Natural sleep aids: our best tips

The advantages of natural sleep aids

A good night’s sleep is the key to a balanced and productive day. But in our stressful everyday lives, sleep deprivation is becoming increasingly common. This can have major consequences, because many serious health problems are associated with too little or poor sleep, for example diabetes or heart disease. This is reason enough to tackle the problem and finally do something to improve your own sleep quality. Restful sleep often comes with a healthy sleep routine. But when positive sleep habits alone are not enough, sometimes extra help is needed. Natural sleep aids are the gentle solution for people who are affected by sleep problems and wish to improve their own sleep. The advantages are obvious: Herbal sleep aids, which combine the powers of Mother Nature, do not cause side effects and do not lead to addictions compared to aggressive, chemical sleep aids. This way, you can help your sleep quality without putting a lasting strain on your body with artificial sleeping pills.

Medicinal plants as natural sleep aids

For centuries, humans have been using the healing properties of plants. Especially when we want to achieve a pleasant state of relaxation, certain medicinal plants help us calm down before going to bed. The best-known natural sleep aid is probably the valerian root, which counteracts sleep disorders and can be taken in the form of tea, tablets or drops. The potent herb is especially suitable for you if you suffer from sleep problems due to general nervousness and you also have trouble concentrating during the day. If, on the other hand, you suffer from difficulty falling asleep due to stress, lemon balm is the remedy of choice. This stress-relieving herb alleviates sleep problems and has been shown to contribute to an improved night's rest. Passion flowers are not only pretty to look at but also useful as a natural sleep aid. If you suffer from restlessness or depressive moods, this herb can help you regain a good quality of sleep. Last but not least, there is lavender. This herbal sleep aid is our extra tip for those who suffer from headaches in addition to sleep problems. Taking one lavender capsule with 80 mg of the agent daily can help you enjoy more restful nights in the future.

Melatonin as a natural sleep aid

In addition to your sleep problems, you often feel tired and without energy during the day? Then an unbalanced melatonin level could possibly be to blame for your sleep disorders. The sleep hormone is an important element in our sleep-wake-cycle. The good news is that melatonin can be positively influenced by our lifestyle. If you make sure to keep fixed bedtimes, avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, and avoid the blue light of digital devices such as your smartphone in the evening, your melatonin level should be fine. But what if you are a shift worker, for example, and regularly work against your inner clock? If your sleep problems are caused by a shifted sleep-wake-rhythm, the additional intake of melatonin makes sense. The natural sleep aid makes you pleasantly tired and helps your body regain its balance.

Natural sleep aids that work quickly

Surely, you are familiar with the following situation: You are having trouble falling asleep and could use the help of a natural sleep aid – only to find that you do not have anything suitable at home in that moment. Leaving the warm bed and driving to the nearest pharmacy? That does not sound like a very appealing idea, especially in the cold winter. But perhaps the solution can be found in your refrigerator. Two types of fruit are said to stimulate the melatonin production and thus alleviate sleep problems: We are talking about bananas and grapes. And since these sweet fruits are among the most popular types of fruit, there is a good chance that you have this vitamin-packed food on hand, too. You can simply eat them as a snack or use them to make a natural nightcap. If you prefer not to eat sweets before bedtime, try a handful of almonds. These are also recommended for insomnia, as they contain plenty of magnesium and tryptophan, which have a relaxing effect on our body.

How to improve your sleep quality

Healthy sleep is just as important for our health as regular exercise and a balanced diet. If you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, natural sleep aids can gently help you improve the quality of your sleep. However, they are most effective if you establish good sleep habits at the same time and avoid negative influences such as alcohol, caffeine and artificial light before going to bed. This way, you can prevent sleep problems in the future and ensure great relaxation in the long term.