
People started using it for everything from pain relief to relaxation and, yes, sleep. L-theanine may also reduce resting heart rate and inhibit stress responses, further promoting relaxation.Ĭannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular natural sleep supplement.ĬBD: CBD was the unicorn of the late 2010s. It's mainly found in tea leaves and it's known to boost GABA, serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. L-theanine: Another amino acid, L-theanine is often included as an ingredient in combination sleep aids. Glycine has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall sleep quality. Your body does this naturally at night, and it's one of many indicators your brain perceives as a sign it's time to sleep. Glycine: This amino acid is thought to improve sleep because it lowers your core body temperature. GABA may work better in combination with other ingredients. Patients with insomnia have reported falling asleep faster after taking GABA supplements, but other research conflicts those findings. GABA: Speaking of GABA, supplementing this chemical messenger directly is linked to improved sleep. Because Valerian root inhibits the breakdown of GABA, more of it may remain in your brain, thus helping you sleep better. GABA is a chemical messenger, and low levels of GABA have been linked to poor sleep and anxiety. It gained its status as a sleep aid because of compounds that inhibit the breakdown of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. Valerian root: Nicknamed "nature's Valium," valerian root is available as an extract in pills and liquids. If you're hesitant to supplement melatonin directly, you could try supplementing magnesium first as a way to increase your body's natural production of melatonin. Magnesium: An essential mineral, magnesium can improve sleep because it helps in the regulation of melatonin. Supplementing may help ( if you do it right). However, thanks to electricity and technology, many of us have wacky sleep schedules, thus wacky melatonin production. In a perfect world, your body would produce more melatonin in the evening to prepare your body for sleep and less in the morning to help you feel alert. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in your body. Here's a look at several common natural sleep aids. Many natural sleep aids contain a combination of ingredients, while others contain just one ingredient. You can find oodles of products online and in stores that promise to help you sleep. Natural and herbal sleep aidsįor those just dipping their toes in the water, natural and herbal sleep aids are a good start. If your inability to sleep is severely interfering with your ability to fulfill daily obligations or is accompanied by anxiety, panic, stress, depression or other mental health conditions, please talk to your doctor about possible root causes and treatments. Always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements or medications that can impact your sleep.
