Latest news with #sleepaid
The Guardian
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
NHS manager ordered to stop selling ‘sleep drug-laced' children's gummies
An NHS manager has been stopped from selling children's gummies allegedly laced with undeclared levels of a prescription-only sleeping drug, the Guardian can reveal. Magnesium glycinate gummies for children who have trouble sleeping have been sold since March last year by Nutrition Ignition, an Epsom-based company owned by Sally Westcott, whose other job is a clinical therapy lead at Epsom and St Helier NHS trust. The Chinese-manufactured gummies are advertised as 'a natural way to help your child sleep better' and are described by Westcott on Facebook as 'especially beneficial in children with ADHD and autism'. But the adverts and the packaging do not reveal that the raspberry-flavoured sweets allegedly contain significant levels of melatonin, a hormone used for treating sleep problems that is only available in the UK if prescribed by a doctor. This week the drug regulator ordered Westcott to remove the gummies from her company's website and from the online retailer Amazon while it investigates. But the product remains available on eBay. Westcott said she was complying with the investigation and denied knowingly selling a prescription-only substance. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was alerted to the gummies by two mothers who had bought the product online for their children. Last week the Guardian was able to buy a tub of 60 gummies for £19.49, including postage and packing, via Amazon without a prescription. They came with glowing five-star online reviews. One parent of a sleep-deprived child described the gummies as a 'godsend', another as 'magic'. The mothers, one a photographer and the other working in fintech, who both want to remain anonymous, had a hunch that the gummies contained more active ingredients than were listed on the label. Their suspicions were heightened when their young children, one of whom has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the other who is suspected of having ADHD and autism, fell asleep only 30 minutes after eating the gummies. The women commissioned an independent company, Supplement Factory, to analyse the gummies. Its report, which the Guardian has seen, said they contained undeclared, but pharmacologically relevant, levels of melatonin. Each gummy contained 0.53mg of melatonin, the analysis estimated. The recommended starting dose for children is 0.5mg. Supplement Factory concluded that the inclusion of melatonin was unlawful as it breached the human medicines regulations 2012. 'A single gummy may sedate a child without clinical oversight,' Supplement Factory's report concluded. The mothers sent the report to the MHRA earlier this month. Amazon was also notified. This week the gummies were taken offline while the MHRA investigates. A spokesperson for the MHRA said: 'Patient safety is our top priority. In the UK, melatonin is an authorised medicine, and any product containing it as an ingredient is likely to be classified as a medicine. 'If a product falls under the definition of a medicine, it must hold a marketing authorisation ('licence') in order to be legally sold and supplied in the UK, unless covered by a special exemption.' It added: 'We take the reports very seriously and can confirm we are investigating these products further to determine what appropriate action is required. We are unable to comment further on the details of this investigation as it is ongoing.' In a statement Westcott said: 'We take any concerns regarding product safety, regulatory compliance and consumer trust extremely seriously. 'We are currently reviewing the information you have provided regarding the magnesium glycinate gummies. We have initiated an investigation into the matter in order to properly understand the facts and are in the process of further independent scientific testing of our products. 'Nutrition Ignition is a small business and has never knowingly sold products containing undeclared ingredients and we only work with manufacturers who meet third-party assured industry standards; specifically NSF [National Science Foundation] certification of conformity.' The photographer said: 'It's horrifying to read those reviews about children falling to sleep in minutes, when you know the reality of what's happening. It is scandalous that you can buy prescription drugs for children over the internet in this way. 'This case shines a light on how unregulated this industry is, and calls into question Amazon's responsibility in allowing misleading and potentially dangerous products being marketed and sold to the parents of children.' Her friend said: 'I feel deeply concerned about what has been uncovered. Melatonin is a prescribed medicine in the UK and parents/carers need to be made fully aware of what they are feeding their children.' She added: 'My daughter is diagnosed with ADHD and has been taking medication to manage. To assist with sleep at night, her doctor prescribed melatonin, which luckily she wasn't taking because along with the magnesium gummies, it could have been at a dangerous level in her system. The fact that the supplements market appears to be unregulated and being sold on Amazon with false claims is really worrying.' Melatonin gummies are available in China, the US and in some European countries without prescription despite doubts about their long-term safety. In the UK a hidden market has developed for melatonin gummies, particularly among parents of neurodivergent children. The ready availability of melatonin online has alarmed health experts who say its long-term health effects on children are unknown.
