Beeswax found to reduce stress and improve sleep thanks to this remarkable molecule
09/07/2017 // Jhoanna Robinson // Views

Octacosanol – which can be found in beeswax, wheat germ oil, rice bran, sugar cane, and other varieties of plants – has been discovered to lessen the effects of stress and encourage a long and restful sleep, scientists said.

According to a study published in Scientific Reports, which was conducted by a team from the International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, octacosanol – which is already being used as a supplement to lower the body's cholesterol levels – reduces the levels of a major stress hormone in mice, thereby providing its possibility as a treatment for stress-induced insomnia.

A lack of sleep is generally considered to be unhealthy because it opens the door to a whole slew of health risks such as depression, heart attacks, obesity, and strokes. (Related: Effects of Sleep Deprivation.)

The researchers, who were led by Mahesh K. Kaushik and Yoshihiro Urade, said octacosanol significantly decreased corticosterone levels, which are stress markers, in blood plasma. When octacosanol was introduced to the diet of mice in the experiment, those who previously had disturbed sleep due to stress found themselves resting easily.

However, the scientists were quick to note that the chemical did not influence sleep in “normal” animals, or animals that experience no or low stress levels.

Scientists say octacosanol is safe for human consumption as it is food-based. Aside from that, it is an effective antioxidant that does wonders when it comes to healing cramping muscle pains due to poor blood, oxygen, and water circulation.

Brighteon.TV

Future studies include the identification of target brain area of octacosanol, its BBB [blood brain barrier] permeability, and the mechanism via which octacosanol lowers stress,” said Kaushik.

Sleeping for less than six hours a night is as bad as binge drinking

Not surprisingly, a different study recently found that the long-term negative effects of sleeping for only six hours a night and the negative effects of regular binge drinking coincide.

According to researchers from Quebec, Canada-based digital health company Medisys, being awake for 18 hours resulted in the same cognitive impairment that people who regularly get drunk get. This logic goes in much as the same way as driving drunk is as dangerous as driving while sleep-deprived, researchers said.

Sleep plays an important role in regulating the hormones that influence hunger (ghrelin, cortisol, and leptin), that's why sleep deprivation increases appetite and leads to overeating and weight gain,” Western University neuroscientist Dr. Adrian Owen said in an interview with Digital Journal.com.

Plants as a natural relaxant

The presence of plants inside one's own home can add color, a sense of tranquility, and a breath of fresh air. What most people don't know is that having plants inside your house can spell the difference between a good night's sleep and a night filled with wakefulness.

Some of the plants that can contribute to a good night's rest – provided that they are in the bedroom with you – include the following:

  • Lavender - This plant helps ease stress and anxiety levels, thus lulling you to a deep slumber. According to research, the presence of lavender can even hush crying babies into a deep sleep, thus reducing the stress levels of the new mother.
  • Jasmine - Jasmine soothes fraying and tired nerves in your body. It is said to induce feelings of positivity in a person.
  • Snake plant - Aside from being an attractive home decoration, it releases oxygen in the night, helping to make the room more airy and allowing for a better breathing experience.

Read more stories such as this one at MindBodyScience.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

SleepReviewMag.com

DigitalJournal.com

AryNews.TV



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.