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ANXIETY
Anxiety Essential Reads
7 Natural Supplements That
Can Help With Sleep and How to Help Young People
With Grief and Loss During

Menopause
Michael J Breus Ph.D.
COVID-19
Sleep Newzzz

Treating sleep disruptions and menopause symptoms naturally.

Taking Action When the
Posted Aug 02, 2018
Path Is Unclear
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So many women I talk to want to treat their sleep problems as naturally as Cities:
possible. I’m on board with that idea! Lifestyle and behavioral changes, Atlanta, GA Minneapolis, MN
including diet, exercise, mind-body therapies, relaxation exercises and Austin, TX Nashville, TN
stress management are the foundation of healthy, lifelong sleep hygiene. Baltimore, MD New York, NY
For many women, supplements can also play a tremendously beneficial role Boston, MA Oakland, CA
in improving sleep. Brooklyn, NY Omaha, NE
Charlotte, NC Philadelphia, PA

The same goes for managing menopause symptoms. The good news is that Chicago, IL Phoenix, AZ
Columbus, OH Pittsburgh, PA
many of the most well-studied and effective supplements for sleep
Dallas, TX Portland, OR
problems also can help women find relief from menopausal symptoms, and
Denver, CO Raleigh, NC
move through the menopause transition feeling, thinking, and performing
Detroit, MI Sacramento, CA
their best. Houston, TX Saint Louis, MO
Indianapolis, IN San Antonio, TX
Here, I’ll talk about some of the best sleep-promoting supplements—and Jacksonville, FL San Diego, CA
how they can also address menopause symptoms. Las Vegas, NV San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA San Jose, CA
A decision to use supplements should be made in consultation with your Louisville, KY Seattle, WA
physician, taking into account your individual health history and risks. This is Memphis, TN Tucson, AZ

not medical advice, but I hope this discussion will give women a starting Miami, FL Washington, DC
Milwaukee, WI
point for those conversations with their physicians about natural therapies to
improve their sleep, protect their health, and reduce their uncomfortable
Are you a Therapist?
symptoms during menopause. Get Listed Today

When you talk to your doctor, be sure to discuss any supplements you’re
considering and review potential interactions with any medications or other
supplements you’re already using.

Melatonin: the go-to sleep hormone

Most women know melatonin as a go-to supplement for sleep. But a lot of
women don’t know that melatonin can treat other symptoms of
menopause. I wrote recently about the broad spectrum of benefits
melatonin has for sleep, cardiovascular and cognitive health, as well as
other health benefits.

Many people think melatonin works as a sedative—but it doesn’t. Melatonin

—whether produced by your body or ingested as a supplement—improves
sleep by helping the body better regulate its biological clock and sleep-
wake cycles. Melatonin can help to strengthen and improve sleep-wake
cycles, making it easier to sleep on a regular schedule. Melatonin can also
shorten the time it takes to fall asleep, and increase overall sleep amounts.
Higher levels of melatonin also may improve the quality of sleep and reduce
daytime sleepiness and fatigue, as well as increasing REM sleep.

Melatonin has strong antioxidant powers—and that means it can help

protect against cell damage in the brain and throughout the body. Recent
research shows that melatonin may exert its protective, antioxidant effect
over neural cells, helping to delay or prevent cognitive
impairment and memory loss. Women’s risks for cognitive decline increase
as they age and move through menopause.

There’s also evidence that melatonin can strengthen aging bones. Scientists

have recently identified melatonin as a promising therapy to prevent and to
treat osteoporosis. The decline in estrogen and other hormones that
happens during menopause increase women’s risk for bone loss and
osteoporosis.

Here’s some important information to know, when considering using a

melatonin supplement: Recent research found that the actual melatonin
content found in many supplements on the market may vary significantly
from what product labels claim. Scientists at Ontario’s University of Guelph
found that in more than 71 percent of melatonin supplements, the amount of
melatonin was more than 10 percent different from what the product label
indicated. Some products contained as much as 83 percent less melatonin,
while other products contained as much as 478 percent more melatonin.
That means a great many consumers aren’t getting the doses they think
they are. Before you begin using melatonin, be sure to do your research and
get your melatonin from a trusted source.

Magnolia bark: the ancient sleep booster and stress beater

The magnolia plant has an ancient history as a therapeutic compound in

traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine, used to promote sleep
and relaxation, to ease anxiety, and to treat allergies and asthma, among
other conditions. (I’ll be sharing a full profile of the therapeutic powers of
magnolia bark soon, so check back to learn all about the benefits of this
supplement.)

Research shows the bioactive compounds in magnolia bark can reduce the
time it takes you to fall asleep, and can increase the amount of time you
spend in both REM sleep and NREM sleep. Magnolia lowers levels of
adrenaline, making it an effective natural sleep aid for people who tend to
be wired or stressed.

