Responding to the Mental Health Risks for Workers and Immediate Action: CALMOZEN® Relax & Sleep

According to a recent report published by Telus Health, a Canadian company specializing in health technology services, the mental health of European workers is on the decline, with an increasing number of employees facing psychological risks, primarily due to work-related stress, financial instability, and a lack of organizational support. A global survey conducted between October 2022 and April 2023 revealed alarming trends, especially in European countries.

The survey was conducted in six EU member states: France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy, and the results showed that 38% of European employees are at high risk of developing mental health problems.

Mental Health Index and Regional Distribution

The survey calculated a Mental Health Index (MHI) for each country based on indicators such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. The Netherlands had the best score (69.0), while Poland (55.5), Spain (57.1), and Italy (58.4) had significantly lower scores. However, the Netherlands also recorded the largest decline in mental health over the past year, suggesting a negative trend even in regions with relatively good performance.

Prevalence of Disorders: Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression

Anxiety was identified as the most common mental health issue, with 17% of respondents reporting a diagnosis of anxiety, followed by sleep disorders (14%) and depression (12%). Poland and Spain recorded the highest rates of anxiety (51%), while Spain had the highest percentage of employees affected by depression (48%). In Italy, 29% of employees expressed a lack of optimism about the future.

Demographic and Economic Disparities

The survey also highlighted significant differences across age groups, with employees under 40 being twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression compared to those aged 50 and above. Younger workers were also more likely to request psychological health benefits.

Gender differences were notable as well: women recorded a mental health score 5 points lower than men. Furthermore, income played a significant role in mental health, with workers earning less than €10,000 annually reporting the lowest MHI scores. Those without emergency savings had a significantly lower score (41) compared to the overall group average (61).

The Impact of Stress on Productivity

The survey highlighted that occupational stress has a direct impact on productivity. Workers who reported that lack of support was their main source of stress lost an average of 66 working days per year, emphasizing the importance of a supportive work environment.

These findings are supported by accumulated evidence over the last two decades, showing an increase in psychosocial risks at the workplace. Between 2000 and 2016, deaths linked to long working hours rose significantly, with heart disease and stroke deaths increasing by 41% and 19%, respectively. Recent estimates suggest that 17-35% of depression cases could be attributed to work-related conditions.

Integrated Approaches to Reducing Psychosocial Risks

To address the mental health crisis among workers, experts recommend proactive measures at both the organizational and individual levels.

Medical and Psychological Recommendations:

• Creating Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer accessible psychological counseling and stress reduction sessions.
• Including mindfulness and meditation sessions to improve employees’ psychological well-being.
• Prioritizing mental health as a key aspect of overall health, on par with physical health.

Sociological Recommendations:

• Flexible work schedules and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Training leaders to recognize signs of stress and burnout in employees.
• Creating a transparent and collaborative work environment, where employees feel valued and supported.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) – Natural Supplements

Alongside institutional approaches, natural treatments for anxiety and sleep disorders have proven effective. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) solutions, such as plant extracts and magnesium supplements, have demonstrated beneficial effects on mental health.

CALMOZEN Relax & Sleep is an example of a scientifically-backed natural solution that helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It contains carefully selected active ingredients that work synergistically to support mental health:

COMPOSITION OF CALMOZEN RELAX&SLEEP

1. Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) – 100 mg
   Passionflower has been shown to exert anxiolytic effects by enhancing GABAergic activity in the brain, which helps to calm neural excitability. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing anxiety levels, particularly in individuals with mild anxiety symptoms.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Cureus in March 2024 investigated the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) on participants experiencing stress and sleep disturbances. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of passion flower in alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions. The results indicated that participants who received Passiflora incarnata experienced significant improvements in stress levels and sleep quality compared to those who received a placebo.

2. Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) – 100 mg
   St. John’s Wort is known for its antidepressant properties, primarily through the inhibition of the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This action contributes to mood stabilization and reduction of anxiety symptoms.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved St. John’s wort for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive episodes and short-term relief of symptoms in mild depressive disorders.

The plant’s therapeutic action resembles that of synthetic antidepressants, as it inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. Studies have shown that St. John’s wort provides a comparable effect to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating depression, with a better dropout rate in treatment groups. However, most studies lasted less than 12 weeks, and long-term effectiveness remains unclear.

Despite its benefits, St. John’s wort has several drug interactions due to its induction of liver enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2D9), which can render some medications ineffective or cause toxicity. Caution is advised when combining it with certain drugs, including warfarin, cyclosporine, and some antidepressants. Additionally, St. John’s wort can cause sun sensitivity due to hypericin, and allergic skin reactions may occur. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it due to insufficient safety data.

