Finding the right sleep aid supplements for you can be a bit of a minefield. How do you know what will work? And what shouldn’t you trust? Natural sleep supplements work in a variety of ways to help improve the quality of your sleep, and some natural sleep aids not only help you drift off but also help you to enjoy a deeper sleep. Sleep supplements can come in many forms; teas, tablets and essential oils, below Sleep Expert, Martin Seeley from MattressNextDay shares the top 5 best selling natural sleep aids. Why not give them a try today.
1. Lavender
Lavender is a plant that has been used for centuries for its calming and relaxing properties. There is evidence to suggest that lavender may be helpful in improving sleep quality and duration, and there are a few ways in which it may have this effect. It Promotes relaxation, reduces insomnia symptoms, regulates the nervous system and reduces pain and discomfort, all of which help to promote a peaceful sleep. Inhaling the beautiful scent of lavender can instantly make you sleepy. Lavender essential oils contain chemical components like Linalool, Linalyl Acetate and Camphor, which relieve anxiety and act as sedatives. Lavender oil is incredibly versatile – use it in a diffuser, rub it into your skin, or spray a lavender mist onto your pillow. You can also hang a pouch of dried lavender near your head when you sleep, or keep it with your linen to make your bedding smell gorgeous – the options are endless!
2. Magnesium
Studies have found that magnesium can help your body create the naturally occurring chemical Melatonin, which regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Lowering blood pressure and having anti-inflammatory properties, magnesium helps you stay in a deep, restful sleep, as well as helping you drift off quicker. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, or seeds, nuts and even dark chocolate have high levels of magnesium. However, if you’re not getting enough magnesium in your diet, you can easily find magnesium supplements on the high street and at many health food stores.
3. Valerian
Valerian root has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Scientists say Valerian helps increase the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps decrease levels of anxiety and produces a calming effect. Valerian root extract also contains antioxidants such as hesperidin and linarin, which have sleep-enhancing properties. Valerian root can be made into tea, essential oil drops or capsules for easier consumption. The Sleepeezee Ortho Bespoke mattress range also uses the Valerian flower to produce a calming aroma, helping you drift off to sleep.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower is a plant that has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including insomnia and other sleep disorders. The plant contains a variety of active compounds, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which are believed to have sedative and anxiolytic effects that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Similarly to chamomile, passion flower can be made into a tea, passionflower tea can soothe your stomach and ease anxiety, helping you fall into a relaxing slumber. Research suggests that not only does passionflower help you get to sleep, but also improves the overall quality of your sleep. Add some dried passion flower to boiling water to make a delicious tea just before bedtime.
5. Sea Moss
Sea Moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that is often consumed in the form of a supplement or added to foods. While there is limited scientific research on the effects of sea moss on sleep, there are some ways in which it may potentially help improve sleep quality.
One potential way that seamoss may help improve sleep is through its mineral content. Sea Moss is a rich source of minerals such as magnesium, which is known to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Adequate levels of magnesium are important for proper nervous system function, and a deficiency in magnesium can lead to difficulty sleeping. Consuming sea moss may help to increase magnesium levels in the body, which may in turn help promote better sleep.
Sea Moss also contains high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that is used by the body to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep. Consuming foods or supplements that contain tryptophan can potentially help to increase serotonin levels in the body, leading to better sleep.
