Many people suffer with irregular sleeping patterns and broken sleep. But the good news is that there are natural sleep aids you can take to influence sleeping patterns and ensure you're in for a better night’s sleep. Read on for some of our top natural sleep aids.
Natural Sleep Aids for a Better Night's Sleep
Sleep is vital. Without sleep we can be cranky, withdrawn, agitated and in short, just not ourselves. It impacts our day to day lives in various ways including cognitive functions like creativity, memory, attention and perception.
Sleep also affects your ability to make decisions and if you don’t get enough sleep you may make decisions which you wouldn’t normally. So it’s essential that you’re getting the right amount, although it isn’t always that easy.
The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7-9 hours each night yet most of us get between 5-6 hours. This isn't enough if you wish to function at your optimum level. There are, however, a range of natural sleep aids available that can help you sleep better and up the number of hours sleep you clock up. We have a host of natural and herbal sleep supports. Here are some we'd highly recommend.
Valerian Root
Valerian root can do wonders for people who suffer with disrupted sleep. It's a herb which is native to Asia and Europe. It’s most commonly used as a natural treatment to help with anxiety and symptoms associated with menopause. Although in this case, its purpose is a sleeping remedy.
A.Vogel produce a liquid tincture called Dormeasan which can be added to a drink before bed. This tincture may provide temporary relief of sleep disturbances in restless individuals. It contains Valerian root along with other herbs which are known for their calming properties. Alternatively if you’re a tea drinker, Dr. Stuart's Valerian Plus Tea can be a great for inducing a good night’s sleep. Plus it gives you that lovely warm feeling inside.
Magnesium
Magnesium is utilised for many processes in the human body. So it's no shock that this wonderful mineral can promote sleep. Magnesium can help your muscles to relax. MAG365 provides high quality ionic magnesium citrate in powder form which encourages optimal assimilation and absorption. This means the magnesium is absorbed faster in this form.
Inadequate levels of magnesium can lead to weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. Some nutritional experts recommend taking magnesium supplements in the evening before sleeping. This helps the muscles to relax and recover from the exertions of the day. Take a look at our other Magnesium Supplements for Sleep Here.
Lavender
Lavender can be great for promoting sleeping. And using aromatherapy can induce sleepiness in people and encourages better sleeping times and patterns. Burning some incense before bed can be a great way to create a relaxed atmosphere before trying to sleep. Take a look at our range of Aromatherapy for Sleep here
Another tip is to spray a lavender pillow mist onto a cloth, and pop it on your pillow. This way if the smell becomes too overwhelming you can remove the cloth rather than having to get rid of the entire pillow.
Passiflora
Passiflora is derived from passion flowers and can help reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re the type of person who stays awake thinking at night, this might be the solution for you. A.Vogel Passiflora is an herbal tincture available in drops or as a spray which is loaded with relaxing properties like Passiflora and Avena Sativa which can aid in quieting your mind, so that you can enjoy a good, relaxing night’s sleep. It is also available in tablet form.
If herbal tinctures aren’t for you, another alternative is Natures Aid Passiflora which is in tablet form. It's packed with sleep enhancing properties such as Passiflora, Lemon balm and Avena Sativa. Each of these ingredients work together to reduce stress levels and smooth the muscles of the digestive system while the lemon balm also soothes body muscles and induces sleep.
L-Theanine
Another of the natural sleep aids that can really help is L-Theanine. As humans we don't naturally produce this amino acid but it can be found in most green and black teas. L Theanine can induce a sense of calmness and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
So if you’re looking to quieten a busy mind before bed, L-Theanine can be a great option to create a sense of calmness. This then helps to induce sleep quicker while also increasing the quality of sleep.
Sleepy Tea
Whilst a cup of tea is often thought of as a way to get you going for the day, there are a multitude of special tea blends formulated especially for sleep. Discover blends containing oat flower, lavender and chamomile to sooth your mind - take a look at the collection here
Key Takeaway: Sleep is So Important
Keep in mind that sleep affects your behaviour and ability to carry out tasks. If you want to be at your optimum health, good sleep is key. Sleep is just as important as exercise and diet. So ensure your sleeping habits are one of your top priorities and work in healthy sleep habits alongside natural sleep aids and remedies to really reap the rewards and benefits.
Know someone who is struggling to get a good night's sleep? Check out our range of Gifts for Sleep here.
Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
Checked and updated: 13 July 2023
