Lack of sleep can cause long-lasting damage to one’s mental health and many of the body’s internal systems. While simply staying awake doesn’t help, the consequences of sleep deprivation often occur due to unwarranted sleep disorders -- insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, among others. Disorders like these ones have been known to cause to turn to over the counter sleep aids that never really work. Expensive brands like Ambien and Lunesta or even large doses of Benadryl might help you sleep for a few months, but natural sleep aids should be considered for potentially longer lasting results.
Let’s face it; your restlessness can’t be solved with synthetic sleep remedies forever. Take back your restfulness by checking out these natural sleep aids and supplements:
Magnesium supplements are usually taken for bone health and energy creation, but Magnesium is also an underrated source of relief for those unable to sleep. Lower levels of magnesium may be directly linked to sleep issues. With its tranquilizing effect, taking this supplement can help regulate the body’s production of melatonin so that you can sleep longer without interruption.
Your mother may have given it to you as a kid to help put you down, but there is scientific proof of warm milk’s calming effects on those who have trouble sleeping. Dr. Charlene Gamaldo, director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep says that drinking warm milk before bed could “stimulate” the effects of tryptophan on the brain. “This is a chemical building block for serotonin, which is involved in the sleep-wake transition,” Gamaldo said. Remember restless readers -- mother is always right!
Kava, a plant native to the South Pacific islands, has been used by the region’s natives for its relaxing effects and as a ceremonial drink, for centuries. Warning -- kava is an effective way to decrease any stress or tension you are feeling. No, it is not a hallucinogenic drug, but its ability to help with anxiety means it is equally effective as a natural sleep aid. Kava is readily available as a tea at most local grocery store!
All of these natural methods, along with others like meditation or lowering your body temperature, could help increase your sleep quality, but have you checked your mattress? Is it too soft or hard? Are there springs poking through? Maybe a new mattress is a better solution for you right now. Breksta mattresses provide comfort and cooling to help ensure that your nights are full and that you are rested enough to take on the next day.
Summer weather is upon us, which means finding the best temperature for sleeping becomes much more difficult. Many of us struggle between sweaty nights of mediocre sleep and the temptation to adjust the thermostat. This battle usually ends the same way – blasting the AC and overpaying the electric company.
Fortunately, beating the heat without emptying your wallet is possible. Prepare to finally get some restful sleep as we search for better conditions, avoiding those unwanted slumber sweats. Here are our go-to pre-bedtime rituals to find your best temperature for sleeping.