Magnolia bark can be highly effective as a stress-reliever and anxiety-

soother. Research indicates that one of the active compounds in magnolia
bark—honokiol—works as effectively as the drug diazepam to treat anxiety,
without the same risks of dependency or side effects. Women going through
menopause often experienced heightened stress as well as anxiety and
depression, which can interfere with quality of life, daily performance, and
relationships.

Magnolia bark affects the activity of both serotonin and dopamine, two

neurotransmitters that are important to mood. Research indicates that
magnolia can help with depression, both on its own and in combination with
ginger. Research shows specifically that magnolia bark helps improve
sleep and relieve mood problems in women undergoing menopause.

Magnolia bark’s bioactive compounds can help maintain levels

of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain process memory
and learning.

Weight gain is a common problem and concern for women undergoing

menopause. Research shows compounds in magnolia bark extract may help
guard against weight gain and decrease body fat. Studies also indicate
magnolia bark can improve insulin resistance, and contribute to reductions
in triglycerides and cholesterol.

Magnolia bark has long been used in traditional and natural medicine for as
an anti-inflammatory and a source of pain relief, and has been used to help
alleviate joint and muscle pain, as well as headache and menstrual cramps.
Research in mice shows magnolia bark can be effective in reducing
pain caused by inflammation.

L-Theanine: the ‘wakeful relaxation’ enhancer

L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in tea leaves. I’m a fan of this
supplement for its ability to improve sleep and promote relaxation without
making you feel sleepy during the day. I wrote full rundown on the science
and the potential benefits of L-theanine to sleep and health—read it here.

Its benefits for sleep? L-theanine may help people fall asleep more

quickly and easily at bedtime, thanks to the relaxation boost it delivers.
Research also shows L-theanine can improve the quality of sleep—not by
acting as a sedative, but by lowering anxiety.

L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine.

These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain
to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as
appetite, and energy. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals not
only helps sleep, but may provide relief for women experiencing mood
swings, difficulty concentrating, and changes to appetite during menopause.

At the same time, it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-

theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked
to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect
brain cells against stress and age-related damage. L-theanine has positive
effects on both the mental and physical symptoms of stress, including
lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

Under stress, the body increases production of certain hormones, including

cortisol and corticosterone. These hormone changes inhibit some brain
activity, including memory formation and spatial learning. L-theanine helps
to lower levels of the stress hormonecorticosterone, and avoid the
interference with memory and learning.

L-theanine may also play a more direct role in weight maintenance. There’s
scientific evidence indicating L-theanine may help to limit fat accumulation
and weight gain, and pay help to protect against obesity.

Magnesium: the vital-for-sleep-and-everything-else mineral

Magnesium is about as close as you can get to an all-around sleep and

health supplement. Because of its role as an enabler of healthy enzyme
function, magnesium plays an important part in most of our physiological
functions. Check out the details on the whole spectrum of benefits
magnesium can deliver.

Helpful to pre-menstrual women in relieving symptoms of PMS—

including mood swings, irritability, anxiety and tension, and bloating—
magnesium also can make a big difference to women in menopause. One of
the seven essential macro-minerals that the human body needs in large
quantities, maintaining healthy magnesium levels protect metabolic health,
stabilize mood, keep stress in check, promote better sleep, and contribute
to heart and bone health.

Magnesium deficiency is common, with nearly half of adult men and women
in the United States are likely deficient in magnesium. Older adults are more
vulnerable to magnesium deficiency. Women are also at higher risk for low
magnesium, especially with age.

Keeping magnesium levels healthy can lead to deeper, more sound sleep.
Research indicates supplemental magnesium can improve sleep quality,
especially in people with poor sleep.

Supplemental magnesium has been shown to have a stabilizing effect on

mood. This whole-health mineral has been shown effective in relieving
symptoms of both mild-to-moderate anxiety and mild-to-moderate
depression.

Magnesium plays a critical role in maintaining bone density. It helps the

body effectively use the building blocks of strong bones, including the
nutrients calcium and vitamin D. The role of magnesium to bone health
becomes increasingly important with age. Higher magnesium intake is
linked to greater bone density in women. In postmenopausal women,
magnesium has been shown to improve bone mass.

Another benefit for women in menopause, especially those with sleep

problems and physical pain? Magnesium helps to relax muscles, and soothe
muscle and joint pain.

5-HTP: the mood-and-sleep hormone elevator

This one has a funny-sounding name, but it can do a lot for sleep as well as
for mood, and to help regulate appetite.

