Sleeplessness or insomnia affects many people throughout the world. There are several causes that result in insomnia. Some of the main reasons include stress, energy drinks, technology and certain medications. Though there are sleeping pills that can make you fall asleep they have their set of side effects as well. It is always advisable to take the natural remedial course. Here are some natural sleep remedies:

Drink tart cherry juice

It is probably the tastiest way to fall asleep. Drink a half of one cup of tart cherry juice before going to bed every night. Tart cherry contains a substantial amount of tryptophan which is an essential amino acid. It converts to serotonin, which further converts to melatonin. Melatonin controls the sleep and wake cycle by lowering body temperature and causing drowsiness. It works along the central nervous system in order to sync our biological clock with the environment. The production gets limited in the presence of light but gets released in darkness or low light.

Valerian

The roots of valerian are used in several ways as a sleep aid and sedative. It increases the amount of GABA that helps in regulating the action of nerve cells and provides a calming effect. It is quite popular as an herbal anxiety remedy due to its calming effects. It can simply be brewed as tea but if you find the strong odor repulsive, you can take it in capsule form.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is probably one of the oldest natural sleep remedies practiced in the world. It is also among the most important components of traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed that stimulating certain points aligns the energy balance or the life force by opening meridians. They close down when stress increases and contracts vessels. The thin needles, when inserted, open up all the blocked channels and make the brain understands that it is now time for sleep.

Get more supply of Melatonin

This is probably the most important factor to induce sleep. While it is released inside of your body, it has to be procured from outside sources as well. It is available in pill form. There are certain foods as well which help to boost its production. These are cherries and bananas. They both contain certain nerve and muscle relaxants to calm you down and help you fall asleep.

Exercise

Exercising does not only keep your body fit but mentally fit as well. If you exercise on a regular basis, you will find yourself sleeping better. Moreover, you have a lot of extra energy when you wake up, which let you get through the day very easily. Exercise works well as a natural sleep remedy.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is being in use since long to make people doze off. It is a muscle relaxant and contains apigenin which is supposed to bind to GABA receptors thereby affecting the central nervous system and inducing sleep. There are other theories as well which belief presence of more components in chamomile tea work as sedatives as well.

Warm Milk

Milk is one of the best natural sleep remedies, it contains a little amount of tryptophan, which is a sleep-inducing amino acid. It may not be enough to make you fall asleep at once, but if you continue to drink milk regularly, it will make you fall asleep. The reason behind milk being able to make people sleep may not at all be chemical but psychological. Many people find the warmth of milk relaxing and soothing, which helps them to unwind mentally and physically.

Catnip

Catnip qualifies as a borderline natural sleep remedy, it makes human beings drowsy, relaxed and sleepy. All these happen due to the presence of nepetalactone. You can make catnip in the form of tea with a little bit of honey before going to bed.

Stick to a schedule

Humans are a slave to their habits. It is important to have a fixed schedule and maintain it regularly. For instance, if you exercise at different times every day or exercise randomly every now and then, it would not help much. However, if you maintain a routine, it will bring a great change in your life. Make a ritual of taking a warm bath, drinking sleep inducing fluids, meditate, etc.

Lavender

Aromatherapy is used to treat a number of ailments. Sleeplessness is one among them. It is believed that the scent of lavender helps a lot in inducing sleep. It makes people feel better. People experience better moods. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or make a lavender sleep sachet and keep in on the bedside table or under your pillow for a good night’s sleep.