We've all had trouble sleeping. The cause of insomnia varies from person to person. Stressful situations, unbalanced sleep cycles, poor nutrition... And sometimes, just for no apparent reason. The reality is that there is nothing more frustrating than tossing and turning in bed trying to sleep.
Prescription sleeping pills are available, but they have their drawbacks. To find a gentler solution, there are many natural sleep aids available! Here are a few plants and natural sleep remedies offered by Mother Nature to help us fall asleep.
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Melatonin Supplements
We've been hearing about it for several years, but what exactly is melatonin? Also called the sleep hormone, melatonin is naturally secreted by the body to help you fall asleep. Produced in greater quantities in the evening, it helps regulate the body to find its sleep rhythm.
In case of sleep issues, melatonin products can act as a natural sleeping aid. Indeed, studies have shown its effectiveness in regulating the internal biological clock. It is therefore an effective product to sleep in case of jet lag!
In case of temporary insomnia or a change in your usual sleep cycle, take one capsule 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
Discover 8 facts about melatonin
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Herbal Infusions or Teas
Nature offers many natural ways to fall asleep. The good news is that you don't have to be a herbalist to take advantage of them! You can take advantage of the soothing properties of certain plants by buying them at a drugstore, grocery store, or even in your garden.
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, various plants can help you find sleep. Among these, we find:
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Chamomile: a relaxing and sedative plant, it helps with digestion.
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Linden: relaxing and sedative properties, especially in case of intellectual overwork.
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Dried hop flowers: widely used in Chinese medicine, they also have sedative properties (no, beer does not count).
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Lemon balm: calms stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation, it also helps digestion.
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Verbena: helps fight stress and relieve intestinal disorders.
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Valerian: soothing virtues, it calms nervousness and heart rate in case of anxiety.
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St. John's wort: sedative and mood-regulating plant, it calms in case of anxiety.
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Lavender: treats insomnia, agitation, and also soothes digestive disorders.
These natural sleep aids are accessible to all, simple to prepare, and offer you a beautiful evening routine! Brew the herbs of your choice in boiling water and enjoy a sweet moment by sipping your herbal tea a few hours before bedtime. A perfect combo to get you ready for bed!
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Essential Oils
To take advantage of the soothing properties of plants, various essential oils can also promote sleep. Lavender essential oil is often recommended to soothe the body.
Beware, although they are natural, essential oils do not fall into the category of alternative medicine. Each one has specific dosage criteria to respect. There are many contraindications for pregnant women and children. Rely on your specialists to find the right oil for you and to know its application.
If you are taking medication or have any doubts about the compatibility of these products with your health, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Let's Relax!
What is the most efficient sleeping aid? Improving sleep quality by creating a solid sleep foundation. Sleep is one of our health’s pillars, along with physical activity and diet. In addition to natural sleep aid, different habits can help you in case of sleep disorders.
First, in case of nervousness, stress, or anxiety, various relaxation techniques help you fall asleep. These include
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Breathing exercises (including cardiac coherence)
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Mental imagery
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Slow and gentle stretching
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Taking a warm bath
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Listening to calm music
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Creating a soothing evening routine
Obviously, we don't recommend any activity that stimulates the nervous system, such as listening to action-packed series on Netflix to put you to sleep...
Polysleep: Partner of Sweet and Serene Nights
Thanks to these few methods and natural sleep aids, you have resources in case of sleep disturbance or temporary insomnia.
At the same time, good daily hygiene will help you find a deep sleep night after night. And the methods differ from one person to another! With time - and perhaps a cupboard full of herbal teas - you will find the method that suits you best.
If you're still having trouble, you might want to look at your mattress too! A quality mattress is an essential foundation for relaxing the body and promoting deep sleep throughout the night.
