When it comes to getting enough sleep, this can be something that many individuals struggle with. Thankfully, there are a number of natural remedies out there that can benefit our sleep cycle. With the right mindset, the right lighting, and the right nutrition, one can fall asleep with ease with a little help from intuitive solutions.
Drink up, they say. It’ll be fun, they say. In fact, it can send you off to dreamland in a heartbeat! Beverages before bed, including warm milk, chamomile tea, and tart cherry juice, have been recommended for individuals with sleep trouble. This is a safe treatment that lacks any serious side effects and drug interaction. According to Charlene Gamaldo, MD, chamomile tea is “believed to have flavonoids that may interact with benzodiazepine receptors in the brain that are also involved with the sleep-wake transition.” To add to the nutritional benefits, add a banana or other high-potassium food to your nightly snack routine to assist in falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
If these natural remedies aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to try other supplements. My personal suggestion is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland found above the middle of the brain. This is the trick to knowing when it’s time to wake up and fall asleep. The typical human body produces melatonin at night, making levels increase once the sun sets. The amount of light gained by your body, as well as your “body clock” determine how much melatonin your body produces. Sometimes our bodies do not produce enough melatonin, so the addition of a supplement every night can make a huge difference. Give it a try and let us know how it works!
As a reminder, please consult with your doctor before you add melatonin or any other supplements to your nighttime routine.