Restful sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Yet, many women struggle to get the restorative sleep their bodies need. Between hormonal shifts, stress, and daily responsibilities, achieving quality sleep can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, nature offers a solution: valerian root. Known for its calming properties, valerian root is a recognized natural remedy for promoting relaxation and sleep. As more businesses seek to enhance their sleep aid products, high-quality valerian root supplements like OmniActive’s Sleeproot are leading the way in delivering effective, science-backed solutions.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Women Need
Sleep needs vary by individual, but science shows women generally require more sleep than men.. One reason for this difference lies in brain activity—women’s brains tend to be more active in areas related to logic and emotion, which requires additional recovery during sleep. Sleep disturbances linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, further increase the body’s demand for restorative rest. Prioritizing sleep could help women maintain mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall health, making it essential for both personal wellness and daily performance.
Benefits of Sleep for Women
Quality sleep is vital for every aspect of a woman’s health. From supporting the immune system and regulating blood sugar levels to maintaining hormonal balance, sleep acts as the foundation for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Below are some key benefits that highlight the importance of sleep for women:
May Support the Immune System
Quality sleep plays a critical role in strengthening the immune system. During deep sleep, the body produces cytokines—proteins that help combat infections and inflammation. For women whose immune systems are more prone to autoimmune issues, adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a balanced immune response. Consistent, restful sleep supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms, reducing susceptibility to illness and promoting long-term health.
May Help Regulate Blood Sugar
Sleep directly impacts blood sugar regulation. Poor sleep can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. Women, especially those experiencing hormonal fluctuations, may be more susceptible to blood sugar imbalances. Prioritizing sleep may help regulate insulin levels, support stable energy levels, and reduce cravings for sugary foods.
May Support Menopause/Hormonal Health
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause may significantly disrupt sleep. For instance, decreased estrogen and progesterone levels may lead to insomnia and night sweats. Quality sleep may support the regulation of these hormones, alleviating menopausal symptoms and promoting emotional well-being. By improving sleep, women can better manage the physical and emotional challenges of menopause. Interestingly, the supplement market within the menopausal community is much larger than those in the reproductive category. However, the health and wellness industry focuses on developing supplements for this smaller category instead of following the large opportunities of supporting consumers in managing menopause.
Valerian Root Health Benefits
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. Its calming properties are attributed to compounds that interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing nervous system activity. For women struggling with sleep disruptions due to hormonal changes, stress, or busy lifestyles, valerian root offers a gentle, non-hormonal option. Studies have shown that valerian root can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, improve sleep quality, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Valerian Root vs. Melatonin
While both valerian root and melatonin are popular sleep aids, they work differently. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain’s hypothalamus; it regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, signaling the body when it’s time to sleep. Melatonin synchronizes the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal 24-hour clock—with the natural external environment, so individuals feel tired at dark and awake during daylight. It does so by binding to the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. However, supplementing with 5mg or more of melatonin may disrupt the body’s natural production, which in turn could lead to dependency or reduced effectiveness over time. Consumer concerns over the use of melatonin supplementation have been impactful. July of 2024 saw a 16% decline in melatonin supplement sales from the previous year.
In contrast, valerian root is a botanical that can support the body’s natural sleep processes by calming the nervous system, making it a more sustainable option for long-term use. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces nervous system activity. This natural mechanism calms the mind and body, supporting the body’s sleep processes without causing dependency. Valerian root is not associated with grogginess or vivid dreams, sometimes attributed to melatonin, among other sleep aids, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a gentler approach to improving sleep. According to SPINS’ data, of all natural sleep aids, valerian root holds the top spot in consumer confidence for effectiveness. 93% of total consumers and 96% of total natural channel shoppers believe valerian root is “extremely effective.”
Sleeproot from OmniActive
Quality sleep solutions are in high demand, and Sleeproot provides a natural, science-backed option that stands out in the market. With just 200 mg per day, our high-quality valerian root extract is designed to help people fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. Our green solvent extraction process ensures that Sleeproot offers a high-quality, botanical ingredient. With Sleeproot, businesses can offer consumers a natural, non-hormonal, non-melatonin sleep aid backed by rigorous research.
Contact us today to learn more about how our innovative valerian root extract can help you meet the growing demand for natural sleep solutions.