I know how hard it can be to get some shut-eye. I’ve had so many restless nights where I get literally ZERO hours of sleep. It sucks. For many, getting and staying to sleep can be downright hard. This list of all-natural sleep aids will help you get some much-needed shut-eye. Unlike other sleep aids that build up a tolerance, increase dependency, and are just all around not good for everyday use; these all-natural sleep aids are not bad for you, even with repeated usage.
All-Natural Sleep-Aids
There are many natural sleep aids available today, but many have negative side-effects and few can be used daily. These all-natural sleep aids are simple fixes that you can implement into your nightly routine. Without the worry.
*This information is for entertainment purposes only. Please see our disclaimer disclosure for more information. I am not a doctor. Please talk to your healthcare professional if you have not already!
1. Essential Oils
There have been many scientific studies that have concluded essential oils are beneficial in promoting better sleep. There are SO many different kinds of essential oils, and each oil has its own different compounds and properties. Essential oils and sleep could seriously be its own post, there is just SO much when it comes to this topic.
To get you started, some oils known to promote better sleep include: lavender, cedarwood, Valerian, Roman chamomile, and clary sage. Simply diffuse the oils in your bedroom, or apply the oils topically with a carrier oil.
2. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is typically taken in a tonic or tea form. You can find it at your local health store (like whole foods or something), or online.
Reishi mushroom is a safe and healthy alternative when it comes to promoting better sleep. Not only that, but reishi also has other health benefits, such as immune support and stress relief. I love me some multitasking!
Reishi is an adaptogen that helps regulate chronic stress and the body’s natural sleep cycle. If you want to learn more about reishi this is an interesting read.
3. Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is awesome. It contains both melatonin and tryptophan. Melatonin is the main sleep hormone associated with sleep-wake cycles. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid needed for growth in infants and nitrogen balance in adults. Tryptophan increases serotonin, which in turn, also increases melatonin. Not only that, cherry juice contains proanthocyanidin, this is an enzyme that decreases inflammation and decreases the breakdown of tryptophan. AKA it helps tryptophan stick around longer, and do more work in our bodies!
I personally am not a fan of juices and drinking empty calories, but tart cherry juice is a definite exception. It just has SO many benefits. To get the full benefit of tart cherry juice I would drink two servings a day. One serving in the morning, and one at night. Give it a chance to work, not everything works right away, especially natural alternatives.
Other natural foods that are rich in melatonin include kiwi, almonds, bananas, flax seed, and honey. Although these foods contain melatonin, they have nowhere near as much as cherry juice, not to mention the added benefit of tryptophan AND proanthocyanidin. Cherry juice is where it’s at!
4. Magnesium
Magnesium helps sleep by shutting your brain off. It increases GABA in the brain. GABA is what helps you get into that “chill out” feeling while your falling asleep. If you have trouble shutting down at night, magnesium could be a good place to start.
Magnesium deficiencies are pretty common. To put it bluntly, most of us eat like shit. If your diet is high in processed foods then you may want to consider supplementing with magnesium. (And also consider improving your diet!)
To get more dietary magnesium naturally, focus on eating green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
5. CBD
I’ve got 99 problems and CBD has solved like, 96 of them.
But seriously.
CBD is starting to evolve into this “cure-all” for ailments. While it could be a bit of a placebo effect, I say don’t knock it until you try it. Heck, even Kim K takes CBD, so I mean it has to be good right?!
CBD is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD does not get you high.
In all honesty, there is still SO MUCH to study and learn about this plant. While there is little scientific data to back up CBD, I firmly believe in CBD’s ability to help promote better sleep, and new scientific data emerges about its therapeutic benefits all the time.
If you have sleeping issues due to anxiety, this one could be your saving grace. I friggin’ love CBD. Can’t ya tell?
In Conclusion…
If you are having trouble falling asleep, adding these all-natural sleep aids into your nightly routine could be the difference between counting sheep all night and getting that SLEEP. These all-natural sleep aids can be taken every night, without increased dependency or ruining your sleep cycles.
Go get that sleep, girl!
