Are you getting the amount of sleep necessarily to function at your best? For more than a third of Americans, the answer to that question is no. And it’s a major problem. Failing to get ample rest can lead to a wide array of negative impacts on your productivity and mood. On a basic level, it can impair your ability to focus, concentrate, multi-task and maintain a positive outlook. And at a deeper level, chronic sleep problems can increase your risk for conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and more. Getting enough shut-eye is vital, and unfortunately, sleep drugs can do more harm than good in some cases. Because of this, herbal sleep aids stand out as a strong option for assisting with this crucial imperative.
How Much Sleep Should I Get?
If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society advise seven-plus hours of sleep in order to maximize wellness. Easier said than done for many of us. Whether it’s a snoring partner, neighborhood noises, good old insomnia or one of many other potential factors, reaching that benchmark on a regular basis can be exceedingly tough.
There are certainly a number of measures you can take in order to get better sleep. Adhering to a consistent schedule — hit the hay and wake up at the same time every day — proves helpful for many. Turning off all electronics is another beneficial move. You might also consider avoid caffeine any time after lunch, so as to completely avoid its sleep-altering effects. But if these habits don’t do the trick for you, then you are not alone. If you’re looking for more direct support, herbal sleep aids are a good way to go. They are natural, safe and in many cases quite effective.
What are some of the most advisable choices out there?
Best Herbal Sleep Aids
These properties all come from nature, and they tend to carry few side effects or adverse reactions. As such, it’s a good idea to give these herbal sleep aids a try before resorting to any pharmaceutical option from a laboratory. Here’s how they work, and why.
Valerian Root
This one probably ranks at the top of the list, and you will find it in many natural supplements for sleep. It helps activate the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA), which causes a gently sedative effect and can help you doze off
St. John’s Wort
The use of St. John’s Wort, a perennial flowering plant, for battling insomnia traces back a long way. Also commonly used as an antidepressant, this tried-and-true herbal sleep aid stimulates the GABA receptor and boosts the presence of sleep-inducing chemicals in your brain.
Chamomile
Ever try sipping a hot cup of chamomile tea before laying down at night? Did you find that it improved your sleep quality? If so, then that’s no coincidence. This herb is superb when it comes to assisting with a good night’s rest. It contains flavonoids that act as mild tranquilizers that affect receptors in the brain. Plus, there is something so distinctly calming about sitting over a steaming mug in the evening hours.
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