How do Probiotics fit into your Active Wellness lifestyle…

From the Greek pro, meaning promoting and biotics, meaning life, these life-promoting compounds offer a bundle of health benefits.

What are they? Probiotics are tiny microorganisms, made of good live bacteria that naturally live in different areas of your body. The body relies on all sorts of microorganisms to keep things working in order to live a healthy life and probiotics play a big part in this. 

The science… Bacteria is usually regarded as something that makes you ill. However, there are two kinds of bacteria constantly in and on the body: good bacteria and bad bacteria.

Good bacteria are exactly what probiotics are made of, in order to keep the body healthy and working well. This good bacteria helps in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when there is too much of it in the body, helping you feel better. For example, when you get an infection, this means there is more bad bacteria in the body, knocking your system out of balance. Good bacteria helps eliminate extra bad bacteria, returning that balance.

The structure… Probiotics are part of a larger picture when it comes to bacteria and the body. This is referred to the microbiome. Around 80% of the immune system is composed of microbiome. You can look at the microbiome as a community of organisms that work together to keep your body healthy. This community is composed of things called microbes. There are trillions of microbes on and in the body. These are a combination of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. Everyone’s microbiome is unique. No one has the same microbial cells – even twins are different. 

For a microbe to be called a probiotic, it needs to survive outside the intestine (after being safely consumed), be isolated from a human and have a proven benefit to the body. They are mainly located in the gut¹ but also in the mouth, skin and lungs among other places. 

Benefits… They support the systems in your body from your mouth to your gut and help control harmful microorganisms such as germs. At the right levels, probiotics help aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber every day helps to keep the number of good bacteria at proper levels. By aiding in protein absorption, probiotics can also help your body recover after workout and reduce muscle strain.

A little extra for the body… Probiotics occur naturally in fermented foods and cultured milk (yogurt and pickles). There are also fermented drinks like kombucha (fermented tea) or kefir (fermented dairy drink) that introduce extra probiotics into your diet. Apart from food, you can add probiotics to your diet through dietary supplements. Probiotic-supplements are a way to add good bacteria to your body.

Nutritional supplements such as KENZEN Lactoferrin 2.0^® from Nikken, contain probiotics – not only do they help boost the immune and digestive systems, but they also promote healthy minds.² Lactoferrin 2.0^® (a naturally iron-binding supplement) is gentle on the digestive system, therefore supporting the gastrointestinal tract and all its functions such as optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, the proliferation of good gut bacteria and overall health.

1. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/healthy-gut-healthy-you/ 
2. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/the-brain-gut-connection/ 

22^nd February 2021

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Let’s Keep Moving… for our bones!

From our brain to our joints, moving every day has the power to improve every part of the body. Some of the benefits of exercise are that it’s free, it adds structure to the day, relieves stress and it’s an activity that can be shared with others in the household.

Remember, everyday activities count, so look out for opportunities to be active during the day while you’re indoors. Do some stretches while watching TV, or squats while brushing your teeth. Every minute counts!

Exercising outdoors is a major stress reliever and can help reduce anger, depression and tension. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise; it can just be a simple walk in the fresh brisk air. According to NHS UK¹, adults aged 19 to 64 years old should do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week.

We need to make a special effort to get our bodies moving on a daily basis, not only for our health’s sake but just as importantly to keep our bones healthy and strong. Looking after your bone health is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. 

Taking calcium supplements may not be enough for optimum bone health, because the body finds calcium difficult to absorb. We can help our body by making sure we are getting enough calcium in the form of food and complimentary supplements.

Vitamin D (also referred to as “calciferol”)… promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate concentrations of serum calcium and phosphate to enable normal bone mineralization. It is also needed for bone growth.

Levels of Vitamin D are critical for bone health. The sun is a natural source of vitamin D but being indoors and not being able to get enough natural sunlight, especially during the Autumn and Winter months can affect our Vitamin D levels. The Department of Health and Social Care (NHS UK) recommends that you take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of Vitamin D to boost your Vitamin D levels during certain times of the year if you don’t get out into the sun much .²

Make sure you eat plenty of fresh produce. Eating too many ready-made or processed foods may deprive us of the nutrients that are necessary to help protect, build and maintain bones too. Nikken’s Kasai Multi Vitamin and Mineral food supplement is made with vegetable and fruit powders and contains 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Vitamin D – along with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, B2, B6 and B12 Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc!  

