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Essential oils give plants their characteristic fragrances, which is why the oils are derived from plants. Some researchers speculate that fragrances influence feelings because the nasal passage opens directly to the part of the brain that controls emotion and memory. Others believe that fragrance compounds interact with receptor sites in the central nervous system.3 “The customer may have fantastic results with taking a natural medication for anxiety, or they may require further professional assistance,” Ms Brandis said. “Either way, that’s something the pharmacist needs to assist in determining.” Vital for a boost Sleeplessness and stress can be two factors that explain a person’s lack of energy. Boosting energy ensures that a person is more productive and willing to participate in exciting pursuits that can make them happy. “Having a well-cared-for body and mind means you feel good about yourself and your life, so you have more love, energy and time for those around you,” Ms Brandis said. BODY & SOUL 57 Less snoozin’ means more losin’ The amount of sleep one loses and the amount of stress one experiences are strongly linked. Stress can bring mental health issues. It causes the autonomic nervous system to release hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which raise the heart rate to circulate blood to vital organs and muscles more efficiently.1 Health professionals recommend that people should get close to eight hours of sleep each night to fully repair the body for the next day. When the correct amount of sleep isn’t achieved, there are symptoms of tiredness, irritability and difficulty in concentrating.2 During a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be especially hard to wind down and relax the body. In fact, 39.8 per cent of Australian adults are failing to get an adequate amount of sleep, as shown in ‘Five sleep myths destroying immunity’. “It’s important to know how much and what kind of sleep you need – even more so right now when everyone wants their immune system to be strong and healthy,” said Katie Mant, creator of blue-light glasses company BLUbox. Ms Brandis expanded on this: “Having a full night’s rest improves healthy brain function, concentration, productivity and emotional wellbeing, maintains physical health and allows the body to repair and rejuvenate.” Before seeing a GP, customers may prefer to try natural products, or products readily available in a retail pharmacy, to assist them with a better night’s sleep. Ms Brandis says many customers seem to have unsettled and anxious minds, “so I’ve been recommending natural medicines with ingredients containing things such as melatonin, valerian, passionflower, hops, lemon balm and magnesium”. “I would recommend natural medicines first because there’s a wide range of sleep assisting products suitable for almost everyone in this category,” she said. “They assist the body in relaxing, falling asleep, sleeping deeply and waking up feeling refreshed, with no nasty drowsy side effects.” However, if the customer’s sleeping issues present as more severe, “then it’s best to have the pharmacist involvement, so consultation can take place and further advice can be given”. Keep calm and roll on We know that stress is becoming more apparent in people’s everyday lives, and some may not want to immediately seek help from a GP, psychologist, therapist, etc, if they don’t deem a case to be too severe. Retail pharmacies provide products that may put people’s minds at ease, including essential oils, a trending product right now. “I often recommend aromatherapy oils to assist with stress and sleep,” Ms Brandis said. “Australian pure essential oils are available in fantastic blends to assist in calming the mind and body and relieving sleeplessness. Many essential oils are available in roll-on, mist and balms, so you can easily apply them when needed.” She adds that she asks those seeking energy boosters “about their diet, what physical activity they do, if any, and how much sleep they get every night”. “I would recommend an energy- boosting vitamin that assists in physical performance and relieves fatigue, lethargy and exhaustion,” she said. “Depending on their current diet, I may recommend a green boosting powder that contains protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, to assist in improving their current diet. “I would give helpful lifestyle tips and information to encourage wellbeing and self-care. “Energy generally comes from the nutrients you consume, so it’s essential to eat foods that contain the correct vitamins to provide the body with energy – or, in cases of diets being lacklustre in nutrient-dense foods, supplements or vitamins would begin to play a role.” As an example, a recent review noted the importance of adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc and chromium to ensure the capacity of increased energy expenditure and work performance.4 There’s no me in wellbeing, but there is an I For some people, it will be changing the little things in their lives that brings the greatest results. However, in trying times, it can be beneficial to dig a little deeper into what wellbeing means, and how it can be achieved at an optimum level. It takes time, but with the right knowledge and safe products around, overall wellbeing can be maintained. Focusing on factors such as sleep, stress and energy is just the beginning. Luckily, we have great pharmacy workers around to keep these things in check, Ms Brandis assures. “Taking the time to care for your own wellbeing means you value yourself and your overall happiness and health,” she said. References 1. Medical News Today, 2018. ‘How to tell if stress is affecting your sleep’. Accessed 12/5/20. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322994 2. Better Health Channel, 2017. ‘Mood and sleep’. Accessed 12/5/20. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ HealthyLiving/Mood-and-sleep 3. Keville K, Green M. ‘Aromatherapy: A complete guide to the healing art’. Published by Crossing Press, 1995; pg vii. 4. Huskisson E, Maggini S, Ruf M. ‘The role of vitamins and minerals in energy metabolism and wellbeing’. Journal of International Medical Research, 2007; pg 279. “Having a full night’s rest improves healthy brain function, concentration, productivity and emotional wellbeing, maintains physical health and allows the body to repair and rejuvenate.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • JUN 2020