Calm is not the absence of stress — it’s the ability to return to balance.
Stress and Sleep Connection — The Cycle of Tension and Recovery
Stress and sleep are deeply connected.
When stress rises, the mind stays alert; when sleep declines, stress hormones increase.
Together, they form a loop that shapes how we think, feel, and recover.
When stress rises, the mind stays alert; when sleep declines, stress hormones increase.
Together, they form a loop that shapes how we think, feel, and recover.
How Stress Disrupts Sleep
Under pressure, the body activates the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol to maintain alertness and energy.
Cortisol should naturally decline toward evening, allowing the nervous system to rest.
But when stress persists, its evening drop is delayed — the body stays in a state of readiness even after the day is over.
Cortisol should naturally decline toward evening, allowing the nervous system to rest.
But when stress persists, its evening drop is delayed — the body stays in a state of readiness even after the day is over.
Typical signs include:
The body cannot restore itself if it believes the day never ended.
- Difficulty falling asleep despite fatigue
- Restless or fragmented sleep
- Waking too early with a racing mind
- Feeling unrefreshed the next morning
The body cannot restore itself if it believes the day never ended.
How Lack of Sleep Increases Stress
When we sleep poorly, our stress regulation weakens.
Even one night of sleep deprivation increases amygdala reactivity — the brain’s emotional alarm — making us more reactive to minor challenges.
At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for calm decision-making, slows down.
This is why everything feels heavier after a sleepless night: our emotional brakes are off.
Sleep is not a luxury — it’s the biological mechanism that restores emotional stability.
Even one night of sleep deprivation increases amygdala reactivity — the brain’s emotional alarm — making us more reactive to minor challenges.
At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for calm decision-making, slows down.
This is why everything feels heavier after a sleepless night: our emotional brakes are off.
Sleep is not a luxury — it’s the biological mechanism that restores emotional stability.
The Cortisol Rhythm — and Why It Matters
Cortisol follows a 24-hour rhythm:
It rises with the morning light to help us wake, and falls in the evening to prepare the body for rest.
Chronic stress or irregular schedules flatten this curve, leaving cortisol high when it should be low.
When this happens, relaxation feels impossible — and the brain loses the natural signal that it’s safe to sleep.
Re-establishing this rhythm through calm evenings, predictable meals, and emotional decompression helps the entire system recover.
It rises with the morning light to help us wake, and falls in the evening to prepare the body for rest.
Chronic stress or irregular schedules flatten this curve, leaving cortisol high when it should be low.
When this happens, relaxation feels impossible — and the brain loses the natural signal that it’s safe to sleep.
Re-establishing this rhythm through calm evenings, predictable meals, and emotional decompression helps the entire system recover.
Nutrients That Support Psychological Function
Certain nutrients play key roles in the body’s ability to adapt to stress and maintain normal nervous-system function.
Their effects are recognized under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012:
Nutrient | Authorized function | Role in stress–sleep balance |
Magnesium | Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and reduction of tiredness and fatigue | Promotes calm neurotransmission and muscle relaxation |
Vitamin B6, B12, Folate | Contribute to normal psychological function | Support synthesis of serotonin and GABA for emotional stability |
Niacin (B3) | Contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism | Helps stabilize energy during prolonged stress |
Vitamin C | Contributes to protection of cells from oxidative stress | Supports adrenal recovery and immune balance |
Botanical Ingredients Traditionally Used for Calm and Rest
Across Europe, several plants have a long history of use for easing tension and supporting sleep.
Their functions are described in the EU Register of on-hold botanical health claims (under evaluation – not authorized or rejected).
These botanicals are non-sedative; they act gently on the body’s relaxation pathways, supporting the transition from alertness to rest without morning drowsiness.
Nature’s calm doesn’t switch the system off — it reminds it how to rest.
Their functions are described in the EU Register of on-hold botanical health claims (under evaluation – not authorized or rejected).
Plant | On-hold claim summary | NDCLAIMS ID |
Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerian root) | Helps to maintain normal sleep | 2680 |
Humulus lupulus L. (Hops) | Supports relaxation and contributes to restful sleep | 2680 |
Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) | Contributes to optimal relaxation and positive mood | 2302 |
Passiflora incarnata L. (Passion flower) | Helps to induce calm and improve sleep quality | 4717 |
These botanicals are non-sedative; they act gently on the body’s relaxation pathways, supporting the transition from alertness to rest without morning drowsiness.
Nature’s calm doesn’t switch the system off — it reminds it how to rest.
Restoring the Natural Cycle
To rebuild the balance between stress and sleep:
Set consistent sleep and wake times —
your hormones love predictability.
Dim screens and light
one hour before bedtime — bright light tells the brain it’s still day.
Evening breathing or reflection —
activates the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) system.
Include magnesium-rich hydration —
helps muscles and nerves release tension.
Morning daylight —
anchors cortisol to its correct time and strengthens the body’s clock.
Small habits, repeated, restore the rhythm that biology expects.
Stop Stress® —
Synchronizing Effort and Rest
The Stop Stress® concept was created around this cycle of adaptation and recovery:
provides magnesium and B-vitamins to support normal psychological function and energy metabolism during demanding days.
features combination of valerian root and hops, and lemon balm, botanicals associated with on-hold EU health claims for normal sleep and relaxation (IDs 2680, 2302).
a lighter botanical variation, formulated to promote gentle relaxation and harmony before sleep.
Together, they help the body adapt by day and regenerate by night — naturally, without sedation.
References and Further Reading
- EU Register on Nutrition and Health Claims — https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/labelling-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-health-claims/eu-register-health-claims_en
- NDCLAIMS Database (on-hold botanical claims) — Xls
- EMA Herbal Monographs: Valeriana officinalis L., Humulus lupulus L., Melissa officinalis L., Passiflora incarnata L. — https://www.ema.europa.eu/en
- Sanford, L., Suchecki, D., & Meerlo, P. (2015). Stress, arousal, and sleep.. Current topics in behavioral neurosciences, 25, 379-410 . https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2014_314.
- Scher, A., Hall, W. A., Zaidman-Zait, A., & Weinberg, J. (2010). Sleep quality, cortisol levels, and behavioral regulation in toddlers. Developmental psychobiology, 52(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.20410
Get in Touch
Write to us or call us. We love communicating with our customers.
Latvia
Brivibas gatve 369 k-2, Riga
t.: +371 67 323 499
hello@stopstress.de
Brivibas gatve 369 k-2, Riga
t.: +371 67 323 499
hello@stopstress.de
Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before use.
Learn more about our quality and manufacturing standards.
The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare professional before use.
Learn more about our quality and manufacturing standards.