5 Natural Sleep Remedies
We’ve all had those nights. Flopping from side to side, tossing and turning while waiting for sleep to find us. If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what was causing you trouble and was there something around the house that could help you get some shut eye.
Here are five of my favorite natural remedies that I keep at my fingertips for just those nights. Thankfully, these have proven to be effective in calming a racing mind or tense body without any negative side effects.
As a sleep coach, I want to assure you that it is natural to have trouble sleeping every once and awhile. We all have those nights. It’s also natural to look for something outside of ourselves when we have them.
All-natural sleep aids can come in many forms and finding the one that best fits into your nighttime routine may take some experimenting but avoiding the harsh chemicals or side effects could be worth it.
Another good reason to give all-natural sleep aids a try is their ability to promote relaxation and calmness. Many natural sleep aids contain herbs, essential oils, vitamins and minerals that have been scientifically proven to promote relaxation.
Here are five natural sleep remedies that support the body’s natural sleep cycle without any negative side effects:
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile is like a gentle lullaby for your body. Its calming properties can help ease anxiety and relax your mind. It’s believed to have flavonoids that may interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain that are also involved with the sleep-wake transition.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender is not just a pretty plant, it’s a natural sleep superhero! The Scent of Lavender helps calm your nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep. You can put a few drops of lavender on your wrist, behind your ears, on the bottom of your feet or simply diffuse it in your bedroom.
Valerian Root:
This herbal remedy has been used for centuries to improve sleep quality. Valerian root can help calm your mind and relax your muscles. In ancient Rome and Greece, it was used as a sedative and is sometimes known as ‘nature’s tranquilizer’. I prefer to use the essential oil but it is strong smelling.
Melatonin:
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally released in the brain four hours before we feel a sense of sleepiness. It’s triggered by the body’s response to reduced light exposure, which should naturally happen at night. Melatonin is available in pill form but make sure that you select a reputable manufacturer as the supplements are unregulated by the FDA. Per pill dosages and ingredients may differ with each brand so don’t buy it online from an unknown source and stick with a good brand.
Magnesium:
Magnesium is a mineral found in every organ in your body. It’s the most abundant mineral in the human body and has over 3,000 receptor sites. A quality magnesium supplement can reduce muscle cramps, increase sleep quality, improve immune systems, increase bone density and decrease stress responses and cortisol.
More than 60 million Americans suffer from poor sleep quality on a regular basis. If you find that you are not sleeping as well as you would like and would like to learn more about how to get the sleep you need and deserve, schedule a free 40 minute strategy call with me.
Would you like support in resetting your body’s natural sleep rhythm?
Schedule your sleep RESET call.
Important: Sleep coaching is not the same as seeking treatment for a diagnosis or medical condition. Please consult your medical professional if you feel you have a sleep disorder.