamide has a similar structure to anxiolytic drugs like benzodiazepines and this may contribute to its positive effects on mood\u003csup\u003e23.\u003c\/sup\u003e  It may also be involved in the serotonin\/melatonin pathway, which would also influence sleep regulation\u003csup\u003e22.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Vitamin B6 is an essential dietary vitamin that is important in many biochemical reactions that regulate metabolism, including lipid metabolism and maintaining healthy nerve function.  Vitamin B6 is a co-factor in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters including serotonin, melatonin and GABA.  Deficiency of Vitamin B6 is associated with changes in important physiological processes leading to health problems, including sleep disorders\u003csup\u003e24.\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Contraindications\/Interactions of REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003eYou should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.  Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking REM Sleep.  Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Side effects:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Most commonly reported side effects while taking REM Sleep include nausea, diarrhoea dizziness, and drowsiness. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Do not use if:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cul\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eyou are pregnant or are breastfeeding\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eyou are taking medicines that interact with REM Sleep to cause a potentially serious reaction, including SSRI and MOI antidepressants and the herb St John’s Wort \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eyou are taking medicines that are serotonin antagonists that reduce the effectiveness of REM Sleep like methysergide for migraine and some anti histamines like cyproheptadine\u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ul\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Caution:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Always consult your doctor if you are taking other medications before you use REM Sleep. \u003cbr\u003e\r 5-HTP in REM Sleep may interact with antidepressant drugs that increase serotonin levels, resulting in serotonin syndrome, with symptoms including high body temperature, agitation, increased reflexes, tremor, sweating, dilated pupils, and diarrhoea11.  \u003cbr\u003e\r Passion flower may increase effects of sedative medications, like the benzodiazepines diazepam and lorazepam; also anticonvulsants like phenytoin.  \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r What are the Directions for using REM Sleep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch4\u003e\r Dosage:\u003c\/h4\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r Take 2 capsules of REM Sleep 15-30 minutes before you are ready to go to sleep and repeat during the night, if necessary.  You should continue taking your REM Sleep for as long as recommended by your doctor. \u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r Product Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e\r 30 \u0026amp; 60 Capsules\u003c\/p\u003e\r \u003ch3\u003e\r References\u003c\/h3\u003e\r \u003ch5\u003e\r The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:\u003c\/h5\u003e\r \u003col\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSleep-Wake Cycle: Its Physiology and Impact on Health.  National Sleep Foundation. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eLakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review Nutr J2010; 9: 42.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eMiroddi M, Calapai G, Navarra M, Minciullo PL, Gangemi S. Passiflora incarnata L.: ethnopharmacology, clinical application, safety and evaluation of clinical trials. J Ethnopharmacol 2013 Dec 12;150(3):791-804. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eNgan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality. Phytother Res\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAkhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, Shayeganpour A, Rashidi H, Khani M.  Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.  J Clin Pharm Ther 26(5):363-367, 2001. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAppel K, Rose T, Fiebich B, Kammler T, Hoffmann C, Weiss G.  Modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system by Passiflora incarnata L. Phytother Res. 2011 Jun;25(6):838-43. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAwad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine . 2003;10:640-649. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBrock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T.  American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res.2014 May;28(5):692-8. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eWolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSarris J, Panossian A, Schweitzer I, Stough C, Scholey A.  Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2011 Dec;21(12):841-60. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBirdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev 1998; 3: 271-80.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003evan Lee L, Cai S, See Ling Loy SL, Tham EKH et al.  Relation of plasma tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy to maternal sleep and mental well-being: The GUSTO cohort.  J Affect Disord. 2018 January 01; 225: 523–529. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eJenkins TA, Nguyen JCD, Polglaze KE, Bertrand PB.  Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut- Brain Axis Nutrients.  2016, 8, 56. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eSilber BY, Schmitt JA Effects of tryptophan loading on human cognition, mood, and sleep. Neurosci Biobehav Rev.2010 Mar;34(3):387-407. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eHong KB, Park Y, Suh HJ. Sleep-promoting effects of the GABA\/5-HTP mixture in vertebrate models. Behav Brain Res.2016 Sep 1;310:36-41\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eTurner EH, Loftis JM, Blackwell AD. Pharmacol Ther. 2006;109: 325-38. Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eShaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(1):CD003198.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eBoyle NB, Lawton C, Dye L. The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review Nutrients2017 May; 9(5): 429.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eDerom ML, Sayón-Orea C, Martínez-Ortega JM, Martínez-González MA Magnesium and depression: a systematic review. Nutr Neurosci.2013 Sep;16(5):191-206. \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eAbbasi B, Masud Kimiagar M, Khosro Sadeghniiat K, Shirazi MM, Hedayati M, Rashidkhani B. The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.  J Res Med Sci2012. Dec; 17(12): 1161–1169 \u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eNational Institute for Health; Magnesium, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eMöhler H, Polc P, Cumin R, Pieri L, Kettler R.  Nicotinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions. Nature.1979 Apr 5;278(5704):563-5.\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eFricker RA, Green EL, Jenkins SI, Griffin SM.  The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System.  Int J Tryptophan Res 2018; 11:\u003c\/li\u003e\r     \u003cli\u003eKennedy DO.  B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.  Nutrients2016 Feb; 8(2): 68.        \u003c\/li\u003e\r \u003c\/ol\u003e\r \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clinicians","offers":[{"title":"30 Capsules","offer_id":31177728688173,"sku":"00377-30caps","price":19.09,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true},{"title":"60 Capsules","offer_id":31177728720941,"sku":"00377-60caps","price":28.65,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/9954\/6157\/products\/1120293.jpg?v=1573461250","url":"https:\/\/nz-nutristrong.myshopify.com\/products\/clinicians-rem-sleep","provider":"NZ NutriStrong","version":"1.0","type":"link"}