CNET
13-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Struggling to Sleep at Night? This Natural Sleep Aid Might Be the Best Way to Finally Get Some Rest
If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, you aren't alone. Many adults in the US struggle with insomnia symptoms. While this is a common problem, it isn't one that you should overlook. If you don't get enough sleep, it can have serious health effects. Not only can it impact your mood, but it also has the potential to damage brain function and even weaken your immune system. A recent CNET survey found that over half of adults in the US (56%) are actively seeking solutions to cope with sleep-related challenges. Furthermore, 21% of these individuals have turned to sleep supplements like magnesium, melatonin and valerian root for help. Of course, there are a lot of different ways to enhance your sleep. Regardless of whether you've tried taking melatonin or bought a new mattress, it can take plenty of trial and error to find what works for you to improve your overall sleep quality. That said, natural sleep aids, like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric) supplements, may help by letting you fall asleep faster and remain asleep. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a naturally occurring amino acid that promotes a calming and relaxing effect. It's often used as a dietary supplement, and it may serve as an alternative sleep aid to melatonin. However, unlike melatonin, which can cause morning grogginess and sometimes nausea, GABA affects only the early stages of sleep, meaning that you'll actually have a more refreshed wake-up. Although research is limited, some small studies suggest that it may be beneficial for individuals struggling to fall asleep. If you need more advice on how to improve your sleep quality, then try these seven natural sleep aids for insomnia and how to create the perfect environment for sleep. For now, read on to find out more about GABA, tips on taking it and why it might be a viable sleep aid to consider. What is GABA? GABA is a neurotransmitter naturally found in the brain and some foods like tomatoes and soybeans. It's an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks chemical signals in the central nervous system and reduces brain activity. GABA can help promote calmness in the body and helps regulate nerve cell hyperactivity when feeling fearful, anxious or stressed. It's sold without a prescription as a dietary supplement, but GABA's effects may also benefit those who struggle to fall asleep. Taking GABA for sleep Taken alone or with other natural sleep aids, GABA supplements help address anxiety, stress and an overactive brain, three main offenders that make it difficult to fall asleep. Its calming effect puts the mind in a relaxed state, so you're in the right headspace to drift off to sleep. Low GABA levels have actually been linked to sleep deprivation, as one study found participants with insomnia had 30% lower levels of GABA in their systems. Another small-scale study by Frontiers in Neuroscience involving middle-aged adults found that taking 300 mg of GABA before bed for at least a week can reduce sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep). There's no concrete evidence showing GABA helps sleep efficiency (quality of sleep and slow wave sleep), but the study's results showed it may promote sleepiness as it affects early sleep stages. Another benefit is that it won't leave you feeling drowsy the following morning like other over-the-counter medications such as ZzzQuil or prescription sleep medications. A rendering of the molecular structure of GABA. Artystarty/Getty Images Tips for taking GABA to aid sleep 1. GABA can be taken as a supplement or powder in your food. 2. Take GABA 30 to 60 minutes before bed for the best results (as shown by studies). 3. Follow the dosage instructions and track the amount and how often you take GABA. 4. Use a sleep journal to document your sleep quality so you can identify patterns and possible side effects while tracking GABA's effectiveness. 5. GABA is naturally found in fermented foods like kimchi, sourdough, sake and mulberry beer. 6. Always talk to your doctor before taking GABA or any new supplements. Is it safe to take GABA every night? According to the Sleep Foundation, there are no serious side effects when taking GABA in small doses from sleep or dietary supplements, although some consumers have reported feeling abdominal pain or headaches. High levels of GABA in the brain are linked to daytime drowsiness, and a small number of people report drowsiness after taking GABA. People at a higher risk of having a negative reaction to GABA include: Pregnant people People under 18 years old Those who take prescriptions for high blood pressure Those who take anti-seizure medications Other benefits of GABA: stress and anxiety relief While research is still limited, more data supporting GABA as a stress and anxiety reliever continues to emerge. Relieving anxiety and stress before bed isn't to be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact sleep latency and overall sleep quality. One study from 2012 showed that after 30 minutes of taking GABA, it helped ease stress in participants. Low levels of GABA can result in anxiety and depression and are prevalent in individuals with mental health conditions. There's a high dose of GABA in the supplement Chlorella as the neurotransmitter has been shown to lower blood pressure. As you should with any new supplement, consult your doctor before taking GABA, especially when taken in combination with other medications or prescriptions. FAQ Can I take GABA instead of melatonin? Both GABA and melatonin have shown the ability to help you rest better. However, some users have reported the latter leaves them feeling groggy in the morning. Now, GABA isn't without its own reported side effects, but it can be a suitable alternative if you're looking for melatonin alternatives.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl is selling a cheap gadget to keep you cool while sleeping this summer – and it's £12 cheaper than an Argos buy
