Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more.
If you’re having problems getting to sleep at night why not try following natural sleep remedies rather than purchasing over-the-counter sleep medication. Sleeping pills may seem like an easy solution but they come with a long list of consequences.
Magnesium is well known for its ability to relieve insomnia. One study found that it helps decrease cortisol, the “stress hormone” that can keep you up at night. It also helps muscles relax, to give you that calm “sleepy” feeling and help you unwind after a long day.
Aromatherapy – Lavender is the key here – research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. It’s also a cheap, non-chemical way to slip into a peaceful slumber. Pure lavender essential oil can work wonders and help to increase slow-wave sleep, the very deep slumber in which the heartbeat slows and muscles relax. Sprinkle a few drops on a piece of tissue and tuck it under your pillow, or use an aromatherapy diffuser.
Yoga will benefit your sleep in many ways. The quality of your sleep will improve because of the stimulatory effect yoga has on the nervous system, and in particular the brain. The practice of certain yoga postures will increase the blood circulation to the sleep center in the brain, which has the effect of normalizing the sleep cycle.
In terms of eating well and a good night’s sleep, the saying goes ‘eat crappy, sleep crappy’. Indeed, what you eat can have a big impact on how easily you fall asleep. A recent study at the University of California found that people who reported the healthiest sleep patterns also had the most varied diets.
Selenium, which is found in barley, nuts and fish can help deliver nutrients to your body that are beneficial in terms of regulating sleep patterns.
Carbohydrates such as rice, cereal, grains or potatoes have also been found to help people fall asleep faster when digested a few hours before going to bed.
Yoghurt boasts healthy doses of calcium, and there’s research that suggests being calcium-deficient may make it difficult to fall asleep.
Bananas, well-known for being rich in potassium, are also a good source of Vitamin B6, which is needed to make melatonin.
Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more.
How about trying our Good Earth Recipes in order to cook a healthy home-made meal, full of natural products that include whole grains and beneficial nutrients such as selenium and magnesium – all helpful aids to getting a good night’s sleep!