In conclusion, St. John’s wort is effective for mild to moderate depression but should be used with caution due to drug interactions and potential side effects. Proper guidance is essential for its safe use.

3. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian Root) – 100 mg
   Valerian root has sedative properties that help improve sleep quality by increasing GABA levels in the brain. It has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety-related disorders.

Clinical trials confirm valerian’s efficacy, particularly in improving sleep quality, especially in elderly patients. For example, a study on individuals with restless legs syndrome found significant improvements in sleep quality and RLS severity following 8 weeks of valerian supplementation.

Further studies show valerian’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, including a trial on patients awaiting third molar surgery, where valerian demonstrated better anti-anxiety effects compared to placebo. A randomized trial with coronary artery bypass patients showed improved sleep quality after 30 days of valerian use.

Additionally, valerian is suggested to have cognitive and sedative benefits, including reducing psychological stress, improving anxiety symptoms, and even decreasing motor cortex excitability, which may contribute to its anxiolytic effects.

4. Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) – 100 mg
   Lemon balm has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve sleep by modulating GABAergic and cholinergic systems. It also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall mental health.

Clinical trials have shown promising results regarding lemon balm’s ability to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. A study by Kennedy et al. demonstrated that a 300 mg dose of lemon balm extract increased self-reported calmness in healthy volunteers. Other trials found that lemon balm supplementation improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, lemon balm aromatherapy and oral extracts have shown positive effects on heart rate, stress levels, and anxiety in various studies.

In one study, participants with anxiety and insomnia experienced symptom relief after taking lemon balm extract for 15 days. Another trial involving patients with chronic angina showed significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances after two months of lemon balm supplementation.

5. Griffonia simplicifolia (Griffonia) – 75 mg
   Griffonia is rich in 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor to serotonin. Supplementation with Griffonia has been linked to reduced anxiety and improved mood, as it enhances serotonin production in the brain.

The systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrition Reviews in January 2020 examines the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on depression. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, and serotonergic dysfunction, which is associated with low serotonin levels, is a key feature of depression. Therefore, 5-HTP has been investigated as a non-pharmacological treatment for this condition.

The study included 13 investigations and found that the depression remission rate for patients using 5-HTP was 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.55–0.78), indicating a moderate positive effect in reducing depressive symptoms. Additionally, the effect size, measured by Hedges’ g, was 1.11 (95% confidence interval: 0.53–1.69), suggesting a significant impact on improving depressive symptoms, as reported by the patients. This value indicates that treatment with 5-HTP had a considerable effect on patients’ well-being, comparable to more conventional treatments for depression.

6. Magnesium (from Simag®55) – 82.5 mg
   Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including those that regulate the nervous system.

Magnesium interacts with multiple neurotransmitter systems, including glutamate and serotonin, by inhibiting excitatory neurotransmitter release and modulating receptor activity, such as at NMDA and GABA-A receptors. Magnesium also impacts the HPA axis by regulating corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release, thus influencing the endocrine response to stress. Moreover, magnesium deficiency is linked to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity and increased catecholamine release, which further reduces stress resilience.

Additionally, magnesium’s effects extend to modulating oxidative stress and stabilizing various neurohormonal systems, including serotonin and oxytocin. It has been suggested that magnesium may also interact with estrogen, enhancing intracellular magnesium levels, which could explain some of the protective effects against stress observed in estrogen-rich states. Overall, magnesium is a key regulator in the body’s response to stress and its deficiency can worsen the physiological and psychological consequences of chronic stress.

Synergistic Effects

The combination of these ingredients in CALMOZEN Relax & Sleep offers a holistic approach to managing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. The herbal extracts work together to modulate neurotransmitter systems, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance GABAergic activity, leading to a balanced mood and improved sleep quality. Magnesium further supports these effects by regulating the nervous system and reducing physiological responses to stress.

Recommended Usage

For optimal results, it is recommended to take one capsule daily. For enhanced sleep support, two capsules can be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.

CALMOZEN Relax & Sleep provides a scientifically backed, natural solution for those seeking to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. Its carefully selected ingredients work in harmony to support mental well-being without the risk of serious side effects.

Soruces:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6338513/
2. https://www.etui.org/news/new-survey-shows-mental-health-european-workers-increasingly-risk
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11026993/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Click%20on%20image%20to%20zoom&p=PMC3&id=7766837_nutrients-12-03894-g001.jpg
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7766837/
6. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/78/1/77/5555860?redirectedFrom=fulltext
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507250/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9500625/
9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2959081/