8 Natural Sleep Aids: What Works?

Natural Sleep Aids are known to be an effective way of ensuring a good night’s sleep. Natural options can also help people who suffer from ADHD, Insomnia, or other similar conditions which affect the quality of their sleep.

One Natural Sleep Aid is Melatonin, available in tablet form for treating insomnia and jet lag, and as a sublingual spray. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Natural sources of natural melatonin gummies that work include tart cherry juice, walnuts, and bananas.

Why Should I Use a Natural Sleep Aid?

Natural sleep aids are a great alternative to traditional sleeping pills that can have negative side effects. Natural remedies for insomnia offer a safer and healthier way of getting the rest you need, but what do they entail?

Natural sleep aids come from many different sources including certain foods or herbal teas. The most common natural remedy for sleeplessness is chamomile tea. Chamomile contains an amino acid that helps relax the mind and body, inducing sleepiness. Other teas with this same effect are lavender or passionflower.

There are also many foods you can eat to help fall asleep faster like bananas which contain tryptophan, a natural sleep aid your brain converts into serotonin. Other foods that help promote sleep are cherries, almonds, and oatmeal.

Sleep Aid #1: Chamomile

Chamomile is an age-old sleep aid that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and induce sleep. Chamomile tea has been used to treat both physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, stomach upset, and more.

You may also find that chamomile:

• Calms the body
• Relaxes the muscles
• Reduces heart rate and blood pressure

In a study conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, chamomile was shown to slow down electrical activity in the brain that is associated with anxious or depressed feelings. In addition to feeling relaxed, people who drank chamomile.

Sleep Aid #2: Valerian

Natural sleep aids are becoming increasingly popular for people who prefer drinking tea to taking medication. Valerian is the second most commonly used sleep aid in Europe, and there’s a reason it has stayed around so long.

Valerian root has been used as a sleep aid for centuries. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, and it grows best in moist soil. Valerian root can be brewed into a tea or taken as a supplement in pill form.

Sleep Aid #3: Hops

Hops is a natural sleep aid that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and restful sleep. The flowers of the hops plant contain compounds that help to calm the nervous system and induce sleep. Hops can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in supplement form.

Some people find hops helpful for relieving the symptoms of stress, nervous tension, and restlessness. Hops can also be helpful for those who experience difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts or worry about the day ahead.

Sleep aid #4: Melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. It makes you feel drowsy and helps regulate your sleep cycle, which means it can be useful for those who have trouble sleeping due to jet lag or trying to adjust their circadian rhythm after traveling between time zones. Foods that contain melatonin include grapes, tomatoes, and barley.

Melatonin may also:

• Promote deep sleep
• Improve insomnia caused by jet lag or shift work

Melatonin may cause:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Headache and irritability the day after taking it

Melatonin is available as a supplement, so talk with your doctor before using this sleep aid. Natural remedies for insomnia tend to be safer than traditional sleeping pills, but they still have their risks. Talk with your healthcare provider about which natural remedy might work best

Sleep Aid #5: Passionflower

Passionflower is a popular sleep aid, and it’s easy to see why: Passionflower contains chemicals that work similarly to anti-anxiety medication. It works by activating GABA receptors in the brain, which calms your nervous system and quiets anxiety. Research shows that passionflower may be useful for treating insomnia, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy.

If you’re considering using passionflower to help you sleep, be sure to talk to your doctor first: Passionflower can interact with other medications. And because it’s a relaxant, don’t use passionflower if you’re driving or doing anything else that requires your full attention.

Final Words

With all the sleep aids on the market, it can be hard to know what’s best for you. For many people, natural remedies are a great way to relax and fall asleep naturally without any side effects like grogginess or drowsiness. What is your favorite remedy?