LIDL has the perfect item to keep the temperature down as you snooze in the summer months. Shoppers are obsessed with the ice cool gel pillows that are easy to use and won't break the bank. 3 For just £7.99 on the Lidl plus app, shoppers can get their hands on the Silentnight Cooling Gel Pillow Pad. That's more than £12 cheaper than a similar product on Argos, with the low price available until June 7. Describes as perfect for restless sleepers and over heaters, the pillow give you instant cooling comfort so you don't need to be flipping the pillow during the night. At 60x40cm it covers your entire pillow and simply needs to be slid inside your pillowcase on top of your normal pillow. For those needed even more cooling comfort, the cooling pad can be put on top of your pillow. Then for those especially hot nights during summer, you can put the gel pad into the fridge to make it extra cool and keep you sleeping well. According to The Sleep Charity 16°C-18°C is ideal for a good night's sleep, but if your bedroom temperature is over 24°C you're more likely to wake up. Using a lighter tog duvet (or even a sheet), a home fan with a quiet setting and opening your windows to let air circulate all help keep your room cool as you rest. The Lidl Plus app is Lidl 's loyalty app was launched in 2020 and offers personalised discount coupons, based on each customer's shopping habits. The cooling pillow is not the only gadget Lidl is sellin g at a steal to help customers during the summer months. From Thursday, May 29, Lidl will start selling the Silvercrest Local Air Conditioner is bound to keep you super cool all summer long. The handy gadget also works as a dehumidifier and ventilator and can be easily moved throughout the house thanks to its wheels and recessed side grips. It also automatically oscillates, meaning your whole room will be cooled, and has two different fan speeds, depending on how much you need cooling down. Priced at £149.00, the fan comes with a three-year warranty and has a 24-hour-digital timer function. It is also £180 cheaper than the Logik Portable Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier, which costs £329 from Curry's. 3
CNET
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Swapped Melatonin for These Sleep Aids and I've Never Slept Better
Getting a good night's sleep is supposed to help you recharge and wake up ready to take on the day. But for me, and plenty of other people, lying down doesn't always mean falling asleep. I've dealt with bouts of insomnia that left me groggy, irritable and totally drained the next day. I've tried melatonin, but it just didn't work for me. It made me feel sluggish the next morning and sometimes gave me weird, vivid dreams. If you've had a similar experience, you're not alone. The good news is that there are natural ways to fall asleep that don't come with side effects or next-day regrets. From calming drinks to simple techniques that actually help me relax, I've found a few go-to sleep aids that are gentle, effective and worth trying. We've rounded up our favorite non-melatonin sleep solutions to help you finally get the rest you've been missing. Want more ways to sleep better? Don't miss our guide to the best food to eat before bed, how to take a coffee nap and how to create the perfect sleep playlist. 1. Use CBD oils, gummies or creams CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is derived from hemp plants. CBD is a safe and effective treatment for insomnia that contains almost no THC, the substance in marijuana that alters one's mental state. Many studies suggest that CBD is very effective in promoting sleep and decreasing anxiety. It comes in many forms, such as oils and lotions. Use before bed to promote sleepiness and relaxation. 2. Brew a hot cup of herbal tea Brewing tea is an ancient practice. Chamomile, valerian root and magnolia tea are all natural remedies for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Drink a cup of one of these herbal teas at least an hour to two before bed -- this gives you time to relax, enjoy the tea and use the bathroom before lights off. Be sure to look at the nutrition label to make sure no caffeine has been added to the ingredients. 3. Put a drop of lavender oil on your pillow One of the more popular household remedies -- essential oils. If tea is not your favorite way to relax before bedtime, floral and herbal fragrances are good ways to aid sleep. Some popular essential oils for sleep are lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. Essential oils should never be ingested, but you can put a little drop on your pillow at night. You can also diffuse essential oils into the air or use dried lavender to make a tea. Pro Sleep Tip Put a few drops of this lavender essential oil in a diffuser to help you drift off. You can also dilute in water and spray a little on your pillow. Details $10 at Amazon 4. Drink tart cherry juice Sour cherry juice from tart cherries can increase melatonin production in those who consume it before bedtime. In the same study, the group that drank the cherry juice spent more time in bed and asleep and achieved higher overall sleep efficiency. This suggests that tart cherry juice has the potential to aid insomnia. 5. Try dried passionflower or extract oil Not to be confused with passionfruit -- passionflower is a fast-growing vine that produces vibrant flowers. Not only is the plant beautiful, but it can even help you fall asleep through herbal tea or extract oil. A recent study concluded that passionflower has the potential to treat insomnia. However, it isn't recommended for those who are pregnant. 6. Make sure you're getting enough magnesium Magnesium, a powerful nutrient, is responsible for regulating hundreds of processes in the body -- including sleep. Magnesium is found naturally in foods such as nuts and seeds, spinach, soy milk, yogurt and whole grains. Try lightly snacking on foods high in magnesium an hour or two before bed. If you believe that you aren't getting enough magnesium in your diet and suspect it could help your sleep, try adding a supplement. Focusing on your breathing can help you relax before bed. AzmanL/Getty Images 7. Practice yoga and meditation before bedtime Strenuous exercise before bed is not always a good idea, but practicing light yoga or meditation before bed has been linked to decreased insomnia and better sleep. Go through simple yoga poses, such as cat-cow, forward fold or bridge, focusing on your breath and feeling the stretch. There are also many self-guided meditation apps available. For more health tips, here's how to create the ideal environment for better sleep and how to sleep cooler without air conditioning.
