Dump Melatonin and Try These 7 All-Natural Sleep Aids Tonight

It’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep. If you’re one of the one-third of adults who have insomnia symptoms, you won’t just feel exhausted during the day; you might also be losing out on some key benefits to heart health and mental health.

Melatonin supplements are usually the first recommendation to combat insomnia. However, if you experience side effects like vivid dreams and feeling groggy the next day, you might not want to rely on supplements for quality sleep. Thankfully, natural sleep aids can also effectively boost sleep. 

We recommend these seven natural sleep aids and techniques for beating insomnia and achieving the coveted REM sleep. For more tips on better sleep, check out the best food to eat before bed, how to take a coffee nap and how to create the perfect sleep playlist

1. Use CBD oils, gummies or creams

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is derived from hemp plants. CBD is a safe and effective treatment for insomnia that contains almost no THC, the substance in marijuana that alters one’s mental state. Many studies suggest that CBD is very effective in promoting sleep and decreasing anxiety. It comes in many forms, such as oils and lotions. Use before bed to promote sleepiness and relaxation.

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Put a few drops of this lavender essential oil in a diffuser to help you drift off. You can also dilute in water and spray a little on your pillow.

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Focusing on your breathing can help you relax before bed. 

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7. Practice yoga and meditation before bedtime

Strenuous exercise before bed is not always a good idea, but practicing light yoga or meditation before bed has been linked to decreased insomnia and better sleep. Go through simple yoga poses, such as cat-cow, forward fold or bridge, focusing on your breath and feeling the stretch. There are also many self-guided meditation apps available.

For more health tips, here’s how to create the ideal environment for better sleep and how to sleep cooler without air conditioning.

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