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Why Restorative Sleep Matters More Than Ever
Sleep isn’t just about rest - it’s essential to overall health. Naturopath Emily Widdowson explains why.
Sleep quality has become a growing concern for adults worldwide, with studies suggesting that between one-third and one-half of adults experience ongoing sleep difficulties. Common issues include trouble falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or feeling unrefreshed in the morning. While occasional poor sleep is normal, persistent disruption can have far-reaching effects on both physical and mental wellbeing. Research shows that inadequate or poor-quality sleep can impair concentration, mood, memory and energy levels. Over time, chronic sleep disruption has also been associated with increased stress and a greater risk of longer- term health challenges. As awareness grows, many people are looking beyond conventional sleep aids and turning to gentler, plant-based approaches that support the body’s natural sleep processes. Several traditionally used botanicals have gained renewed attention for their role in promoting relaxation and supporting healthy sleep patterns. • Kava , long used in South Pacific cultures, is valued for its calming properties. Its active compounds help regulate pathways involved in relaxation, supporting the nervous system as it transitions into a more restful state. This makes it particularly relevant for those whose sleep is affected
quality. Rather than acting on a single pathway, Reishi appears to support sleep by influencing multiple systems involved in relaxation and recovery, including those related to stress response and circadian balance. • Passionflower is another botanical traditionally used to support sleep and ease nighttime restlessness. Clinical research suggests it may help reduce the time taken to fall asleep, limit nighttime awakenings and support overall sleep duration, with potential benefits extending into improved daytime focus and reduced fatigue. Together, these natural ingredients reflect a growing shift towards holistic sleep support approaches that focus not just on falling asleep faster, but on supporting deeper, more restorative rest. As understanding of sleep health continues to evolve, the emphasis is increasingly on working with the body, not against it, to support better nights and brighter days. Emily Widdowson is a naturopath and health content writer who works with clients to enhance self-empowerment, deepen body literacy, and optimise overall health.
MARCH 13 WORLD SLEEP DAY
by stress or difficulty unwinding at night. • Reishi , a medicinal mushroom widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been studied for its broad effects on sleep
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ISSUE 76 • 2026
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