Sleep And Obesity Connection Explored By New Drug From Merck

A group of scientists working in the research laboratories at the pharmaceutical company Merck have recently been conducting studies which confirmed the link yet again. In fact their study made use of a new drug which was designed to have an effect on the natural body functions which are linked to both sleep and body weight. When the scientists gave the lab mice the drug along with a high fat diet they put on less weight than those mice who were not given the drug and who followed the same diet.

The drug was developed to have an affect on T-type calcium channels which previous research has shown to be part of the sleep and weight gain function of the human body. By targeting these T-type calcium channels they were able to prevent weight gain in the lab mice. The scientists spoke about how the drug was aligning feeding patterns with the natural circadian rhythms of the mice.

This drug is still at a very experimental stage but Merck are confident that something could come out of its research which may help people who have weight problems to shed the pounds. Many more years of research will be needed before anything concrete can be presented to the Food and Drug Administration and the European health authorities for regulatory approval. The weight loss drug market is one of the most lucrative in the pharmaceutical industry.

The pharmaceutical company Merck is probably best known for its male pattern baldness remedy Propecia which they first developed as a treatment for prostate problems in men.

Source : www.ukmedix.com

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Sleep Supplements: For A Sweet Night Sleep

Tired of spending the whole night tossing and turning in your bed? Are you desperate enough to catch the eight hours sleep? Everyone knows the importance of a good night's sleep.
Sleep is definitely an important part of our life as it rejuvenates our body, leads to a better mood, and increases our productivity at work by improving our concentration. However, with the growing stress, anxiety and the kind of lifestyle we are leading, more and more of us are falling victim to insomnia.

Insomnia strikes when we are deficient of some vital vitamin and mineral. Do not worry as you can overcome this problem by feeding your body with these vitamins and minerals. You can do this by opting for good herbal sleep supplements. There are three important basic components essential that help you overcome insomnia; calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B.

Calcium is essential as it helps you overcome restlessness. Magnesium again helps induce sleep and the deficiency of both of these can lead to painful leg cramps. Vitamin B also has a sedative effect on us. All the three are important to induce a normal sleep. This deficiency can be fulfilled by way of sleep supplements.

Other helpful hormones include tryptophan, melatonin, chromium and phosphatidylserine. Tryptophan is an amino acid that regulates serotonin-a relaxation-inducing chemical in our brain. Phosphatidylserine is responsible for regulating cortisone levels in our bodies. When the level of cortisone is high, we tend to wake up and when the level falls we tend to fall asleep.

Chromium regulates sleep in those suffering from high blood sugar levels. The pineal gland of our body produces a hormone called as melatonin. Any deficiency of this hormone leads to insomnia. All these components are found in a well-formulated sleep supplement and this in turn helps us overcome insomnia and enable you to doze off as per your will.

Ingredients Used In Sleep Supplements

They are made using many herbs that help you catch those essential winks. The common herbs used are:

Chamomile: The dried leaves of chamomile are used in these supplements. It acts as a great muscle relaxant.

Valerian: This herb stinks but has sedative properties which help you get a beautiful sleep.

Lavender: The oil is extracted from this flower and is used for relaxing purpose. Once your body relaxes, you automatically doze off.

However, if you are under any kind of medication, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking the sleep supplements to avoid any kind of reaction because of drug interference.

How Safe Are They?

They are safe and a great way to promote sleep. Many pills may prove addictive and also carry many side-effects like drowsiness, nausea and so on. Supplements are made out of natural chemicals which are gentle and have few or no side-effects.

By taking these supplements, you will get a good sleep at night. This in turn will improve your concentration, help you feel refreshed, help you avoid weight gain and enable you to lead a healthier and happier life.

Sleep supplements help you fall asleep and relax by quieting mental chatter. Sleep naturally with the help of natural, non-narcotic and non-addictive supplement.

Source : www.amazines.com

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