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Get Sleepy the Natural Way: Sleep Aids from Mother Nature

Melatonin
This hormone is naturally produced in your body and can be purchased in pill form. Typically, 3-5 milligrams is all you need for a restful nights sleep and, though not habit forming, it is best to only take this substance when it’s truly needed as it could (though there is little evidence on this topic) influence your body’s natural production of Melatonin. This natural supplement can be particularly effective for relieving jet lag and for aiding sleep in loud or uncomfortable places such as buses, airplanes, or while camping.

Exercise
You would think this would be common sense but, believe it or not, many people don’t seem to draw the correlation between sleep and exercise. Simply put, when you exert your body each day you’re more tired in the evening and (in some cases) more able to fall asleep and sleep deeply. Furthermore, regular exercise effects overall health and obesity rates which are both intricately connected to our sleeping patterns. For more information on how sleep, exercise, and diet are connected, check out this article from the National Sleep Foundation.

Chamomile Tea
This herbal remedy has been used for thousands of years to aid sleep in the form of teas and broths. Though there is little scientific research to support Chamomile’s efficacy, the German form has been studied for its effects on sleep, upset stomach, and skin irritations. Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor before using Chamomile, as it is thought to cause miscarriage.

Reading and Writing
Though there’s little scientific evidence to back this up, many people find reading and writing before bed to be relaxing (As long as what is being read isn’t overly stimulating). Writing can help you calm your mind, reflect on your day, and get out any emotions or anxieties that you may be experiencing. To try these methods, rotate reading and writing each night for two weeks before bed. Give yourself only 30 minutes to 1 hour of each activity before lights out and don’t go over your limits, no matter how exciting the novel!

Valerian
Like Chamomile, this natural sleep aid has been used since ancient times to calm the nerves and induce sleep, particularly in insomniacs. Check out this link for a bit more information on this supplement including what to be aware of when purchasing.

Eats and Drinks: Cherries, Fish, Wine and Whiskey
Various research has shown that foods such as cherries and fish can be beneficial for sleep. Cherries are high in melatonin (Remember that little sleep inducing hormone we talked about earlier?) and, therefore, may help with catching Zzz’s.

Furthermore, having a little white wine with your fish or pairing some muddled cherries with your whiskey might do the trick. Studies have shown that alcohol, in moderation, can aid sleep. Now that’s some fun news, indeed. Check out this article to read about the do’s and don’ts of drinking before bed.

Sleep smart, and sleep well!

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