A natural sleep remedy may help you fall asleep faster and sleep peacefully through the night. Most commonly, these natural solutions are herbs or plant-based ingredients with relaxing properties that help improve sleep and relaxation without the side effects of pharmaceutical sleeping pills. However, not all have extensive research supporting their effectiveness, and it’s best to consult a medical professional to make sure they won’t interact with other medications or cause drowsiness the next day.
This well-known purple flower is a popular ingredient in many natural sleep aids including herbal tea and essential oil. It is believed that the scent can enhance sleep and promote relaxation. It is also said that inhaling lavender oil before bedtime can reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality. Lavender is considered safe and has no known side effects if used as directed.
A perennial herb that has been around for thousands of years, valerian root is thought to reduce anxiety and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is available in the form of an herbal supplement or in non-alcoholic beer, and has been shown to be effective at promoting sleep in some clinical trials. Valerian root is considered safe for most adults, though some people can experience drowsiness the next day.
Other popular natural sleep remedies include drinking warm milk, chamomile tea or tart cherry juice. Some studies have found that these drinks can increase the levels of serotonin and melatonin in the brain, which promote sleep. For example, a study in Sports Medicine found that elite soccer players who drank tart cherry juice experienced more restorative sleep than those who did not.