Mastering Stress and Sleep: A Holistic Guide for Wellness Practitioners
In our latest GetHealthy Roundtable episode, we dove into the ever-relevant topics of stress and sleep—two interconnected areas that impact every facet of well-being. Addressing these issues in a clinical setting can be complex, as each client may present unique challenges. This guide provides practical strategies, supplement suggestions, and testing options to support practitioners in helping clients optimize their sleep and manage stress effectively.
1. Understanding Sleep Issues
Sleep challenges often range from difficulty falling asleep to issues staying asleep or temperature discomfort during the night. Identifying the root cause is essential, as sleep quality affects not only energy levels but overall health and immune function. Here's how to approach common sleep disturbances:
Trouble Falling Asleep
For clients who struggle to wind down, often due to high cortisol levels at night, consider adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or adrenal adaptogens instead of glandulars, which adapt to cortisol levels rather than boosting adrenal output. For clients sensitive to melatonin, 5-HTP or GABA can offer an alternative path by supporting the melatonin pathway gently.
14 GABA products available when you have a GetHealthy store
28 5-HTP products available when you have a GetHealthy store
Don’t have a store? View our brand list here.
Waking Throughout the Night
Frequent awakenings are often linked to adrenal health or blood sugar imbalances. For clients with adrenal fatigue, evening adaptogens can help modulate nighttime cortisol. Stabilizing blood sugar before bed—potentially with supplements containing alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, or vanadium—can also be beneficial.
8 Adaptogen products available when you have a GetHealthy store
5 Blood Sugar products available when you have a GetHealthy store
Don’t have a store? View our brand list here.
Light Sleepers and Temperature Sensitivity
Clients who wake easily may benefit from checking their hormone, iron, and magnesium levels. Magnesium and vitamin D are commonly supportive, along with homeopathic hormone combinations if deeper hormonal support is needed. Additionally, tools like the Perfect Sleep Pad cooling mat and weighted blankets can improve the sleep environment.
Brands you can offer through your GetHealthy store:
Don’t have a store? View our brand list here.
Key Supplements for Sleep
Adaptogens for adrenal balance
5-HTP or Melatonin for sleep onset
Magnesium and Vitamin D for deeper rest
Homeopathic Hormone Combinations for balanced sleep cycles
2. Supporting Clients Through Stress
Stress is multi-dimensional and can stem from physical, emotional, or environmental sources. Each type of stress may require a unique approach, but B vitamins, essential for methylation, are crucial across the board. They support ATP production, cellular regeneration, and immune modulation.
Addressing Physical Stress
Topical salves or creams infused with magnesium, essential oils like frankincense, or a calming lavender balm can alleviate physical pain and inflammation. Products such as castor oil combined with anti-inflammatory essential oils provide a calming and therapeutic option for physical stress relief.
Brands you can offer through your GetHealthy store:
Frankincense Essential Oils
Don’t have a store? View our brand list here.
Emotional Stress Management
Emotional stressors can disrupt both sleep and overall health. Practitioners can recommend ashwagandha, magnesium, or L-theanine, depending on the client's tolerance and need. Homeopathic remedies or products like Calm Day (from Nutritional Frontiers) are gentle yet effective options for mood stabilization.
33 Stress products available when you have a GetHealthy store
Don’t have a store? View our brand list here.
Environmental Stress Reduction
Encourage clients to identify environmental stressors such as food sensitivities, toxins, or even digital exposure. Testing for heavy metals can reveal potential burdens, and appropriate detoxification methods—paired with remineralization—can help restore balance.
3. Integrating Complementary Testing and Products
Supplementing the above approaches with targeted testing provides actionable insights and a personalized approach to client care. Here are some recommended assessments:
Diurnal Cortisol Test: Essential for identifying cortisol fluctuations that may interfere with sleep.
Heavy Metal and Mineral Analysis: Helps evaluate toxic exposure and mineral imbalances.
Hormone Panel and Neurotransmitter Testing: Ideal for clients with hormonal imbalances or prolonged stress, providing a blueprint for targeted intervention.
Available with our testing category and Evexia integration.
4. Creating a Comprehensive Care Plan
A bundled approach, combining supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and sleep environment optimizations, often provides the best outcomes. Consider creating “Better Sleep” or “Stress Resilience” bundles featuring a few select items like adaptogens, magnesium, and a sleep aid.
GetHealthy store owners - create your own bundle here.
Moreover, addressing lifestyle adjustments such as reducing blue light exposure, turning off Wi-Fi, and adjusting room temperature further enhances sleep quality. Offering practical tools and supplements for environmental modifications, like EMF blockers and blue light glasses, can empower clients to create a sleep-supportive environment.
5. Conclusion
Empowering clients to manage stress and achieve restful sleep can make a profound impact on their well-being. By incorporating adaptogens, exploring complementary testing, and supporting lifestyle changes, wellness practitioners can offer a holistic path to better health.
For more detailed guidance, log in to our GetHealthy Edu learning center for resources, testing integrations, and personalized support in creating tailored client solutions. Together, we’re building resilient health practices that prioritize quality care and sustainable wellness.
