12 Natural Sleep Aids to Help You Go to Sleep Easily and Soundly

It's 2:30 in the afternoon, and I'm thinking of all the things I have to do, but what I really want is to lie down for just a while and rest my eyes. I'm struggling to stay focused, and I'm super tired. However, I know if I take a nap, I won't be able to sleep at night. I take a meditation break on my couch for about ten minutes, but decide not to sleep.

That night I go to bed at 11:00 p.m., and I am so happy to feel my soft flannel sheets and the comfort of my organic wool pillow under my head. "Oh, this is nice," I think to myself. No place like home and my own bed.

Then, my mind switches to my "to do" list. I start creating elaborate plans for my next website project and the words for my next article race through my head. I go over it and over it. Uhhhg! I need to quiet my brain, so I can just rest and drift of into a peaceful dream.

I switch from laying on my back to my right side. After a few minutes, I turn to my left side. I was so tired earlier. Why can't I sleep now? It's now 1:34 a.m. I decide I better get up and try a few natural sleep aids, go to the bathroom and eat just a bite of something to tame my growling stomach. My remedies of choice for this night are two magnesium capsules and a banana. I climb back in bed and again the soft covers and pillow welcome me back. I lay comfortably, take a few deep breaths and think of simple pleasures and happy memories.

It's now 9:00 a.m. the next morning. The magnesium, banana and relaxed imagery thoughts did the trick to overcome my insomnia. Awesome! I'm so glad I didn't spend the night tossing and turning.


12 Natural Sleep Aids for Restful Sleep

1. Establish a consistent daily routine and habits

2. Don't use your bedroom for eating, reading, working or watching television.

3. Exercise regularly, but never before bed.

4. Take a hot bath an hour or two before bedtime for relaxation. Essential oils in your bath, such as chamomile, myrrh, ylang ylang and frankincense are soothing and calming to your body.

5. If your room is "too" quiet, playing a cd with nature sounds, such as rain falling or the ocean tides moving in and out are rythmic and relaxing.

6. Concentrate on pleasant thoughts and memories to ease your mind from troublesome or busy thinking.

7. Learn to use simple meditation techniques.

8. Establish a consistent bedtime and wake up time.

9. Eat a diet as close to nature as possible, so you are getting sufficient nutrients. This includes a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables.

10. Take daily supplements of essential vitamins, minerals and omega-3 amino acids. Magnesium, calcium, zinc, vitamin B complex and omega-3 oils are necessary for many of the body's functions, especially for quality sleep.

11. Eat food with tryptophan, which promotes sleep. These can include: bananas, dates, figs, turkey, tuna, whole grain crackers, yogurt and nut butters.

12. Try natural sleep aids like herbs to strengthen the nervous system and calm you for restful sleep. Some popular herbs that promote sound sleep include: chamomile, valerian root, hops, kava kava, lemon balm, passionflower and skullcap.
    
    A lack of sleep, if it becomes chronic and untreated, can cause a multitude of health, emotional and psychological issues. Natural means are the best option for addressing issues that cause insomnia. The side effects of medications for inducing sleep can lead to confusion, sluggishness, restlessness, anxiety, drug dependency, agitation, dry mouth, depression and disruption of deeper sleep cycles.

    Take advantage of these twelve natural sleep aids, and I'm sure you'll find yourself resting better.
    
    
    

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