4 Natural Ingredients For a Better Night’s Sleep

You’ve lit enough candles to light up a small village, asked Alexa to play you ‘whale music’ and invested in a mattress that looks like it’s been developed by NASA. 

But you’re still twisting and turning, struggling to switch off.

For something so essential to the body and mind, a good night’s sleep is much easier said than done!

There are many ways we can prime ourselves for a great night’s sleep and you’ve probably already noticed how exercise, diet and lifestyle can have an impact.

In this article, we’re going to focus on diet and specifically on 4 natural ingredients that might make the difference and help you sleep easy at night.

L-Theanine 

L-Theanine is an amino acid derived from green tea that has been proven to promote relaxation.

While this ingredient does not directly affect the body during your sleeping hours, it can help control factors that impact sleep – specifically anxiety and mental clarity.

It can be found in various foods but only in small quantities, so to reap the full benefits it should be supplemented in either powder or capsule form, and taken around an hour before you plan to sleep.

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is a traditional herbal ingredient that possesses the power to relieve psychological stress to aid sleep.

Traditionally used to fight insomnia, it acts as a sedative on the brain and nervous system. Studies have also shown that Valerian Root can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by 15-20 minutes.

The recommended dosage is in the 400-900mg region but it is advised to start low and find the minimal amount that works for you as larger doses can have ‘hangover’ type effects.

Chamomile

Chamomile is known to produce calming effects due to an antioxidant it contains called apigenin. Apigenin attaches itself to specific brain receptors that promote sleepiness.

Although drinking it in tea form is calming in itself, chamomile has also shown to improve the overall quality of your sleep with fewer interruptions. People have also reported fewer symptoms of depression, a real troublemaker and a timeless enemy of sleep.

If you’re not a fan of a hot drink before bed, chamomile can also be supplemented in capsules or as a liquid extract added to water.

Turmeric

No surprises here!

Curcumin, the naturally occurring chemical compound that gives turmeric its colour, returns as the MVP of your slumber roster. 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of curcumin can help prevent and relieve an array of health issues that may be impacting your ability to fall asleep, or the quality of it once you do.

Curcumin also enhances serotonin and increases the production of dopamine. The natural consequence of a more positive mentality and reduced stress is often a more comfortable, relaxed sleep. 

Check out our range of great tasting turmeric shots containing a blend of 35g fresh turmeric with other natural superfoods to kickstart your pursuit of a better night’s sleep.