Given the long list of health benefits associated with shilajit, might it also help with sleep disorders? Could using shilajit and sleep improvement be related too?
Like following a proper diet and getting regular exercise, enjoying quality sleep is a prerequisite to your good health. If you’re spending most nights staring at the ceiling rather than deep in slumber, you may be a light sleeper.
Keep in mind that it is always best to consult with a qualified physician if you have sleeping problems or suspect you may have insomnia. Here we’ll tell you why.
Sleeping Disorders: Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
Adults are prone to sleep disorders. Most of the time, this is due to stress, depression, and anxiety.
What are Sleeping Disorders?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines insomnia as the “inability to initiate or maintain sleep” [1]. Adults 18 and beyond must get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
Some people may be more prone to insomnia than others. The top risk factors according to the Mayo Clinic [2] are as follows:
- Being a woman. Women are more prone to hormonal fluctuations than men due to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes are a key driving factor that results in insomnia.
- Aged 60 and over. Older people often report associated symptoms due to changes in sleeping habits. Changes in health status and maintenance meds may also trigger insomnia.
- Irregular schedule. Shifting work, jet lag, and irregular bedtime can offset your body’s natural circadian rhythm. That makes it difficult for your body to recognize that it’s time to sleep.
Insomnia is just one type of sleep disorder. Sleep apnea or snoring during sleep, and narcolepsy or daytime sleepiness are just two other types of sleep disorders. There are more.
What Causes Sleep Disorders?
Getting shorter hours of sleep or getting poor quality of sleep often can drive the development of more serious health conditions. Or, it can result from an underlying disease.
Physicians will typically want to know if sleeping disorder is the cause or the effect. Primary sleeping disorders are diagnosed after your physician has ruled out possible secondary causes.
Other than the risk factors mentioned above, secondary sleeping disorders may also be driven by the following conditions:
- Depression. It’s a complex affective disorder that can be driven by biological, psychological, and social factors. Depression has been blamed for the sharply increasing suicide cases worldwide. [3]
- Substance abuse. Abnormal cravings and damage caused to the brain by drug addiction can cause restlessness. That can lead to lack of sufficient sleep and rest.
- Poor physical and mental health. The onset of diseases and experiencing chronic pain like in the case of arthritis may contribute to poor sleep. Certain medications may also result in sleeplessness.
- Short-term or chronic stress. Stress causes worrying and anxiety. In turn, difficulty sleeping results. Unless you can manage stress more thoughtfully, stress can lead to depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleeping Disorders
Lack of sleep may occur between a few days up to several months. During which time, sleeplessness may cause a person to become:
- Involved in falls, accidents, and self-injury
- Sleepy or fall asleep during the day
- Less attentive and lack focus
- Forgetful and experience brain fog
- Moody, irritable, and lonely
- Less energetic
Most importantly, inadequate sleep can increase a person’s risk of developing lifelong diseases if not immediately treated. That includes:
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
Shilajit and Insomnia
Our knowledge of the many potential health benefits of shilajit probably predates even written history. Its rejuvenating effect on the mind, body, and spirit has been experienced over many generations since.*
Modern research and experiments have shown scientific proof of such claims. A consensus has yet to be reached in the medical community regarding the health benefits of shilajit. Still, a case can be made linking the use of shilajit for sleep improvement.*
Can Shilajit Help with Sleeplessness?
That is indeed a possibility. As in any other supplement or treatment, the beneficial effects of shilajit will be subjective. The potential for improvement will vary from one person to another.*
Little is known about the physiological causes of lack of sleep. The body’s low production of melatonin could be a driver.
Based on the best available evidence, researchers and authorities say that poor sleep may also be triggered by nutrient deficiencies. Three nutrients of particular interest are the following:*
- Magnesium. Poor absorption due to leaky gut can cause this nutrient deficiency. A high protein diet coupled with low consumption of green, leafy veggies is another. Magnesium deficiency causes weakness, fatigue, cramping, and tingling of nerves and muscles. It can also lead to low potassium levels. Combined deficiency in magnesium and potassium in the body can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. [4]
- Vitamin B Complex. This refers to 8 B vitamins: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folic Acid), and B12 (Cobalamin).
In particular, biotin deficiency and pantothenic acid deficiency have been observed to slow down metabolism. This can lead to low energy levels, weakness, and sleepiness [5]. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to depression and, thus, lack of sleep as well [6].
- Micronutrient deficiency. Any deficiency in vitamins, trace elements, and minerals required by the body will cause an imbalance. Any disproportion may lead to trouble sleeping. [7]
Shilajit has several properties that may be beneficial for people suffering from sleeplessness. The most relevant shilajit properties are listed below:*
- Shilajit has adaptogenic properties. It contains more than 80 minerals alone. [8]. Although shilajit composition will vary based on several factors. That includes where the raw shilajit was sourced, how it is purified and processed, and what form it is presented in.*
- Shilajit’s high micronutrient content may reduce sugar cravings. A high glycemic load diet may worsen sleeplessness, its symptoms, and its causes [9].*
- Shilajit contains dibenzo-ɑ pyrones which support the mind and body better cope with stressful situations [10]. Thus, stress leaves you less anxious. Achieving a micronutrient and energy balance can leave you in a calmer state of mind. Even jet lag or the stressful conditions prevalent in high-altitude locations will leave you less stressed. [11]*
- It contains high levels of powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants in shilajit can help the body and mind fight stress and aging [12].*
- Shilajit may help relieve pain. Shilajit resin promotes relaxation. Researchers have demonstrated its sedating effect on the central nervous system. Although shilajit for depression has yet to gain acceptance as a viable treatment, this calming effect can help counter the negative effects of lack of sleep. That includes the sensation of pain and inflammation. [13, 14]*
Take Shilajit for a Good Night’s Sleep
Taking shilajit before sleep and the first thing the following morning may improve micronutrient levels. By promoting enhanced energy levels, hormone balance, and increased resistance to stress, shilajit may help improve the quality of sleep.
Beyond regular intake of authentic, pure, and high-quality shilajit, here are other things you can do to help yourself overcome difficulty sleeping:
- Develop healthy sleeping habits by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same hour every morning.
- Turn off your devices.
- Refrain from taking naps during the day. Or, take only 15 to 20-minute naps if you have to.
- Bask in the early morning sun for up to 20 minutes.
- Practice meditation and other relaxation-enhancing techniques, like yoga.
- Engage in physical activities to invite a good night’s sleep.
- Arrange your bedroom to be conducive to sleep.
- Pull the curtains and play relaxing music.
Chronic sleeplessness can lead to lifelong diseases. If all else fails, seek professional help.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the PürblackⓇ site.
