NATURAL SLEEP REMEDIES Natural Sleep Remedies: Natural Solutions for A Good Night’s Sleep  | If you’re waking up in the middle of the night or suffering from a bout of insomnia, turning to sleeping pills isn’t the only option. Millions of people lie awake each night and miss out on much-needed sleep night after night. Sleep is an important part of your daily schedule because it’s the only time your brain and body can shut down and restore energy from the day’s activities. When you don’t get enough sleep, you will feel tired, anxious, lethargic and irritable the following day. A lack of quality sleep will also take its toll on your skin, hair and metabolism. Here are some natural solutions to help you get a good night’s rest and wake up rejuvenated and refreshed: | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #1. Take a warm bath. A warm bath before bedtime will increase your internal body temperature temporarily and then cool you down so you’ll be more relaxed. You can take a warm shower if you don’t have time for a relaxing bath soak, but a bath with lavender essential oils is the best way to slow down and go into deep relaxation mode. |  | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #2. Stick with a schedule. Keep your body clock in good shape by getting up and going to bed at the same time each day. This will help you fall asleep at a regular time more often than not, and can help you sleep all the way through the night. | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #3. Eat the right bedtime snack. Certain foods contain tryptophan, the amino acid that releases serotonin into the body and makes it easier to fall asleep. Your best bets for a bedtime snack are tuna, bananas, pineapples or figs. A small turkey sandwich on whole grain toast is also a great mini-meal to enjoy before bed if hunger pangs are keeping you up. |  | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #4. Chamomile tea. Chamomile tea contains valerian, a natural tranquilizer which induces sleep. Sipping on a cup of warm chamomile tea before bed will help you relax and wind down naturally. You can find it in the natural food aisle, and it’s available in a variety of flavors such as lemon or raspberry. Just avoid using any type of sugar to sweeten it since the sugar might keep you up. |  | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #5. Hit the gym! Exercising regularly is good for the mind and body, and a vigorous workout will release endorphins which help curb depression and make it easier to fall asleep naturally. Just make sure you’re not working out at least two hours before bedtime, or you might find yourself energized and alert when it’s time to wind down. | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | | NATURAL SLEEP REMEDY #6. Create a pre-sleep ritual. From meditation to journaling, or just listening to relaxing music, get into the habit of doing something consistently to wind down at the end of the day. This will act as a ‘prompt’ to help you get to sleep at the end of even the most hectic day. |  | Read More Sleep Articles | SEE RELATED NATURAL SLEEP REMEDIES ARTICLES | Sabah Karimi writes on health, wellness and lifestyle for DivaVillage. |
