Struggling with insomnia? We spend almost one third of our lives sleeping – simply put, it’s a crucial part of our lives. Sleeping reenergises our cells, boosts learning and memory, and even regulates our hunger, immune function, mood and libido.
However, a lack of sleep can affect your health – it can weaken your immune system, cause mood swings and even increase your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. In this article, we’ll recommend some natural sleep remedies that can help you hit the sack!
1. Put Away Your Devices
Constantly using your phone or browsing through social media, just before bedtime can hamper your sleep cycle. These devices give off an artificial blue light which delays your circadian rhythm, that is, your body’s internal clock. As such, you’ll find it harder to fall asleep. So, you’re better off putting away your mobile phones, laptops, and any other electronic screens when it’s close to bedtime – we recommend at least 1 hour before your scheduled bedtime.
2. Get Active Regularly
A regular exercise regimen can keep your energy levels high throughout the day, prevent those afternoon slumps and help you fall asleep faster at night. Squeezing in yoga, meditation or other stress-reducing activities like Tai-Chi a couple hours before bed can also help you to fall asleep more easily.
3. Food For Better Sleep
Some foods containing sleep-inducing amino acids like Tryptophan can help you sleep better. Additionally, other kinds of foods like cherry juice, warm goat’s milk, chamomile tea, spinach, or those loaded with calcium or magnesium, are natural sleep remedies.
4. Invest In Aromatherapy
The scents from burning candles and oils can help to soothe your mind, relieve stress and anxiety and improve your sleep – this field of therapy is called aromatherapy. Some best examples of calming scents include lavender, orange blossom and geranium. You can also get them in oils, such as lavender oil, sandalwood or bergamot oil.
5. Create A Sleeping Pattern
Establish a ritual before you go to bed every day to reduce stress and help you relax. For example, you can read a chapter of a book, or drink a cup of warm milk every day before bed. Adding in some yoga stretches and going to sleep at the same time every night can help as well. These routines can improve your natural sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm, which would help you feel refreshed throughout the day.
With that said, ensuring a healthy lifestyle with sufficient water intake and daily exercise will help you get better sleep. Magnesium and Vitamin B can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which improves sleeping patterns in the long run. Head to our Marketplace, where you can find a range of items that can help you get a better quality of sleep, from supplements and teas to naturally-made pillows and unique fitness packages! Click here to start shopping today.