As someone who has struggled with sleep issues for years, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to toss and turn all night. Not only does it leave you feeling groggy and irritable the next day, but it can also seriously affect your health.
That's why I turned to natural sleep aids and remedies to help me get the restful, rejuvenating sleep I need. I'll share everything I've learned about natural supplements for better sleep in this guide.
Before we dive into the specifics of natural sleep aids and remedies, it's essential to understand why getting enough high-quality sleep is so critical to our overall health and well-being. When we sleep, our bodies work hard to repair and rejuvenate themselves.
This is when our brains process and consolidate memories, our muscles and tissues repair and grow, and our immune system strengthens to fight illness and disease. Without enough restful sleep, our bodies can't perform these essential functions, leading to adverse health consequences.
Sleep deprivation can cause mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment in the short term. Over time, it can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer.
If you want better sleep, there are a variety of natural sleep aids and remedies to choose from—these range from herbal supplements and essential oils to lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques.
It's crucial to keep in mind that everyone responds differently to natural sleep aids when you're trying to decide between them. What works for one person may have a different effect on another. That's why it's essential to experiment with other supplements and techniques until you find the ones that work best for you.
Humans naturally produce the hormone melatonin, which controls when we sleep and when we wake up. One of the most widely used natural sleep aids, it is also sold as a supplement.
Melatonin supplements are easily accessible in various formats, including pills, liquids, and gummies. They're designed to be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime to help promote relaxation and induce sleep.
While melatonin is generally considered safe, it's essential to talk to your medical doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you're taking medication or have any underlying health conditions.
Valerian root is an herbal supplement used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep. The neurotransmitter GABA has a soothing effect on the central nervous system. Raising GABA levels is how this supplement works.
Some studies have found that valerian root can effectively improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Even yet, additional study is required to comprehend its impacts on sleep completely.
If you're considering trying valerian root, you must talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any preexisting problems or are already using drugs.
Chamomile is a popular herb that's often used to make tea. It's also sold as a supplement, and users report feeling calmer after taking it.
Studies have found that chamomile can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common causes of sleep disturbances. The quality of your sleep and the time it takes you to nod off could benefit you.
If you take any medications or have preexisting health concerns, you should see your doctor before attempting chamomile.
Passionflower is an herb used for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia. Increasing GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a soothing effect on the central nervous system, is thought to be responsible for its calming effects.
Some studies have found that passionflower can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving sleep quality and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.
Consult your physician before attempting passionflower, especially if you are already on medications or have preexisting health conditions.
Lavender is an essential oil that's long been used to promote relaxation and improve sleep. It's believed to work by calming the nervous system and reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
There are various ways to use lavender oil for sleep, including adding a few drops to a diffuser, spraying it on your pillow or bedding, or adding it to a warm bath before bedtime.
Lavender oil is generally harmless, but if you have any preexisting health conditions, it's best to consult your physician before utilizing any new essential oils.
Magnesium is a mineral that's essential for overall health and well-being. It's also believed to play a role in promoting relaxation and improving sleep.
Preliminary research suggests that ingesting magnesium hours before bedtime can improve sleep quality and duration. It may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common causes of sleep disturbances.
If you're considering trying magnesium supplements, you must talk to your doctor first, especially if you do not have any preexisting ailments or severe medical conditions and are not currently taking any drugs.
In addition to the supplements and remedies mentioned above, there are a variety of other natural options to consider when it comes to improving the quality of your sleep.
These may include:
As with any new supplement or remedy, you must talk to your doctor before trying anything new, especially if you're taking medications or have any underlying health conditions.
Yes, light is nutrition, and you should think about it just like you would think about taking a pill or powder or drink.
Light is integral for setting your circadian rhythm. I call it a sun clock because that's what it is—an exact relationship with that billion-year-old fusion reactor in the sky that powers everything, humans included.
Since modern humans spend about 90% of their time indoors, we have a massive imbalance in our light nutrition. We aren't outside enough. That's what red light/NIR light therapy attempts to correct.
And the research is so profound and consistent that you could bottle up red light into a pill, and it would be the best-selling product of all time!
It's straightforward: 20 minutes a day is all you need. Check out the Wild Light shop to see our recent light models. (link to shop)
Natural sleep aids and cures are abundant, but it can be tiresome to know where to begin. Here is some advice to help you choose the most effective option for your needs:
Conclusion: Adopting healthy sleep habits and incorporating natural supplements for better sleep
While natural sleep aids and remedies can help improve the quality of your sleep, they're only one piece of the puzzle. To truly get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you need, it's also essential to adopt healthy sleep habits.
This may include:
By incorporating natural sleep aids and remedies into a healthy sleep routine, you can give your body the support it needs to get the restful, rejuvenating sleep you deserve.
So try some of the natural sleep aids and remedies mentioned in this guide, and see how they work. Getting a good night's sleep and starting the next day feeling revitalized and prepared is possible.
It's straightforward: 20 minutes a day is all you need. Check out the Wild Light shop to see our recent light models.
