'HealthFocus with MNI' is made possible by SleepVance from MNI. SleepVance helps to optimise hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients involved in regulating the sleep cycle. Visit mnlifestyle.co.za. 

What is the purpose of sleep?

At night, during the sleep-cycle, many of the body’s systems go into ‘anabolic state’, a renewal process that is essential for the restoration of the immune, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. These are also required to optimally maintain the function of neurons which ultimately regulate mood, memory, and cognitive function. 

Of the most pronounced physiological changes that happens in the body during sleep occurs in the brain. This is because sleep allows the brain to use significantly less energy for ‘thinking’, thereby allowing it to replenish its energy supply in the form of the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate) required for nerve transmission, neurotransmitter production and nerve growth.

What are the consequences of poor sleep?

Sleep deprivation, also known as sleep insufficiency or sleeplessness, is the condition of not having adequate sleep duration and/or quality of sleep to support your normal level of alertness and mental performance to get your hardworking brain through the next day. Sleep insufficiency can be either chronic or acute and may vary widely in severity.

Research has demonstrated that individuals with sleep deprivation problems are more likely to display decreased levels of concentration, battle to keep their mood upbeat and have an increased risk of developing a mood disorder or chronic pain syndrome.

Accumulating evidence from both epidemiologic studies and well-controlled laboratory studies indicates that chronic partial sleep loss may increase the risk of obesity and weight gain. Recent studies in both adults and children have shown that sleep restriction results in metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, increased evening concentrations of cortisol, increased levels of ghrelin, decreased levels of leptin and increased hunger and appetite.  

Poor sleep may contribute to worse outcomes in people with diabetes, if sleep deprivation is not identified and attended to, it may lead to other complications such as difficulty controlling one’s blood glucose levels, an increased risk of complications, reduced quality of life, and consequently a reduced life expectancy.

Sleep deprivation can be managed!

What can SleepVance assist with?

• Aids with the promotion of healthy sleep patterns
• Increases sleep quality
• Alleviates the daytime consequences of sleep deprivation
• It can be combined with any insomnia medication to improve sleep patterns

Who may benefit from taking SleepVance?

SleepVance can be used by adults suffering from any of the following conditions or symptoms:

• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea
• Shift workers
• Children and adults suffering from ADD and ADHD.
• Individuals with general sleep disorders
• People battling with weight loss.

In general, anyone suffering from any of the symptoms caused by sleep deprivation can benefit from using SleepVance.

What can SleepVance kids assist with?

SleepVance kids is a multiple active ingredient formulation scientifically formulated to address multiple pathways associated with both sleep duration and quality. It’s unique blend of scientifically formulated ingredients are tailormade to maximise efficacy as well as minimise potential side effects associated with most sleep disorder remedies.

It is also a non-sedative and non-habit-forming formulation making it the ideal product to alleviate sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, inattention and the complications associated with the conditions.