Not able to sleep? There are plenty of culprits that could be the reason: bright lights, stress, heartburn, temperature and so many more. Before there were sleeping pills, ancient people had other ways to help themselves fall into a restful slumber. Every culture has a natural sleep remedy passed down from generation to generation.
While some remedies of old don’t work very well, there are a few ancient sleep solutions that people still use today when they want to doze off. Here are some that have withstood the test of time.
Sink into soapy suds in a warm bathtub to help yourself relax before it’s time to hit the sack. The warm water can ease your muscles, allowing them to release built-up tension. Additionally, a warm bath before bed can help affect your body’s temperature positively so you can find sleep faster after you’ve dried off. The reason? Bodies naturally get tired after they’ve been warmed up and subsequently cooled down.
There are plenty of herbal teas and other beverages out there that are meant to help you fall and stay asleep. Passionflower, lavender, chamomile, and kava are all known for their abilities to aid in sleep. Sipping a warm cup of tea before going to bed may have similar effects as taking a warm bath, warming the body up before allowing it to cool for the night.
Another instance in which the warm-to-cold transition seems to work its magic is sipping a warm glass of milk before bed. Whether you add honey or sugar to it is up to you and your taste buds.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the body to induce sleep, but some people may need more of it to get the slumber they desire. This plant is widely known and regarded as a sleep aid. While you can take it in plant form, melatonin now comes in plenty of commercial liquids and pills you can take as well.
Ancient Advice for Modern Life
Whether you use one of these ancient sleep remedies or not, one of the best things you can do for yourself if you have a hard time falling asleep is to begin nightly rituals that can help clear your mind and help you relax. Maybe that’s taking a warm bath, or maybe that’s powering down your electronics and reading a book instead. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that helps you unwind after your long day.