Sleep is essential to achieve a healthier body and mind. Getting enough rest will help you avoid a wide range of illnesses. Unfortunately, there are so many things that can disrupt sleep. Stress, a poor diet, and other issues can lead to sleeping problems, which in turn will lead to more health problems. Keep reading to learn about 5 effective all-natural supplements for a good night’s rest!
5 Effective All-Natural Supplements for a Good Night’s Rest
Why Is Sleep Important?
Sleep can determine how your mind and body functions throughout the day. The appropriate amount of rest boosts your memory, increases your attention span, improves your reflexes, and helps you in making better decisions.
Aside from the immediate positives of good sleep hygiene, the amount of sleep one gets is heavily linked by doctors to the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes in the long run. More sleep equals fewer risks!
Trouble Sleeping? Supplement Away!
Sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to achieve the doctor-recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. In fact, there are many who cannot even sleep in the evening or have irregular sleep cycles. Busy schedules, hectic lifestyles, and even insomnia can get in the way. Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle and getting enough rest can take a lot of effort.
Of course, there are various things you can do to improve sleeping patterns and quality. But, if turning off the lights, listening to white noise, or not using your phone before bed is no longer working, then it is time to look at other alternatives. Here are 5 all-natural sleep supplements that can help you get those oh-so-important hours of sleep.
1. Melatonin
Melatonin is produced naturally by our bodies every single day. It is a type of hormone that tells your brain to hit the hay. For example, when the sun sets and the night falls, melatonin production is increased. When the sun starts to rise, the production of the hormone decreases.
But because of busy schedules and night shifts, some have trouble producing this hormone altogether. To solve this, doctors recommend taking melatonin supplements, which often come in the form of pills. Not only does melatonin help you sleep, it actually promotes better sleep quality.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is best in tea form.
This popular plant is not just enjoyed for its flavor. The chamomile plant has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes because of its power to calm and settle the body and mind.
The most popular form of chamomile for consumption is tea. But hold up, isn’t tea caffeinated? Chamomile tea is actually caffeine-free! Besides calming you down, this natural supplement is full of antioxidants that help with lowering the risk of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.
So, the next time you are feeling anxious before bedtime or simply cannot sleep, drink a cup of warm tea infused with chamomile for a better night’s rest.
3. Magnesium
Do not be frightened by the name. Magnesium is a type of mineral that is found in our bodies. It aids in important bodily functions such as that of the brain and heart. One of the best things about magnesium is that it calms down the body and your brain for a better and more relaxing evening.
The soothing effect that magnesium has is due to its power to regulate melatonin production in the body. Besides this, magnesium also calms the brain by sending it gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It sounds complicated but it just means that the mineral essentially tells your brain to wind down.
Low magnesium levels could be the cause of your sleeping woes. So, to assist your body, take magnesium supplements that can boost the quantity and the quality of your sleep.
4. Lavender
Lavendar is quite possibly one of my favorite supplements for sleep. Get great sleep with lavender!
Lavender is another popular item on the list that many use for different purposes, such as decoration, food, and of course as a sleeping aid.
It is actually the fragrance of lavender that induces sleepiness. Many studies have proven that smelling lavender derivatives such as oil or scents can lead to better sleep quality. All it takes is 30 minutes of sniffing and you’re asleep!
A great plus regarding lavender is the minimization of side effects when used long term. For more sensitive and vulnerable individuals such as elderly and children, lavender-scented items are a great supplement for sleep medications.
5. Magnolia Bark
Going back to ancient times, the bark of magnolia trees have been used to aid people who are suffering from sleeplessness. The bark is able to lower the anxiety levels you may be feeling and it acts as a mild sedative.
In the long run, magnolia bark can also help with stress and anxiety. It can replenish the health of brain cells as well for a stable mental capacity.
Bonus Tip: Work Out
As I mentioned recently, there are legitimate reasons to take nutritional supplements, and improved sleep is one of them. With the use of the supplements mentioned above, you can get more rest. To achieve even better sleep, consider hitting the gym on a regular basis as it can help with sleepless nights. Not only does it help you sleep, but exercising is also linked to having good overall health. It is important to keep at it and convince your brain to get your legs moving.
So, if you find that you have tons of energy in the evening, working out in the morning or the afternoon can be a great way to tire yourself out for a better rest period.
I should also mention, if you are sleeping but not feeling rested, or are chronically fatigued, be sure to mention it to your doctor. You may need a sleep study. I had one and found that I have moderately severe chronic obstructive sleep apnea. I didn’t know it before, but individuals with a history of cleft palate have a greater risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea.
***This is my opinion and is not intended to substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor before starting ANY health, exercise or nutritional supplement program.***
