There are millions of people that struggle to get enough sleep every night. Some people have difficulty falling asleep, while others find it difficult to fall back asleep after waking up at night. Then there are those who toss and turn until they cannot take it anymore, so they take a sleep aid of some sort to get some shut-eye. In this article, we will break down the best natural supplements for sleep. With that information, you can make more informed, educated decisions about which ones are right for you.
What Are Great Sleep Supplements?
Well, this is dependent on the root cause of your sleep troubles. Valerian root, magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, and glycine are among the most researched supplements. Researchers note that they may help improve sleep quality, relaxation, and nighttime recovery. Natural sleep supplements work to help you:
- Reduce nighttime wakings
- Stay asleep longer
- Calm stress-related insomnia
- Fall asleep more easily
- Improve deep sleep
- Reset circadian rhythm
Sleep is not just downtime, people. Sleep is an essential component of life that affects almost every system in the body. Sleep affects everything from brain and immune function to hormonal balance and metabolic health. In fact, a 2023 study found that sleep fragmentation significantly increased nighttime cortisol levels by 27%. That demonstrates how poor sleep can quickly throw off stress hormones. Additionally, quality sleep helps the brain stabilize and integrate new information. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can weaken executive function due to disruption of the prefrontal cortex.
10 Natural Sleep Supplements
There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation because everyone is different. Ultimately, the best supplement will depend on the root issue, such as stress, nutrient deficiency, or circadian rhythm disruption. Here are some of the most effective, well-researched natural supplements to help improve sleep.
Ashwagandha
If you have stress-related insomnia, this adaptogenic herb may be the right choice for you because it helps to lower cortisol levels. Ashwagandha also supports resilience to stress and may improve overall sleep quality and sleep onset, especially for people with sleep issues driven by anxiety.Â
Chamomile
Typically consumed in tea form, chamomile contains apigenin, which is a compound that binds to calming receptors in the brain. It is ideal for people who are sensitive to stronger sleep supplements and offers gentle, mild relaxation. Incorporate chamomile tea into your relaxing bedtime routine.Â
Magnesium
Research suggests that magnesium is one of the most important minerals for calming the nervous system. It works to regulate GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. If you want to use magnesium for sleep, it comes in forms like magnesium threonate and magnesium glycinate. Those two options are especially effective sleep supplements that may help reduce nighttime wakings and improve overall sleep quality.Â
Passion Flower
If you experience anxiety or restlessness about sleep, passion flower may be the right natural sleep aid for you. It is a calming herb that has been traditionally used to promote relaxation. More recent research indicates that it may increase GABA levels in the brain. Passion flower can be especially helpful for people with nervous tension and mild insomnia.Â
L-theanine
L-theanine works to promote calm without sedation because it increases alpha brain waves associated with a relaxed but alert state. Even though it occurs naturally in green tea, it does help reduce racing thoughts and mental overstimulation. Combine it with magnesium for enhanced effects.Â
Ginseng
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb just like ashwagandha, so it helps the body cope with stress. It may help improve sleep in an indirect way by supporting resilience and reducing fatigue. Most people who take ginseng find that it works best if taken earlier in the day.
Lavender
Widely used in aromatherapy, lavender has powerful calming effects. It may help reduce anxiety, calm the mind, and improve overall sleep quality. Lavender exists in supplement form, but you can also consume it as a tea or use lavender essential oil. A few drops of lavender essential oil under your pillow at night may promote a sense of calm and help you fall asleep.Â
Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid that works to lower core body temperature, a key signal for initiating sleep. Some say that glycine helps them fall asleep faster and experience more sound, restorative sleep.Â
Valerian Root
If you have mild insomnia or anxiety, valerian root may come to your aid. For centuries, people have used valerian root in herbal remedies to promote a sense of calm. Some research suggests that Valeria root may increase GABA levels in the brain. It tends to work best when you take it consistently over time, not just once in a while.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
