3 Natural sleep aids you should consider for better sleep

Natural sleeping aids are remedies that are found in plants or occur naturally in the body and are synthesized and used for the purpose of promoting better sleep. These differ from traditional over-the-counter and prescription sleeping aids because they don’t have as many side effects. While this is so, it’s always important to consult a doctor prior to trying a natural sleeping agent, because even natural remedies can have adverse side effects on some people, as there may be potential interactions if you are dealing with a medical condition that requires you to take medication.

Nonetheless, here are 3 sleep natural sleep aids you should consider to promote consistent sleep:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile is a well-known sleep aid. It is an herb that causes you to feel calm, a feeling that can be attributed to an antioxidant named apigenin which binds to receptors in the brain, resulting in reduced anxiety, relaxed muscles, and sleepiness.

A study conducted in 2016 showed that postnatal women had improved quality of sleep and lowered symptoms of depression after drinking chamomile tea. If you’d like to reap the benefits of this ancient medicinal herb, you should consider ingesting chamomile in the form of tea and in capsule or tablet form. You can also inhale chamomile essential oil or apply it as a tincture.

If you’re allergic to daisies, chances are you’re allergic to chamomile too. It’s recommended that you see a doctor or allergist prior to ingesting or using chamomile. It’s also not recommended for use for people with hormone conditions. Added to that, it’s important not to ingest or use too much.

2. Lavender

Lavender is a scentful plant that is used to make essential oils, medicine and perfume. Its fragrance is also frequently used to promote better sleep, calmness and healing.

You can use lavender in many ways: by adding a few drops onto your pillow every night, making lavender tea with dried lavender, using lavender oil in your diffuser, and rubbing diluted lavender oil around the nose and forehead before going to bed.

It’s recommended that you do a 24-hour patch test prior to using lavender essential oil on your skin. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that essential oils should never be digested.

3. Melatonin

Melatonin is a substance that occurs naturally within the human body. It is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and it regulates the body’s circadian rhythm (also known as the ‘body clock’).

Melatonin is usually sold in tablet or capsule form at pharmacies. By supplementing melatonin, you can promote better sleep. However, it’s important to keep in mind that melatonin should not be taken for more than 2 weeks. It is also recommended that only 1 to 5 milligrams are taken throughout the 2-week period.

Melatonin is also great for boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and symptoms of jet lag.

The 3 natural sleep aids above can be used to promote better quality sleep, particularly with the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.