Getting a good night's sleep is so important. Researchers say adults should be sleeping 7-9 hours a night to function properly. For many of us, this is not our reality. I know some of you can relate and I’m right there with you! There are countless reasons why we have trouble falling asleep & staying asleep. With all of the craziness this year has brought, our minds are on overload.
According to the Harvard Gazette, insomnia has become prominent due to the pandemic. This comes as no surprise given the stress and anxiety that people are facing. When we don’t get enough sleep, it throws our body’s rhythm off, and can cause health problems such as risk of heart disease, mood instability, and high blood pressure.
The good news is, there are many different natural remedies to help you fall asleep.
One of my favorite teas to drink before bed is chamomile. It contains antioxidants and helps aid sleep/digestion. I find this tea to be really calming because it has no caffeine and relaxes our nerves.
As I've mentioned in past posts, meditation is great for calming us. When I have trouble falling asleep, I like to do a five minute meditation on my favorite app, Simple Habit. They have specific meditations just for bed time. This is a great way to calm our minds, and get us relaxed enough to doze off.
Another natural remedy is melatonin. This is a hormone that is already made within our bodies to regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Taking this supplement could help you sleep better and is recommended for short term use.
Being on our phones before bed can cause us trouble sleeping as well. Researchers found that the blue light from our phones actually slow the production of melatonin. It's recommended that we stop using our phones at least 30 minutes before bed. Trust me, Instagram will still be there in the morning!
My last natural remedy involves crystals. If you're into crystals, this one's for you! I have found it so helpful to put amethyst under my pillow when I have trouble sleeping (usually every night). This beautiful crystal is known to calm anxiety and aid sleep. Try it out next time you're having trouble sleeping!
I know it can be frustrating when it takes forever to fall asleep. Try to create a bedtime routine that is relaxing and calming. I like to meditate before bed, journal, or read a book. I hope you all get some good sleep!