CNN
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Falling asleep to your favorite show doesn't have to ruin your sleep, experts say
You've heard the rule: No TV before bed. But many people find that it helps them fall asleep if they listen to something –– audiobooks, music, podcasts or TV shows. A 2018 study found that more than half of people with sleep disturbances use music as a sleep aid. It is poor sleep hygiene to look at screens to scroll or watch a show before bedtime, but what if you aren't looking, just listening? 'It's like Goldilocks,' said sleep medicine specialist Dr. Rachel Salas, professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. 'It's a matter of what works for you … It's not only the practices of your bedtime routine, but your environment, all the things.' Everyone is different, and some people might get great sleep if they fall asleep listening to something, Salas said. However, there are some practices to keep in mind to make sure you are maximizing the benefits and avoiding potential pitfalls. The key to listening to audiobooks, podcasts, music or TV to fall asleep is making sure it is helping you wind down instead of waking you up, said Dr. Shalini Paruthi, sleep medicine attending physician at John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis and adjunct professor at St. Louis University School of Medicine. 'If listening to something actually keeps a person more engaged or awake and therefore replaces sleep time, this can be detrimental to health,' she said in an email. 'It is recommended that adults obtain at least 7 hours of sleep regularly for optimal performance.' On the other hand, a predictable kind of noise can help tell your body it's time to wind down, Salas added. 'If you find that that's part of your bedtime routine, and it's kind of comforting and relaxing … that's great,' she said. Try choosing content to listen to that will allow you to transition into sleep, added Dr. Lindsay Browning, a psychologist and sleep expert in Berkshire in the United Kingdom. 'Choose something not too engaging so that your brain isn't motivated to stay awake and fight sleep to pay attention to it,' she said in an email. A sleep story may be a better choice than audio of a book you want to read. Shows you have heard before and know how they end might be better than falling asleep to a nailbiter. A soundtrack for sleep might help you get to sleep, but it doesn't always keep you asleep if it keeps going all night, Browning said. 'It's important to set an auto timer to mute the sounds as soon after falling asleep as possible,' she said. If the show, podcast, or music you are playing has unexpected noises, frequencies or volumes, it might alert your brain to pay attention, Salas said. The startling noise doesn't always wake you up fully, but it can cause many little awakenings you aren't aware of. That will disturb your sleep nonetheless, she added. One steady sound, like white noise or ASMR, can help your sleep quality, especially if you live in a noisy area, Salas added. '(If) bars close at a certain time and people are outside, walking home and talking or yelling, that's going to disrupt your sleep,' she said. A consistent and non-alarming noise can stifle those kinds of ambient noise, she said. Sometimes listening to something to fall asleep isn't just a nice part of a bedtime routine –– it's a way to quiet racing thoughts at night. Some proactive steps during the day may help, Browning said. 'If you find that your brain is too active as you try to fall asleep, which keeps you awake, you could try to address those busy thoughts and worries earlier in the day,' she said. Methods include having a dedicated time earlier in the day to think about those worries or utilizing cognitive shuffling, a technique that involves thinking up random and non-emotionally charged words to take your mind off of your racing thoughts, Browning said. 'It's a much better idea to try to learn ways of quieting a busy mind at night that don't require you to mask those unwanted thoughts with an external sound,' Browning said. If you are using listening to something to help with insomnia and it doesn't seem to help after a two-to-four-week period, it might be time to see a board-certified sleep physician and get to the root of the problem, Paruthi said. 'There are several proven therapies that work well for insomnia treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia, or when appropriate, medications can be considered,' she said.