Nikken’s KENZEN^® BDZ^® food supplement is formulated specifically to help contribute to the maintenance of normal bones. BDZ^®’s formula contains a unique marine plant multimineral complex: Aquamin^® that is carefully harvested under exclusive licence and certified organic.

Derived from a naturally sourced marine algae from the pristine waters of Iceland, this unique, highly bioavailable marine plant based multi-mineral/vitamin complex is rich in Calcium, Magnesium and 72 trace minerals. Minerals not only benefit our bones; there are literally no bodily processes on either the cellular or systemic level that can operate without the right amounts of minerals. They are that critical to your body’s daily functioning. BDZ^®’s main role is to help support bone strength and density. Discover more about the benefits of KENZEN^® BDZ^® in our previous blog: https://bit.ly/3rwmIRx. 

Save up to 10% on your regular Food Supplements when you place your regular food supplement order through the Wellness Subscription Program. Plus, you’ll receive your order delivered directly to your door every month or every quarter. To find out more, contact your Nikken Consultant or email our Customers Services Team at UKsupport@nikken.co.uk.

1. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

8^th February 2021

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Do You Know Your Purpose?

The age-old question on the meaning of life may never be fully answered, but individually, each of us can find a purpose. Our purpose or where we find our meaning in life and living does not have to be paramount. In other words, our life purpose doesn’t have to be heavy and burdensome. It can be in finding small pleasures. It can be in performing services and kindnesses, intentionally or whenever the opportunity arises. And, it is ongoing and changes as we inevitably transform through the various stages of life.

The search for meaning and purpose is tied to the quest for happiness. Every culture has its own path for this lifelong journey. The Japanese have clearly defined this journey as “ikigai” – a way to find purpose, joy and fulfilment in daily living.

Hector Garcia, co-author of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, explains ikigai as “the intersection of what you are good at and what you love doing.” ¹ Ikigai is seen as the convergence of four primary elements: your passion, your mission, your vocation, and your profession. In other words, the four elements are what you love, what the world needs, what you are good at, and what you can get paid for. When these four elements are in balance, life is believed to have meaning, purpose and joy. ²

Okinawans have the highest number of centenarians in the world ³ and their interpretation of ikigai translates to “the happiness of always being busy.” ⁴  Their meaning of life is discovered through daily actions and to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances – to choose one’s own way.⁵

It also is rooted in the principle of ichariba chode, a local expression that translates to “treat everyone like a brother, even if you’ve never met them before.” ⁶

Living with Active Wellness certainly is one facet of pursuing ikigai. Staying active keeps us busy and helps keep stress at bay. Eating healthy foods and getting restful sleep are behaviors that help us to live well. Caring for ourselves and being strong enough to care for others is living to serve. We may do these things unconsciously, but when we become conscious of what we do on a daily basis, purpose and meaning unfold more clearly.  

At Nikken, Humans Being More ST training teaches that meaning is often found in our mission in life, in what we do to develop ourselves and to serve others. Humans Being More posits that our purpose in life is to be and become the very best version of ourselves. Purpose and meaning is thus found through doing and being.

The next Humans Being More ST On Line workshops for 2021 are on:

• Saturday 13^th February 2021 – English (18.00 – 22.00 UK time / 19.00 – 23.00 SW time)
• Saturday 13^th March 2021 – German (16.00 – 20.00 local time)
• Saturday 3^rd April 2021 – French (16.00 – 20.00 local time)

They will be hosted by Jeff Isom, Chancellor of Nikken University. To secure your place, contact us at UKsupport@nikken.co.uk.

1, 2. https://medium.com/thrive-global/ikigai-the-japanese-secret-to-a-long-and-happy-life-might-just-help-you-live-a-more-fulfilling-9871d01992b7

3. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/creating-good-habits-for-health-longevity-and-happiness/

4, 5, 6. https://showmedamani.com/2020/05/20/book-review-ikigai-the-japanese-secret-to-a-long-and-happy-life/

25^th January 2021

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Vital nutrition for Active Wellness…

Focusing on our wellbeing has become increasingly important. Not just for our psychological wellbeing… but physical too. So where do we start? 

It’s really important to acknowledge and understand what we are putting into our bodies – and eating a diet that is going to support us. When we shop for food, we want to benefit from as many organic and natural ingredients as possible in order to help support our bodies functions and immunity.

