Sleep. For something so precious, there are so many of us who get so little of it. Whether it’s caused by stress, late-night scrolling, a restless mind that struggles to switch off or simply too much caffeine too late in the day, a lack of sleep can lower our energy levels, which can impact our cognitive performance. In this blog, we explore why tiredness has become such a widespread issue in the UK and how certain vitamin supplementation may support your wellness routine.
It’s advised that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. However, according to Aviva, Brits say they get just 6.7 hours of sleep per night, and 57% feel fatigued and have low energy when they don’t get enough. So, what’s behind this level of exhaustion, and how can we help ourselves to get more – and better quality – sleep?
Why Am I So Tired?
Our evening behaviours play a bigger role than we may think. A whopping 94% of Aviva respondents admitted to using a screen within an hour of bedtime, with 61% doing so every day, and that can be problematic. Blue light exposure from our devices – known as high-energy visible (HEV) light – keeps our brains wired when they should be winding down.
Caffeine – which can stay in our bodies for hours – was another culprit preventing people from drifting off, with 75% reporting they occasionally consume it after 2pm, and 25% saying they do so on a daily basis. And while a glass of wine or a pint of beer may feel relaxing after a hard day’s work, 46% regularly have alcoholic drinks into the evening, which can disrupt sleep quality.
By making small lifestyle tweaks to tackle some of these common hindrances, you can start to see big improvements to your sleep – and, therefore, your cognitive function. Try limiting device time before you head to bed, changing to herbal tea or decaf coffee after lunch and swapping an evening tipple for a soft drink or water.
Supplements That May Help
As well as adopting new habits – like drinking more water, reducing stress, having a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and getting moving more – many people consider including vitamins and minerals in their wellness routines, too.
Popular choices include:
Magnesium
Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscle function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. As a result, magnesium supplementation is widely used among those aiming to support their overall wellbeing.
Find out more about our magnesium supplements.
Vitamin B Complex
A B complex supplement contains a blend of B vitamins – such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 – which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and support normal energy-yielding metabolism and energy production. These vitamins also play a part in the formation of red blood cells. They’re often chosen by people looking to maintain their energy levels throughout the day.
Our Mega B Complex is a high-dose vitamin B tablet containing a range of B vitamins, with added oat bran fibre, inositol, choline and Lactobacillus acidophilus culture, for general wellbeing.
Multivitamin Tablets
A daily multivitamin can help fill any nutritional gaps in your diet, supporting overall health when life gets busy. They’re a popular choice for those who want a simple, all-in-one approach to their supplement routine.
Our Mega H40 Multivitamin and Mineral Plus Complex capsules are a unique combination of 12 Vitamins – A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin, with Minerals such as Iron, Zinc and Iodine.
When it comes to feeling more rested, every little helps – from switching off screens to topping up on key nutrients.
As with all dietary supplements, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding new products to your regimen, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking other prescription and non-prescription medicines.
