At times, we all have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep when we get there. We all have stressful days and busy lives that may make it virtually impossible to maintain healthy sleep schedules. However, if you find yourself in a position where a good night’s sleep is unachievable, you may need to seek out ways to encourage your body to get the rest that it needs. Here are 5 natural sleep aids that will help you sleep better at night, so that you can enjoy your days a little more.
Chamomile Tea
There are several types of tea that can help you to fall asleep faster and may even help you to stay asleep. Chamomile is the most commonly used and it has proven itself as a great natural sleep aid. If you have tried it and do not like it, you have other options. Examples are lavender tea, valerian root tea, and several others that are all able to help you get a more restful sleep.
Take Melatonin
Melatonin is a chemical that your body produces naturally. It is what signals your brain that it is bedtime when the sun starts to go down each day. Some people need a little more melatonin than their body produces naturally. Therefore, supplements are available to help you develop a natural sleep pattern. Simply take it at night when the sun goes down and by bedtime, you should be ready for sleep.
Ditch Technology
You may not realize it, but using your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and even watching television are all potential reasons you have trouble going to sleep at night. They emit light from their screen which can stimulate your brain, even if you feel groggy when looking at them. Some people use a television for noise to mask outside sounds, but you would be better off with a white noise, such as fan, since it does not have flickering lights which may partially keep you awake; if you manage to fall asleep.
Upgrade Your Bedding
You should never underestimate the power of a good bed to help you get to sleep and stay asleep. If insomnia is something you are dealing with, it could be something as simple as you aren’t able to get comfortable. Upgrading your mattress is easy enough, but if you need a more affordable option you may opt to try a mattress topper. The best mattress topper for side sleepers is designed to support all of your curves while you are sleeping on your side, but may offer some support for other sleep positions as well.
Stay Consistent in Developing Good Sleep Habits
Some experts recommend that you establish a bedtime routine to help you unwind at the end of the day. For instance, eat dinner at a set time, then take a shower or a bath, brush your teeth, etc. Then, turn out the lights and go to bed. If this does not work for you, you can try doing mental math or counting sheep, read a book, sleep, yoga, or anything else that appeals to you, but enables you to keep technology out of your evening. However, if you do your routine and you still are unable to fall asleep within 20 minutes, you should avoid lying in bed. Instead, get up and read, practice yoga, etc. until you feel ready for sleep.
Sleep is something your body requires. You have to rest to stay healthy and active. Therefore, you should do what you can to ensure that you are enjoying a great night’s sleep; even if it does mean putting your devices away and setting good habits for yourself. When you wake up feeling well rested and ready for the day ahead, any sacrifices you make at night will be well worth the effort.
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