COVID-19 pandemic brings many misfortunes, and of-course stress to people. Stress is a natural response to the inevitable state of tension in the body and the human brain. In many cases, stress can interfere with healthy sleep patterns. For example, stress can make it difficult to fall asleep, worsen sleep quality, and shorten sleep duration. In addition, sleep problems have been linked to anxiety, low mood, and stress.
Data shows that nearly 30% of adults and 20-30% of children (all ages 0-18) worldwide are affected by sleep disorders. Persistent insomnia can have a negative impact on health, leading to an increased risk of depression and high blood pressure. It can also reduce the quality of life (fatigue, emotional vulnerability, lack of energy, poor mood, etc.).
The economy is influenced by social distance, so more are under stress. Pressure relief sleep aid products have been the main drivers of growth in recent months, along with immunizations, basic health and sports nutrition. According to the latest SPINS data, sales of stress management supplements, including mood support and sleep products, in its mass and natural channels are approaching $400 million in January-July 2020, compared to $294 million in the same period in 2019, equating to 35.7% growth. Melatonin remains, by far, the most important functional sleep ingredient.
Based on the increase in consumer health awareness and daily stress, Kangcare listed several ingredients suitable for food, beverage, dietary supplements and ect. with efficacy of Pressure relief sleep aid. They are:
- Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep. The production and release of melatonin in the brain is connected to time of day, increasing when it's dark and decreasing when it's light. Melatonin production declines with age. Unlike with many sleep medications, you are unlikely to become dependent on melatonin, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation) or experience a hangover effect
- Theanine. also known as L-theanine, it is a non-protein amino acid mainly found naturally in green tea and some mushrooms (Boletus badius). Theanine is related to glutamine, is speculated to increase levels of GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. Theanine may also interact with Kainate and NMDA receptors for glutamate. Theanine has been available in Japan, the USA and etc. as a nutritional supplement marketed to reduce stress, produce feelings of relaxation, and improve mood (Kimura et al., 2007). Mood stabilizing effects are presumed but not well documented. Supplementation with theanine has been shown to produce relaxing effects (Juneja et al., 1999), and improve stress tolerance (Kimura et al., 2007). In addition, these mood calming effects appear to be produced without sedation (Ellinoy et al., 2007). Consequently, theanine may have mood stabilizing effects, but its efficacy in stabilizing symptoms of bipolar disorder has not been researched.
- Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain. Neurotransmitters function as chemical messengers. GABA is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter because it blocks, or inhibits, certain brain signals and decreases activity in your nervous system. When GABA attaches to a protein in your brain known as a GABA receptor, it produces a calming effect. This can help with feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. It may also help to prevent seizures. As a result of these properties, GABA has also become a popular supplement in recent years. This is partly because it isn’t available from many food sources.
- Rhodiola rosea extract: Rhodiola rosea is a flowering herb that grows in cold, high-altitude regions of Europe and Asia. Other names for it include arctic root, golden root, king’s crown, and rose root. Rhodiola rosea has been used in traditional medicine for many years, particularly in Russia, Scandinavia, and other cold, mountainous areas. The herb can treat anxiety, depression, fatigue, anemia, and headaches.
- 5-HTP. It is made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating depression or fibromyalgia. Other uses not proven with research have included insomnia, alcohol withdrawal, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, binge-eating related to obesity, attention deficit disorder, and muscle spasms in the mouth.
Kangcare is a is one of the world’s leading players in the active ingredients market for food, beverage, dietary supplement, cosmetic and personal care industries. Mood support is among top six functions & efficacies focused by Kangcare. To promote the applications of above ingredients, They are dedicated to research and development of innovative specifications to meet customers’ various individual requirements.
