According to the CDC, 1 in 3 US adults do not get enough sleep on a regular basis. In many cases, this is due to being overworked and not leaving enough hours for a good night’s rest. Other times, though, you may find yourself spending those hours staring at the ceiling, counting sheep and wishing sleep would come.
If you struggle with sleeplessness, the good news is that there are several natural supplements that can help you fall asleep easier and stay asleep throughout the night. In this article, we’ll take a look at three of the best supplements for sleeplessness according to Dr. Mazi ND.
1) Melatonin
Arguably the most well-known natural sleep aid, melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces naturally in response to darkness. It’s a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythms and helps you fall asleep easier when it’s time for rest. Dr. Juli Mazi ND, though, says that most people do not produce melatonin as they should due to excessive exposure to artificial light. Exposure to light blocks melatonin production, meaning that keeping a lamp on or staring at your phone or TV right up until bedtime can make it more difficult to get a good night’s rest. Along with limiting your light exposure in the hours leading up to bedtime, taking a melatonin supplement is an excellent way to combat occasional insomnia.
2) Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is vital to the human body, playing a central role in a wide range of bodily processes. Among these roles is relaxing the body’s muscles, quieting the mind, and encouraging melatonin production when it is time for sleep. Thanks to the sleep-improving benefits of magnesium as well as the many other benefits that this essential mineral offers, she recommends that everyone should consult with their physician about taking a magnesium supplement.
3) Tryptophan
Have you ever noticed how sleepy everyone gets after Thanksgiving dinner? While having a full belly can cause sleepiness by itself, the primary reason for this phenomenon is the fact that turkey meat is high in tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that offers several health benefits – including promoting the production of serotonin. Known as the “happy chemical”, serotonin helps relax the mind and reduces stress and anxiety so that falling asleep is much easier.
Conclusion
Prescription sleeping aids are certainly effective, but many come with a number of side effects that aren’t always a worthwhile tradeoff. Thankfully, there are several natural supplements that can be highly effective at preventing sleeplessness as well. Along with melatonin, magnesium, and tryptophan, Dr. Mazi ND says that glycine, passionflower, and ginkgo biloba have all shown promising results as well when it comes to promoting sleep.
If you would like to start enjoying all of the many mental and physical benefits that come from getting a healthy amount of sleep each night, be sure to discuss these supplements for sleeplessness with your physician to see if they are a good choice for you.
