UNAIR NEWS – Today, people’s lifestyle is increasingly disorganized. Various activities and high levels of stress make it difficult for them to rest. In fact, according to data from WHO (World Health Organization), approximately 18% of the world’s population has experienced insomnia and increases every year.
Sleep disorders, especially at a productive age can reduce a person’s performance and productivity. Besides, long-term sleep disorders can also cause health effects such as increased response to stress, headaches, digestive disorders, other influences on cognitive abilities. Sleep disorders can be a serious problem, both physically and psychologically if not appropriately handled.
This phenomenon makes Fitri Almaidah, Faculty of Pharmacy UNAIR student develop products that can relieve symptoms of sleep disorders. Soturu is eye mask with a relax hydrogel.
“We choose sleep mask because similar products are often used, so it is more practical and easy to use,” said Fitri.
A set of Soturu contains one eye mask and five pack of hydrogels. The use is quite easy, by inserting a hydrogel pack into an eye mask. After using Soturu, it is expected that people with sleep disorders can feel more relaxed and comfortable.
The hydrogel relaxant placed inside the mask and it made from bitter orange peel (Citrus aurantium). Bitter orange peel was chosen because it was proven to have a relaxing effect. Also, bitter orange peel is relatively easy to get in Indonesia at an affordable price.
Bitter orange peel is known to contain linalool and linolene which provide anti-anxiety and sedative effects, which can reduce symptoms of sleep disorders. Besides, the selected hydrogel dosage forms can also give a cooling effect.
“People with sleep disorders are mostly prescribed sedative medicines. These drugs can have a bad impact if they use it in the long-term, so we try to provide other alternatives with natural ingredients,” explained the 2016 student.
Together with her five colleagues, Fitri focused on developing Soturu products at Faculty of Pharmacy. She also planned to market this product to several pharmacies and events. Fitri and her colleagues have begun to promote Soturu on social media. (*)
Author: Sukma Cindra Pratiwi
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
