SleepWatch by Bodymatter

If you’re having trouble sleeping, one of your first instincts might be to head to the drugstore to grab an over-the-counter sleep aid. However, instead of heading down to the pharmacy, consider trying out one of these natural sleep remedies first! Chances are you may already have some in the house. As with any new health or wellness regimen, be sure to consult your doctor about potential benefits and risks that may arise.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most widely known sleep aids, and for good reason! Its fragrant flowers emit a soothing scent that is believed to promote relaxation and better sleep quality. There are many ways to utilize lavender aromatherapy, including keeping a lavender sachet in your pillowcase, using an essential oil diffuser in the bedroom, burning a lavender candle, or using a pillow/linen spray.

Chamomile

Most often seen in tea, chamomile is another gentle, natural sleep aid. Chamomile tea is thought to help with sleep due to the presence of flavonoids, which interact with receptors in the brain that are involved in the sleep-wake transition. Try it with some warm milk, another bedtime drink believed to aid relaxation and the sleep process.

Melatonin

Perhaps one of the most popular sleep aids, melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone in your body that is triggered by changes in light. Your body starts to produce melatonin in the evening when light levels are low, but rises in screentime and blue light exposure may make it harder to fall asleep. Melatonin has been proven to reduce the time needed for someone to fall asleep, as well as increase overall sleep time, marking it as an effective natural sleep aid. However, studies have shown that the dosage of melatonin in different brands of dietary aids varies widely, so when you find a supplement that works for you, be sure to stick with that brand.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is an increasingly common herbal extract, native to Asia and Europe, used as a supplement for managing anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. While many people have reported success using valerian root and seeing improvements in sleep latency (amount of time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep quality, however, studies remain inconclusive.

Passionflower

Passionflower, also known as maypop, is a flowering plant whose chemicals are used to produce calming effects in the body. It’s believed to be a natural sedative that’s used to calm anxiety and improve total sleep time and efficiency. Studies have shown that consuming passionflower in tea form may be more effective than taking a passionflower supplement.

SleepWatch App

The most natural way to get more shut-eye? Working with your body and your own sleep data to find solutions. SleepWatch can help you monitor your sleep patterns and provide insights into your sleep quality. By understanding your sleep patterns, you may identify factors that could be harming your sleep. SleepWatch will also provide you with gentle, personalized sleep coaching to keep you motivated to reach your sleep goals.

Did you enjoy this article? Check out our Relaxing Books & Audiobooks list for more ways to help you drift off.