Lewisville Noon Rotary club member Dennis Song, owner of Flower Mound Pharmacy (now part of Community Pharmacy) shared his insights last week on the best supplements to promote better sleep, reduce anxiety, and improve memory.  

 

Sleep is vital for overall health, Song noted, but issues like restless leg syndrome, urinary frequency, digestive issues, and poor sleep hygiene (e.g., using mobile devices before bed) all can disrupt sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation not only can leave you feeling fatigued, but also compromises your immune system and ability to heal, decreases mental acuity, and increases cardiovascular risks, Song said. Although conventional treatments include prescription drugs, like Ambien or Lunestra, these can be habit-forming and also have significant side effects. Over-the-counter medications, like Benadryl and PM products, meanwhile, are only effective for short-term use, because the body will build up tolerance to the drugs. As an alternative, Song recommended herbal supplements, like valerian, lemon balm and passionflower, and nutraceuticals or combined products, which blend herbs and amino acids and are pharmaceutically manufactured.

 

He suggested that people experiencing sleep disturbances work with their pharmacist or health care practitioner to implement a multimodal approach to improve sleep. This protocol could include vitamins to build neurotransmitters, herbal supplements to induce drowsiness and reduce anxiety, melatonin to improve sleep quality, magnesium for muscle relaxation, and bromelain as a digestive enzyme.

 

Song also addressed the prevalence of anxiety in modern society, noting that prescription medications like Valium, Xanax and Clonazepam have become the norm. Similar to prescription sleep aids, however, these can be habit forming and can trigger other significant health risks. Non-drug therapies, including therapeutic massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, biofeedback, and chiropractic treatment all are viable and effective alternatives that can mitigate anxiety and address any underlying issues, such as vitamin deficiencies.

 

At the end of his presentation, Song offered input on strategies to improve memory function and overall brain health. The brain deteriorates with age, he noted, and needs to be engaged and exercised, like a muscle. In addition to doing brain-stimulating activities, such as reading or puzzles, Song recommends eating a healthy, whole food diet, getting regular physical activity, and taking nutritional supplements to support brain health, such as Selenium, B-complex vitamins, and curcumin. When choosing supplements, look for manufacturer guarantees of quality control and quality assurance and good ingredients, and ask your pharmacist for their best recommendations.