Ortho Sleep 60 capsules - GABA, theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, lemon balm extract, valerian root extract, passionflower extract | AOR

AOR's Ortho Sleep was formulated to be the most comprehensively powerful natural sleep-aid available to improve overall sleep.
Ortho·Sleep is clinically proven to help increase the total sleep time (aspect of sleep quality) in people suffering from sleep restriction or altered sleep schedule such as shift-work and jet lag, and helps relieve the daytime fatigue associated with jet lag.
Ortho·Sleep™ is also clinically proven to help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep onset latency aspect of sleep quality) in people with delayed sleep phase syndrome, and helps to re-set the body's sleep-wake cycle (an aspect of the circadian rhythm).

• prevents insomnia
• restores restful sleep patterns
• protects blood vessels from damages
• promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety

AOR's Ortho Sleep was the Gold Winner of the Alive Awards 2012 for best herbal product!

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Insomnia – a Common Problem
Sleep is essential for maintaining proper cognitive and motor function, however up to 58% of Americans suffer from symptoms of insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This results in disrupted sleep patterns that can negatively influence many aspects of life, including reduced performance at work or school and moodiness.

Neurotransmitters and Sleep
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit messages between nerve cells in the brain. These important messengers are essential for regulating many processes and responses in the body, including day-night cycles and sleep. Some of the most important of these neurotransmitters are GABA, which reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation, as well as serotonin and melatonin which help regulate the body’s daily sleep cycle.

Getting More Sleep
Ortho-Sleep contains a carefully formulated blend of nutrients and compounds that have been shown to be effective in combating insomnia and promoting healthy, restful sleep. These include neurotransmitters like GABA and melatonin, as well as 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor. The formula further includes the amino acid L-theanine as well as valerian root, passionflower extract, and lemon balm, all of which possess relaxing properties, and work to increase the activity of GABA in the brain.

The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a natural state of bodily rest that is essential for the maintenance of normal motor and cognitive function as well as general alertness and well being. Sleep is regulated by the body’s internal clock, which keeps track of light levels, the time of day and other important cues for sleep and awakening. There are two primary types of sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is dreaming sleep, and Non-REM sleep, which consists of four stages of progressively deeper sleep. All sleep stages are important, however, deep sleep and REM sleep are especially vital.

Many people have trouble sleeping or have disrupted sleep patterns. People suffering from insomnia spend less time in deeper levels of sleep, wake up more often, and experience a reduction in very important REM sleep. Chronic insomnia can lead to excessive sleepiness during the day, impaired cognitive and motor function, confusion, irritability, an increased risk of injury, and an overall reduced quality of life. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, diet, or a disruption of the body’s internal clock (jet lag).

Natural Relief from Sleeplessness
Neurotransmitters are the key to sleep regulation. These chemicals are like tiny messengers in the brain, transmitting signals from one neuron to another and modulating a huge number of functions in the human body, including sleep.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA acts like a “brake” during times of stress or anxiety, regulating brain excitability and inducing relaxation. GABA receptors are highly concentrated in the hypothalamus, the region of the brain associated with sleep. GABA is effective against insomnia, and has been shown to affect the brain directly, increasing ?-brain waves (those associated with relaxation) and reducing ?-brain waves (those associated with anxiety and stress).

Serotonin and melatonin are also key neurotransmitters. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain, and it controls the body’s internal clock. Melatonin has been shown to increase sleep time and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. It can also help to reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle, a benefit to those suffering from jet lag. Serotonin is essential for sleep modulation in its own right, and can also be converted by the body into melatonin.
5-HTP is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan and a precursor to serotonin. 5-HTP boosts serotonin levels, and can also increase REM and deep sleep phases, making sleep more restful.

L-theanine, valerian root, passionflower extract and lemon balm are four other nutrients that have demonstrated promising effects in promoting restful sleep.
L-theanine, an amino acid from green tea, is known for its relaxing and anti-anxiety properties. It can act directly on the brain, influencing brain wave patterns in a similar fashion to GABA, and also indirectly by stimulating GABA production.
Valerian root and passionflower extract have long been recognized as effective sleep aids, helping to reduce restlessness and anxiety. There is evidence that compounds in these plants are able to stimulate increased GABA release or activate GABA receptors, as well as inhibit enzymes that break down neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin.
Lemon balm has also been shown by research to be an effective sleep aid, especially when used in combination with other herbal extracts like valerian root.