By Everson Luhanga
- Specialist dietitian Mbali Mapholi says poor sleep is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression and reduced concentration at work.
- Tea company Tetley has launched two new chamomile blends in South Africa as demand for natural sleep products keeps growing.
About one in 14 adults in South Africa suffers from a sleep disorder like insomnia, and the problem is getting worse.
Long working hours, heavy stress, noisy areas and too much screen time make it hard for people to rest.
Specialist dietitian Mbali Mapholi says the results go far beyond feeling tired. Lack of sleep hurts mental and physical health.
Mapholi said poor sleep lowers concentration, cuts work output and changes a person’s mood. She linked bad sleep to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and depression.
She said natural products and better daily habits can help many people sleep soundly. Chamomile is a very popular natural sleep aid.
Mapholi said chamomile has an antioxidant called apigenin that helps the body relax and lowers anxiety.
“It’s gentle, caffeine free and ideal as part of a nightly wind-down ritual,” Mapholi said.
She also recommended lavender and magnesium. She said lavender can lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Magnesium helps relax muscles and supports melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds and whole grains contain magnesium naturally.
She encouraged people to stick to regular sleep times and cut screen time before bed.
“I believe in making a calming ritual, like a warm bath with lavender oils and a cup of chamomile tea before bed,” Mapholi said.
Tea company Tetley said demand for natural sleep products is growing in South Africa. The company released two new chamomile tea options.
These are a vanilla mint flavoured chamomile and an orange flavoured chamomile tea. Tetley said the drinks help people relax at night.
The company sells its products in more than 40 countries.
Pictured above: A man struggling to sleep.
Image source: Pexels
