Studies on Reducing Holiday Stress, Sleeping Better, and Saving Money - From Nutrition Breakthroughs

Americans are faced with many more physical and emotional pressures during the holidays. Recent research studies and surveys in the areas of sleep and finances are shedding some light on actions one can take to lessen the stress load

​‘Tis the season for holiday stress. From last minute shopping, to getting less sleep, to making ends meet financially, to consuming more sweets and drinks at holiday get-togethers.  Americans are faced with many more physical and emotional pressures during the holidays. Recent research studies and surveys in the areas of sleep and finances are shedding some light on actions one can take to lessen the stress load.

The market research firm Harris Interactive conducted a “Holiday Stress Index” study. The poll was based on a nationwide sample of 2,173 adults in the U.S. eighteen years and over. Ninety percent of the respondents said they experience some level of stress and/or anxiety about the holiday season.

"A calcium deficiency often shows itself by insomnia, another form of an inability to relax. The harm done by sleeping tablets, to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on them, could largely be avoided if the calcium intake were adequate."

Adelle Davis, Science-Based Nutritionist

One interesting aspect of this study is that people feel there is too much emphasis on gift giving and not enough on communication and connection with loved ones. The study indicates that given a choice, most people would prefer having good family relationships as opposed to gifts or material goods. Here are some ideas: If the wallet or purse isn’t full enough, write a poem for someone and frame it, bake something special, or give gift certificates for outings, walks or simple things a friend or family member enjoys.

Financial stress is causing Americans to lose sleep this holiday season.  SleepBetter .org recommends keeping a regular sleep schedule during the holidays by going to bed and getting up the same time as usual. In addition, while alcohol may help with falling asleep, it will interfere with the quality of sleep during the night as it creates a lighter, less sound sleep.

Calcium is directly related to the cycles of sleep. One study found that calcium levels were higher during some of the deepest levels of sleep, such as the rapid eye movement (REM) phase. Calcium is one of the few minerals that acts as a natural sedative because it causes the release of the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan.

The pioneering nutritionist Adelle Davis says: "A calcium deficiency often shows itself by insomnia, another form of an inability to relax. The harm done by sleeping tablets, to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on them, could largely be avoided if the calcium intake were adequate."

A natural sleep remedy containing highly absorbable, quick acting forms of calcium and magnesium such as Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs, can be a great help for anxiety and insomnia.  L.R.C. of Massachusetts says: "Due to some stressful issues in my life, I was prescribed sleep medication to take. I had become dependent on it and couldn’t sleep without it. Now I take the Sleep Minerals before bed and can sleep through the whole night without drugs. I’m also able to easily fall back to sleep if I do have to get up in the night.”

Here’s to a healthful holiday season.  With stress conquered, good sleep, money saved, and an enjoyable time with family and friends.

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II.  For more information on Sleep Minerals II, visit www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com.