While there is often much joy to be found during the December holidays, sometimes it comes with increased stress. As we wrap up work projects, travel, and prepare for celebrations, it’s normal for stress levels to rise. It’s no surprise that people often have a hard time sleeping when experiencing an increase in stress, whether that stress is good or bad. To help you feel level-headed, grounded, and well-rested this season, here are our top recommendations for stress relief and quality sleep.
Find Your Calm
From mild support to more heavy hitters, we have what you need to ease anxiety and nerves.
For Mild Stress
StressCalm by Boiron is going to be the best option for you if you are a sensitive person who needs a small amount of support to feel regulated. This homeopathic formula offers gentle relief for those who tend to experience nervous tension, fatigue, irritability, hypersensitivity, and uneasiness. These dissolvable tablets are sedative free, non-drowsy, non-habit forming and work quickly. Also, StressCalm is safe for kids 12 and older so it could be a good family remedy to have on hand for anyone needing a gentle dose of calm. We recommend dissolving 2 tablets under the tongue up to three times a day at the onset of symptoms. If you find this product works well for you, pair it with Boiron’s SleepCalm, 2 tablets under the tongue before bed for restful melatonin-free sleep.
For Moderate Stress
My absolute favorite product for moderate stress support is Charlotte’s Web Calm CBD gummies. These vegan gummies taste wonderful and pack 75 mg of lemon balm and 10 mg of CBD into a serving of 2 gummies. This is my secret go-to when I am feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and having a hard time controlling my stress. Within about 20 minutes of taking these I feel the stress melt away and my mood lifted, helping me feel calm, happy and productive throughout the day. For faster relief try Charlotte’s Web liquid CBD tinctures or One Farms CBD tincture. I keep one of these in my purse to use before speaking events or stressful situations when I need something to work fast!
For High Stress
For intense stress that needs more support I recommend Calm A.S.A.P by Gaia Herbs or QuickSilver’s Liposomal Gaba with L-theanine. Calm A.S.A.P liquid capsules combine calming herbs, many organic, like skullcap, passionflower, chamomile, vervain, holy basil and English lavender. It takes less than 30 minutes for this product to kick in and it’s extremely useful for temporary or situational high stress. Take 3 capsules daily or as needed. Alternatively, Quicksilver’s fast-absorbing liposomal formula takes effect even more rapidly to combat anxiety in the moment. Think of this product as you are finishing up projects at work or studying for final exams. Taken during the day it can help you feel calm and focused. Taken before bed, you may fall asleep quicker. We recommend taking 2-4 pumps on an empty stomach or at least 10 minutes before meals. Hold the liquid under your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.
Sleep Soundly
As for sleep, Peoples has everything you need to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
For Racing Thoughts
Wishgarden Herbs’ Sleepy Nights and Fresh Mornings tincture is an excellent and non-sedative option for people who have a hard time falling asleep because their mind is racing or they struggle with nervous tension. The synergistic herbal combination of passionflower, skullcap and hops will quiet your mind and allow your body to get into a parasympathetic state pre-bedtime. Take 6-8 pumps in water right before lying down. Repeat the dosage up to 4 times if you’re still awake after 15 minutes.
For Stubborn Insomnia
For more stubborn sleep issues, try Best-Rest Formula By Pure Encapsulations. I recommend this for the person who has already tried herbs by themselves or a small amount of melatonin and didn’t feel like it was enough to help them achieve a restful sleep. This lovely formula delivers 1 mg of melatonin, 300 mg of gaba, and 50 mg of theanine, as well as valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, hops and chamomile. Take 2 capsules 30-60 minutes before bed and practice good sleep hygiene (put away your cell phone, turn the lights down low, avoid watching tv or reading stimulating books). This will work for most people.
For Severe Insomnia
If you have already tried several forms of melatonin, various homeopathic products, and herbal products with limited or insufficient results, you might consider EarlyBird CBD+THC gummies and PlusCBD Reserve CBD/THC gummies. However, these stronger formulas aren’t right for everyone. You should not try these products if you are very sensitive or, if you are, start off with no more than a quarter of a dose. Many of our customers have benefited greatly from these special products and have reported not only good sleep but improved mood too! Consult our knowledgeable wellness staff to determine if they might help you.
This holiday season, we hope you’re able to find the calm and restful sleep you need to truly enjoy the holidays. Please reach out with any questions!
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.
Dr. Lauren Sanchez, ND* helps people who want to feel their best and gain more energy and optimal wellness through a plant-based diet. Learn more about her approach to wellness and schedule a visit with her here. Learn about Peoples Rx practitioners who are available for consultation both virtually as well as in person here.
*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas. To support licensure efforts, please visit www.txand.org.