Sleep can be the nectar of the soul. For some of us, our sleep habits can have a direct correlation to our health and productivity. In other words, sleep is important to everyone. Insomnia is prevalent in our society. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep. It is best for the body temple for us to employ natural means as much as possible. Here is a quick go-to list to help.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb known for its relaxing effects. Even modern-day scientific studies prove the efficacy of chamomile. It reduces anxiety, soothes your nerves, and eases insomnia. The presence of nerve-relaxing flavonoids in chamomile tea makes it a popular tranquilizing drink.
Valerian
The roots of the valerian herb are often used to treat insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety in patients. Valerenic acid in the valerian roots inhibits the breakdown of the neurotransmitter GABA. This induces better quality sleep. Valerian works on the principles of anti-anxiety medicines, promoting deep sleep.
Valerian also makes you sleep faster, improving your sleep latency. Sleep latency is the amount of time it takes you to sleep once you lie down on the bed and the lights are off.
Lavender
The antidepressive, sedative, and calming properties of lavender help you sleep better. Studies show lavender herbs can relax your nerves, reduce anxiety levels, and stabilize mood disorders. Reduced stress, anxiety, and a positive mood promotes daytime wakefulness and more sustained sleep at night.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb commonly used to combat insomnia, as studies have shown it’s effective at improving sleep onset latency and quality of rest. The real sleep-promoting compounds of Ashwagandha are found in the leaves of this plant—triethylene glycol works to eliminate feelings of stress or anxiety, induce calmness, and help you fall asleep easily. Ashwagandha ultimately acts like a sedative, so it’s a great alternative to anxiety medications or OTC sleep aids since it works with your body to naturally bolster sleeping habits.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil has been used in medicine for hundreds of years to improve a variety of health conditions including, nausea, bronchitis, bug bites, and skin irritations (to name a few). It’s also a powerful herb for combating sleep disorders. Holy Basil promotes better sleep primarily by easing anxiety and reducing stress.
Mint
Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant, which eases built-up tension in your body and prepares you for sleep. Mint also aids digestion, so if a bloating tummy keeps you from sleeping then a cup of mint tea can help you.
Lemon Balm- Lemon balm belongs to the mint family of plants. If you don’t like the taste of mint leaves, try the lemon balm leaves.
Which herbs have you tried as sleep aids?
How well do they work for you?
Comment below