Two vital ingredients that we can look for are Chlorophyll and Amino acids. These bring a great number of benefits to our diet and subsequently to our bodies… 

Chlorophyll – an antioxidant powerhouse

Chlorophyll is a pigment / compound that gives plants their vibrant green colour and helps them transform sunlight into energy through the process of photosynthesis, playing an important role in making them green and healthy. It can be found in foods such as green, leafy vegetables (spinach, asparagus, green beans, peas, parsley and broccoli to name a few). It contains vitamins, antioxidants (enzymes) and therapeutic properties that have the potential to benefit the body. 

Chlorophyll can help benefit our body in a number of distinct and unique ways – such as helping to cleanse it of harmful toxins, especially our liver. Chlorophyll also nourishes the liver with oxygen and magnesium. Getting rid of the toxins lying dormant in the liver helps the rest of our organs, such as the muscles and digestive system, get even more nourishment too.

It’s also regarded as an active agent that the body uses to help fight infection and help the circulatory and digestive systems to stay healthier. 

According to a study¹ published in the Journal of Physiology, chlorophyll found in food, or very small purified amounts of chlorophyll, may stimulate the synthesis of red blood cells in the bone marrow, helping with accelerating the body tissue and cell re-growth. 

Amino acids – small but mighty biomolecules

Amino acids, also referred to as the building blocks of proteins, play many vital roles in the body. 

Our body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. Even though all 20 of them are important for our health, only nine amino acids are classified as essential: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Unlike nonessential amino acids, essential amino acids can’t be produced by the body and must be obtained through our diet. Natural sources of amino acids include green leafy vegetables, potatoes, meat and dairy. 

When we consume protein, this is broken down into amino acids, which are then used to help the body with various processes such as building muscle and regulating immune function.²

Amino acids play an important role throughout our body, assisting in the creation and growth of muscles, normal digestion, supplying energy and even regulating moods by helping produce hormones.

Both Chlorophyll and Amino Acids are present in the foods we consume but we would have to eat a great deal to receive the recommended amounts. We can however help our bodies by consciously supplementing these vital nutrients to our food intake.  Nikken’s Jade GreenZymes^® organic barley juice powder ³ is a formula that contains both chlorophyll and amino acids and that you can enjoy the fresh flavour of on a daily basis.

At Nikken we know how important it is for you to be able to access your nutritional products safely and efficiently. Having a Wellness Subscription will give you SAVINGS off your products and they’ll be delivered directly to your door.

To find out more contact your Nikken Consultant or email our Customers Services Team at UKsupport@nikken.co.uk.

1. Hughes, J. and Latner, A. 1936. Chlorophyll and haemoglobin regeneration after haemorrhage. Journal of Physiology 86:388-395.

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19301095/

3. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2019/10/28/fuel-for-active-wellness-fuel-for-life/

11^th January 2021

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Nikken Year End Message from the CEO…

Another year has come to an end, and what a year it’s been! The year 2020 has been unusual, challenging and full of surprises. It has made us realize how much changes every second and every hour of every day. How we learn from this nonstop flux and how we shift accordingly is up to us.

How Nikken adapts to change is by remembering its origins. A father’s love for his son and his desire to improve their situation was the source of ingenuity and innovation. With the spirit of service and dedication to help not only themselves but also the situation of many others, a successful business was born. That business evolved into an entrepreneurial approach that has been repeated for more than 45 years now. 

Each time a person joins Nikken, our Global Wellness Community expands to include another human who embraces transformation and Active Wellness. Whether it’s a mother or father who wants to create a better future for their families, a student who wants to help pay for college tuition, a grandmother who continues as caretaker for her family—Nikken provides a way to help them transform and improve their lives, based on a legacy of service and self-development. 

Nikken continues to evolve, and this past year we received powerful affirmation that we are on the right path. Due to Covid 19, we confronted many unforeseen obstacles in manufacturing—shortage of raw materials, shipping delays from around the world, congested ports, keeping our staff safe, factory shutdowns—and we persevered and made it work. We made it work with our infrastructure. We made it work with the patience and trust of our Global Wellness Community.

Our staff began operating from their homes, our warehouses did their best to keep product flowing, and commissions continued being sent out to our Consultants. We keep moving forward in support of the livelihoods of those who share Nikken products and our communal spirit. 

At Nikken, we pledge to serve our Global Wellness Community—as individuals, families and societies. We pledge to serve you with the best intentions and the purpose of caring for each other and those who are yet to join us. We are so grateful for your trust, and we will work even harder for you by producing great products, pricing strategies, updated web experiences and intriguing workshops in Humans Being More. 2021 shows so much promise of better things to come.