5-Hydroxytryptophan—commonly known as 5-HTP—is a compound made

naturally in the body. 5-HTP is created as a byproduct of the amino acid L-
tryptophan. Our bodies don’t make L-tryptophan naturally—we absorb this
essential amino acid from the foods we eat. As we age, natural levels of 5-
HTP appear to decline.

5-HTP helps the body to produce more serotonin. Serotonin is a

neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood and sleep-wake
cycles. Healthy levels of serotonin contribute to a positive mood and
outlook and also promote restful sleep. Serotonin also plays an important
role in many other of the body’s functions, including digestion, appetite, and
pain perception.

Because of its role in creating serotonin, 5-HTP is indirectly involved in

producing melatonin, a hormone that is critical for sleep.

Because of its serotonin-boosting capability, 5-HTP may also help with other
conditions, including mood problems, stress, pain, and appetite control. Low
serotonin may also trigger hot flashes—keeping serotonin levels up may
help reduce a woman’s risk for hot flashes.

5-HTP has been shown in scientific studies to promote relaxation and

alleviate stress and anxiety. Research also indicates 5-HTP may be effective
in helping to alleviate depression.

5-HTP has been recognized as important to appetite regulation. Higher

levels of serotonin are linked to diminished appetite. Keeping serotonin
levels from dipping can help keep appetite in check, and may help
reduce cravings for carbohydrates. As a serotonin booster, 5-HTP may help
to suppress appetite. Research indicates that 5-HTP may be effective in
helping people who are overweight or obese lose weight.

Scientific evidence shows 5-HTP may be able to reduce the frequency

of migraine headache attacks and reduce pain from chronic
headaches. Many women experience headache and migraine during
menopause.

Want to learn more about 5-HTP? I wrote about this sleep-friendly

supplement here.

Valerian and hops: the anti-stress, pro-sleep duo

These are two supplements often used together, and are well known for
their sleep-improving abilities. Valerian and hops may help women in
menopause by boosting levels of GABA, the calming neurotransmitter that
stabilizes mood and boosts relaxation and sleep.

At least a dozen or more scientific studies have found valerian—used on its

own or with hops—helps to improve sleep. Research shows that valerian
can help people fall asleep more quickly, improve the quality of sleep, and
increase amounts of nightly sleep. Valerian can also help ease the
symptoms of insomnia. Studies specifically about women
undergoing menopause show valerian is helpful to improving their sleep.

Research shows valerian can be effective in helping to reduce

stress, lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Studies also show hops can
be effective in reducing stress and anxiety.

A flavonoid in hops has also been found to help reduce weight gain, lower
elevated cholesterol and reduce high blood sugar.

Want to know more about how valerian and hops affect sleep and
health? Here you go.

CBD: the calming, sleep-promoting pain reliever 

I am asked all the time: how does cannabis help sleep and health?

The cannabis plant is filled with hundreds of different compounds, and many
have been studied for decades for their health benefits. The cannabis
compounds that scientists have paid the most attention to are known
as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are now used in treatment for a broad—and
growing—range of conditions and symptoms, from sleep and pain, to
anxiety and inflammation, to Parkinson’s disease and cancer.

Cannabidiol—or CBD—is a cannabinoid that’s available in supplement form,

and can help with stress and anxiety, pain, and sleep problems. Unlike
medical cannabis, CBD is legal in all 50 states. Even if you live in a state
where medical cannabis is currently not legal, you can still purchase and
use CBD.

Let me be very clear: CBD is not “pot.” There is no “high” associated with
CBD. (I’ll be writing more in-depth about the difference between CBD
Instead, this compound has calming, anti-anxiety effects. CBD is a sleep
promoter. Also of relevance for women in menopause, CBD works as
an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as an analgesic—a pain
reducer—in the body. (You can check out my full run-down on the science
behind CBD here.)

CBD can reduce anxiety, making it effective in reducing sleep disruptions

and improving sleep quality. CBD may improve insomnia, and increase
overall sleep amounts. With its sleep-enhancing abilities combined with its
power as an analgesic, CBD has been shown to reduce insomnia in people
who suffer from chronic pain.

Cannabis has been used for centuries to treat nerves and anxiety, as well as
other mood problems. CBD may help to improve both depression and
anxiety, at least in part through its interactions with serotonin receptors in
the brain. Research shows that CBD can reduce both mental and physical
symptoms of anxiety.

Women who experience insomnia along with symptoms of anxiety or

depression during menopause, as well as women who have aches and
pains as a menopause symptom, may find relief from CBD.

Next, I’ll discuss other supplements that are used to treat menopause
symptoms—and look at how they can affect sleep.

About the Author Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and a

diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. He is
the author of Beauty Sleep.
Online: Visit my website, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

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