At Opal &  Joy, we make sure we use only the very best high-quality, clean ingredients to make our products, including the passion flower we use in our Relax sleep support product as part of our Restorative Sleep System. But what, you may be asking, is passion flower? In this article, we'll look at the benefits of passion flower for perimenopause sleep support.

 

What is Passion Flower?

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine native to southeastern North America. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. The plant gets its name from its unique and beautiful flowers, which were thought to symbolize the passion of Christ by early Spanish missionaries.

 

How Passion Flower May Help with Perimenopausal Sleep Issues

Perimenopause can bring a host of sleep-disrupting symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety. Here's how passion flower might help:

 

Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Anxiety

Passion flower has been found to increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. During perimenopause, GABA levels can decrease, contributing to feelings of anxiety and sleeplessness. By boosting GABA, passion flower may help create a more relaxed state conducive to sleep.

 

Improves Sleep Quality

Research suggests that passion flower can improve overall sleep quality. A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that passion flower tea, when consumed before bedtime, led to significantly better sleep quality in adults with mild sleep problems.

 

Addresses Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Some studies indicate that passion flower may help alleviate vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms are common culprits behind sleep disturbances during perimenopause.

 

Mood Regulation

Perimenopause often comes with mood swings and irritability, which can interfere with sleep. Passion flower has been shown to have mood-regulating effects, potentially helping to create a more stable emotional state conducive to better sleep.

 

Potential Benefits Beyond Sleep

While improved sleep is a primary benefit, passion flower may offer additional perks for perimenopausal women:

Anxiety Relief

Studies have shown that passion flower can have anxiety-relieving effects similar to some prescription medications, but without as many side effects.

Menopausal Symptom Relief

Some research suggests that passion flower may help alleviate other menopausal symptoms such as headaches and depression.

 

 

 

The Science Behind Passion Flower

Passion flower's effects on sleep and anxiety are believed to be due to several compounds it contains:

• Flavonoids: These antioxidants may contribute to passion flower's calming effects.
• Alkaloids: Some alkaloids in passion flower may have mild sedative properties.
• GABA: As mentioned earlier, passion flower can increase GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation.

Passion flower offers a natural, gentle approach to addressing sleep issues during perimenopause. Its ability to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality and potentially alleviate other perimenopausal symptoms is the reason we use it in our Rest sleep support product as part of our Restorative Sleep System.

While more research is needed, particularly on its long-term use for perimenopausal symptoms, the current evidence suggests that passion flower could be a promising natural aid for sleep and relaxation during this transitional phase.

Remember, every woman's experience of perimenopause is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's always best to approach any new supplement or treatment with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.