A normal sleep cycle is a complex process involving numerous biological regulations and coordination impulses from the brain. In the absence of disorders, the sleep cycle starts from the non-rapid eye movement stage and transitions to the rapid-eye-movement stage. Sleep disorders happen when a defect in the normal flow of the cycle occurs and can have a series of biological and psychosocial consequences. TriFixx™ Tri-Sleep Fixx™ is a nutraceutical trio that provides a comprehensive management option for sleep disorders. The Tri-Sleep Fixx™ approach, combats the common symptoms experienced by patients of sleep disorders and leaves patients feeling refreshed on waking up.
INTRODUCTION: Sleep Physiology
We all need the right quality and quantity of sleep. It is a natural state of behaviour that is common to all and holds a great level of importance in our daily activities. Normal brain function and physiological activities draw a balance from sleep, as it generally affects: emotional stability, appetite regulation, optimal metabolism, immune functions, hormonal balance, and the cardiovascular system. Sleep deficits are common and are relatively under-diagnosed as a lot of people easily dismiss the classic symptoms and see little or no need for an expert assessment on sleep health.
The normal sleep cycle in humans is divided into two types – the rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and the non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). These two cycles alternate in an active regulation involving complex biochemical processes. A typical sleep episode starts from the NREM stage and progresses slowly through the REM stage. The NREM stage is sub-divided into four different stages and, as expected, takes up about 75% of the total sleep cycle. In the first stage of NREM sleep, brain waves show an active transition from a conscious state to a mixed frequency state of low voltage recordings. Lasting for about 7 minutes, this stage starts a normal sleep cycle and can be easily disrupted by noise.
The second stage of NREM requires a pronounced brain stimulation and is characterized by a drop in heart rate and body temperature. This stage lasts for about 25 minutes and depicts a transition to deep sleep with the presence of sleep spindles and K-complexes. The third and fourth stages of NREM sleep are the deepest stages of a normal sleep cycle and are referred to as the slow-wave sleep period. This stage lasts for about 40 minutes and involves a slower frequency and high arousal threshold that makes quick awakenings relatively more difficult. Sudden sleep disruption at this stage shows individuals in a state of transient mental fogginess. The REM stage is associated with dreaming and altered breathing rate and can last for hours in different cycles.
Common Sleep Disorders
- Restless Leg Syndrome
As a neurological disorder, resting leg syndrome (RLS) is characterized by a persistent irresistible urge to move the legs. This urge occurs mostly during night-time and can be accompanied by an uncomfortable rush of painful sensations in the legs. Primarily, RLS can occur without any underlying medical conditions. However, conditions such as end-stage renal disease and iron deficiency can precipitate this disorder. Sleep disruptions are a common feature of RLS and can lead to a lack of sleep and sleep fragmentations. Many studies have suggested a dopamine deficiency and brain iron dysregulation as the cause of primary RLS. In addition to an urge to move the legs, the symptoms experienced by RLS patients include: mood changes, daytime fatigue, insomnia, reduced concentration, and sleep disruptions.
- Partial Arousal Disorders
These disorders are also referred to as ‘parasomnias’ – a term describing abnormal sleep disorders involving undesirable motor verbal behaviours, sensory experiences, and excessive motor activities that disrupt the normal sleep cycle. These disorders can occur during any stage of the sleep cycle and are most prevalent in children. Parasomnias are also common in adult drug abuse and psychiatric patients. Parasomnias have been suggested to be caused by a biological defect in the normal sleep reorganization and transitional switch instructions from the neural centres of the brain. This defect causes an abnormal combination of the sleep states resulting in unstable states that manifest partial arousal sleep disorders. NREM parasomnias include: sleepwalking, sleep terrors, sleep-related eating disorders, sexsomnia, and confusional arousals. REM parasomnias include: nightmare disorder, isolated sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behaviour disorder.
- Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) is an abnormality of the circadian rhythm – an inner biological clock responsible for daily regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. People with DSPD find it difficult to time synchronize normal sleep periods with the day’s light-day cycle. The cause of DSPD is multifactorial and can include behavioural, psychological, and biological factors. Studies have suggested a link with genetics, sleep homeostasis, and variations of neural response to light. This disorder is prevalent in young adults, and it is known to be associated with sleep fragmentation, persistent fatigue, and anxiety.
- Sleep Bruxism
This sleep disorder involves the repetitive clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep as a result of increased muscle activity. Sleep bruxism is prevalent in adult females and has no definitive cause. This masticatory movement reduces the quality of sleep and causes sleep disruptions. Many studies have linked sleep bruxism with psychosocial factors such as emotional stress and anxiety. Symptoms experienced include: phobia, headache, depression, abnormal tooth wear, and muscle fatigue on waking.
Management Of Sleep Disorders With TriFixx™
The prognosis of sleep disorders is greatly improved with early diagnosis and effective management. The conventional therapy approach includes the use of medications and psychosocial therapy sessions. Integrative therapy includes the use of traditional methods in combination with available management options.
The TriFixx™ Tri-Sleep Fixx™ is an emerging therapy available for the management of sleep disorders. This non-prescription nutraceutical offers effective symptomatic therapy, whilst combating fatigue associated with disruptions in the normal sleep cycle. For a comprehensive treatment, the risk score of patients is calculated before initiating therapy. Criteria assessed includes: alcoholism, use of sleep aids, frequent awakenings, nocturnal sleep disruptions, and difficulty in sleeping.
Melatonin Fixx™ (staying asleep) regulates the sleep-wake cycle, tryptophan and serotonin (5HTP Fixx™) - precursors of the sleep cycle - get you to sleep, and Magnesium Fixx™ relaxes the muscles to aid in sleep. Components of this product balance the sleep-wake mechanism, and fiercely combat fatigue episodes commonly noticed in patients with sleep disorders. By reversing fatigue, this sleep fix extensively reduces the risk of abrupt mood, and encourages relaxation, which influences change in the area of anxiety episodes. This trio provides an innovative approach that gets and keeps patients refreshed.
REFERENCES