From the heart of Nikken, we wish you a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Kurt H. Fulle

31st December 2020

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Essential Nutrition for Active Wellness…

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

This statement has never been more appropriate – eat foods that nourish you both physically and mentally. The year 2020 has brought challenges for many people around the world and our everyday habits and behaviours have dramatically changed. Our priorities have also changed, with many of us focusing more than ever on our health and wellbeing, including what we eat.

As a result, food and health culture has seen a big movement. We know that eating healthy is important to maintaining a healthy body and mind. Everything we eat and drink really does matter.

This year, more and more people have been looking for food and food supplements that can help support a healthy immune system. According to Market Research¹, over 50% of consumers reported taking more food supplements to support their immune health in 2020 than ever before.

This growing interest in immune health is set to be a top focus in the health and wellness industry in 2021. Rather than focusing on treating conditions, many consumers will strive to prevent them via a strengthened immune system. 

In 2021 Nikken will continue to focus on its’ exceptional nutritional food supplements to help support a healthy and Active Wellness lifestyle…

Green super heroes – Organic Jade GreenZymes^® barley juice powder. The inspiration of a Japanese medical scientist – Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara. He devoted his life’s work to finding a natural formula that would promote health with natural ingredients that help support the body’s nutritional needs. Jade GreenZymes offers a combination of natural vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and more through its’ concentrated essence of green barley grass, a plant food recognized as an amazing natural wonder. 

Healthy gut, healthy you – A fantastic probiotic food supplement; Nikken’s Lactoferrin 2.0^®. Lactoferrin has many benefits for our overall health with one of the main advantages being its ability to help bind and transport iron. It also helps hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. All this is done in a way that is very gentle on the digestive system, supporting the gastrointestinal tract and all its functions.

Strong and healthy bones – Not only is the health of our bones critical for supporting our body – but they also aid our movement, safeguard vital organs and support the production of red blood cells. Nikken’s KENZEN^® BDZ^®2 provides several of the vital vitamins and minerals our bodies need to process calcium. BDZ^®’s main role is to support bone strength and density. 

Cold season nutrients – Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients needed by our body to help keep us healthy. Whilst it’s important to top up on these vital nutrients all year round, in the cold weather season it’s even more important – your immunity is likely to take a dive because you’re exposed to less sunlight and vitamin D plays a part in the immune system. There are also lifestyle factors – you might be less likely to exercise or eat less healthy (comfort food).  Temperature can also interfere with your body’s responses to viruses. The Kasai Multi-Vitamin and Minerals supplement contains 17 wholesale fruit and vegetable powders, all in one tiny capsule to support your body’s nutritional needs.

SAVE on your favourite Nikken food supplements; All Nikken’s food supplements are available on the Wellness Subscription programme. This Subscription will enable you to receive your favourite supplements directly to your door, each month or each quarter whilst giving you extra savings on the product price and postage too!

2021 is fast approaching – set your New Year goals to keep active and healthy both physically and mentally.  Make 2021 the year you focus on eating healthy and eating well.

1. https://www.marketresearch.com/Arizton-v4150/Immune-Health-Supplements-Global-Outlook-13377529/

2. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2020/08/03/healthy-bone-support/

14^th December 2020

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Keeping Active During Winter…

When the weather turns cold, we tend to go into hibernation mode with many of us finding it difficult to stay motivated to exercise. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean we need to stay indoors or stop moving. Exercising in the winter has some surprising benefits.

Beating the “winter blues”, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD)¹ happens due to shorter days – our bodies and minds are not getting enough light and endorphins. Exercise can help boost the mood at any time of year, but it has a particularly profound effect during winter, sending those all-important feel-good hormones soaring and keeping the winter blues at bay. 

Getting outdoors in the fresh air in cold weather can also help replenish vitamin D levels in the skin and a change of season means we might get the opportunity to try activities never experienced before such as cold water swimming or if the location and whether conditions permit, skiing. But there’s nothing quite like wading through fallen leaves or hearing the crisp crunch of snow beneath our feet.

Whichever outdoor activity we choose, it is important to plan ahead. This means, it’s time to layer up with appropriate clothing. Putting on layers helps trap and keep in the warm air for longer.  Nikken’s Thermowear^® Golf Socks aren’t just good for the golf course; due to their integrated ceramic fibres, which create warmth, they are also ideal for winter footwear. 

Taking the stairs is a good way to fit in exercise. The more we often we walk upstairs, the easier it gets and the better we will feel. Walking up steps will soon work up fitness levels. A good supporting insole in shoes can help. Kenko mStrides^® and mSteps^® insoles can offer support along with a dynamic energy flow due the integrated DynaFlux^® Magnetic Technology (U.S. Patent No. 9,265,966), helping our sporting winter adventures.

Another easy way, without even thinking about it too much, is as simple as parking further away from the supermarket entrance. This way, you have to walk further to do your food shopping. It’s easy and you’ll barely notice the difference. 

If circumstances don’t permit us to go outdoors, then there are plenty of things to do inside the house i.e. house chores. It’s time to get hovering, dusting and cleaning. Not only will the house get tidy but the whole body will move around during the process. By playing some music in the background, these activities can be fun too!

Whether we are having to stay indoors or are able to get outside this winter, there are plenty of ways to keep fit and healthy along our Active Wellness quest.

The Nikken Gift Guide is now available and packed full of seasonal offers including the Nikken Socks and Insoles, and other winter wellness gifts ideas for you and your loved ones!

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/

2^nd December 2020

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The Best Winter Skincare…

The colder, winter season is fast approaching; which is when our skin needs some extra tender loving care. As temperatures drop, so do the moisture levels in our skin, which can cause our skin to become dry and dehydrated, losing its natural, healthy-looking glow. 

There are just so many factors that can contribute to changes in our skin during the winter. Our skin is also less exposed to sunlight, which means less opportunity for our body to make vitamin D.  

So, we can see just how important it is to take extra care of our skin at this time. Here are our best winter skincare tips and routines to help you look after your precious skin:

– stay hydrated… when skin loses moisture and becomes dehydrated it means it’s lacking the water levels needed to function effectively. Make sure you keep hydrated from the inside, which means drinking plenty of water every day.

– exercise… it might be difficult to leave the warmth of the blanket behind and get your body moving on a cold morning. But if you love your skin, do it! Exercise will pump up your heart rate, which in turn, pumps more blood and oxygen to your skin, keeping it looking healthy and glowing naturally.

– adjust your skincare routine… skin tends to produce fewer oils in the winter months, so include a heavier face and body moisturiser or include a moisture boosting hydrating face serum. Use gentle, natural skincare formulas that work with your skin’s natural barriers. 

– get back tobasics… keep skin in optimum condition by cleansing thoroughly twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening to remove make-up and airborne dirt particles. TRUE elements^® Velvet Cleansing Milk, is made from organic seaweeds that work in synergy with skins natural barriers. TRUE elements^® Fresh Tonic Lotion clears away any last traces of cleanser, whilst Aloe Vera helps keep skin feeling fresh and moisturised.

– give your skin a moisture boost… serums are packed with powerful ingredients that penetrate deeper than a moisturising cream and deliver more targeted results due to their smaller molecule size – serums are the unsung heroes of the skincare world! Nikken’s TRUE elements^® Youth Activ Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid; well-known to help increase skins moisture levels by attracting and retaining moisture. Apply before your moisturiser. 

– don’t forget your hands and feet! Hands and feet get dry too so it’s important to cream them up in order to keep them baby soft. Apply hand cream after washing your hands now more than ever. TRUE elements^® Hand and Foot Cream contains seaweed extracts and Shea Butter to help keep skin well hydrated. Apply a layer of Hand and Foot Cream under socks before bed and wake up with super soft feet.

The TRUE elements^® Marine Organic Skincare range is formulated using organic seaweeds harvested off the French Brittany Coast and are certified organic by ECOCERT¹. Find out more about the range here… 

1. http://www.ecocert.com/en

16^th November 2020

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The Power of Gratitude…

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”– Aesop

We all know gratitude in the form of ‘thank you’ when someone has helped us or done something nice for us.  But how many of us look and feel gratitude in other ways…  

When we appreciate and acknowledge simple things, we are grateful. From having fresh water to drink and food on the table, to hearing the birds sing and feeling the wind or sun on our face. 

The best way to reach contentment is to feel grateful for what you already have. Studies show that if you express gratitude, it raises your happiness by 25% ¹.

When you take a breath and step back, your thankfulness slows you down and fills you up with happiness. This can be a time to be grateful for all the things you might have overlooked, forgotten or taken for granted, instead of worrying about what you still need. 

Express your gratitude…

Every day take a few minutes to think of the things that you’re grateful for: the people, places and things that make your life rich and full, that bring you comfort and joy. The more you practice this exercise, the more you’ll notice just how full your life already is. 

Contact one person everyday just to express your gratitude. Whether you are having lunch with a friend or time in the evening with your partner tell them why you’re thankful, expressing your gratitude out loud can be very powerful. 

The Power of gratitude…

Boosts self-esteem – instead of being resentful towards people who are wealthier or have better jobs, you will learn to appreciate their accomplishments.

Can help reduce stress. Research² has shown that people who feel gratitude are happier, report more life satisfaction and less stress. Grateful people are less likely to be depressed, anxious or lonely. Nikken’s portable grounding mat, KenkoGround^® is ideal for practising gratitude meditation on. Plug it into a grounded outlet, place your bare feet on the mat whilst taking time out to meditate and reconnecting with Mother Nature. 

Can help improve your sleeping habits. A study³ found that people who spend 15 minutes writing down grateful sentiments at bedtime sleep longer and better.

Whether getting ready to settle down for the night, taking a power nap or just snuggling – the Kenko Travel Comforter will keep you warm and cosy with its integrated ceramic fibres. The comforter is very light and versatile and zips up, making it easy to use around the home or when travelling.

Make gratitude your automatic thinking and when you do you’ll experience your level of happiness rise.

1. http://local.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/gratitude/Emmons_McCullough_2003_JPSP.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506019/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19073292/

2^nd November 2020

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The Science of SLEEP…

It’s that time again… the clocks will go back one hour on Sunday 25^th October at 2 am!  Daylight Savings Time officially comes to an end. 

How do you remember which way the clocks go? An easy way to remember is to think of the seasons; in the Spring, the clocks ‘spring forward’ and in Autumn they ‘fall back’. This also marks the end of British Summer Time (BST)… which also means an extra hour in bed! 

With this change you might be looking forward to getting an extra hour of sleep at night – but the amount of rest you’ll get will depend in part on your sleep habits:

The deep sleeper… If you are the type of person who doesn’t wake up until your alarm clock rings, you might get some extra rest, but only if you continue to go to bed at your normal time every night. 

The early riser… If you are a morning person who tends to wake up without an alarm, you might get less than an extra hour of sleep. The reason is simple… it could take several days or more for your body’s internal clock to adjust to the change.

The body’s internal clock or circadian rhythms…

“Circadian” means “about a day.” This is the body’s internal clock, which gradually becomes established during the first months of life, controls the daily ups and downs of biological patterns, including body temperature, blood pressure, and the release of hormones. Circadian rhythms make people’s desire for sleep strongest between midnight and early morning, but less mid-afternoon. 

When you sleep, you cycle between the REM and non-REM sleep stages:

REM: Dreaming sleep or REM sleep – this happens usually 90 minutes after you fall asleep. The first period of REM typically lasts 10 minutes. Your heart rate and breathing gets faster. During this stage of sleep, you could experience more intense dreams because your brain is more active.

Non-REM: Quiet sleep or non-REM sleep (non-rapid eye movement) is basically dreamless sleep. During this stage the breathing and heart rate are slow and regular, the blood pressure is low and the sleeper is relatively still. This is broken up in three stages with each stage becoming progressively deeper. ¹

You’ll need to experience all stages of sleep in order to wake up fully rested.

After a good night’s sleep, the benefits can be felt not only in our body, but also in our mind. Sleep is essential for maintaining cognitive skills such as communicating well, remembering key information and being creative and flexible in thought. There is also a strong relationship between sleep and physical and mental health. Not getting enough sleep has a profound impact on our ability to function.  

At Nikken we know how important sleep is for Active Wellness and that’s why we’ve designed a range of products that work in harmony together to address just this. 

For cosy nights, the KenkoDream^® Quilt is made from a natural, anti-bacterial, breathable cotton cover and contains ceramic fibres that not only help release excess heat, but also release a calming warmth to help maintain a constant temperature.  

The same ceramic fibres can be found in the limited edition Kenko Travel Comforter, a superlight versatile blanket that can be folded and zipped up after use into a neat portable size making it easy to store and giving it multiple uses not just for the bed but also as a blanket for the sofa, to be kept and used in the car and for when travelling. 

These products are just a couple that can be found in the Sleep and Rest & Relaxation range – visit www.nikken.com/eu/ for the full range.

Read our previous blog Good sleep promotes good health…² for tips on how to create the perfect bedtime routine for a good night’s sleep.

See our OCTOBER SPECIAL OFFERS … selected rest and relaxation products to help you on your journey to a better sleep… https://bit.ly/3dCjXIN

1. https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/advice-support/sleep-hub/sleep-matters/sleep-patterns/
2. https://nikkeneurope.wordpress.com/2018/10/01/good-sleep-promotes-good-health/

19^th October 2020

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