Just a few months ago my nights consisted of playing peek-a-boo with my alarm clock. 2Am. 3:32am. 4:00Am. 4:25Am…Every night it was the same pattern. I’d cycle through the unfinished to-do list in my head, scroll through my Newsfeed on my iPad, watch some TV and then look at the time and get angry at myself, wondering, “Why can’t I fall asleep? Can other people just fall asleep at night?”
It wasn’t until my sleep issues started affecting my productivity at work that I took the time to do some research on the matter. It turns out many people struggle with the same sleep issues I did. Studies have found that an estimated 50-70 million US adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder. (I imagine if you’re reading this you might be one of those people.)
Luckily, I discovered some easy, homeopathic remedies that have helped me fall asleep easier, and I’m very glad to share them with you. I’ve never been a fan of taking prescriptions if I can help it, so I was relieved to find that these easy, natural techniques really make a difference for me.
TIP #1: Turn Off All Electronic Devices Before Bed
According to the NY Times, Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that light emitted from our electronic devices can suppress the production of melatonin in our brains. Melatonin is vital to maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. That’s why it’s so important to turn off all electronic devices with glowing screens before trying to fall asleep.
My spouse and I both have committed to turning off the electronics at least an hour before we go to bed. Instead of our iPad or phone, we read a book or a magazine before bed, allowing our brains to unwind more naturally. We have both noticed a considerable difference since taking this on.
TIP #2: Drink Chamomile Tea To Relax and Unwind
The herb chamomile has a mild sedative in it, which is why it has historically been used as a sleep aid. Chamomile tea is one of the easiest ways to ingest chamomile and capitalize on this naturally relaxing quality of the herb. I really enjoy having a delicious cup of tea as part of my nightly ritual! It pairs perfectly with our “no electronics before bed” rule. Each night I boil a pot of hot water and steep a cup of Chamomile tea to drink while I read my book before I fall asleep. It’s like having a little treat before bed each night!
TIP #3: Boost Your Melatonin With a Vitamin Patch
As I mentioned above, melatonin regulates our sleep cycles, so I went on a search for the best and easiest ways to increase my melatonin levels. I discovered the Sleep Starter Topical Patch from PatchMD, and was really intrigued by the concept of this product. It seemed like a fascinating technology: vitamins from a patch?
I wanted to learn more, so I looked into it and found out that patches can be a much more effective way to get your vitamins, because the active ingredients in oral supplements get destroyed through digestion in our stomachs. A patch actually allows your body to access much more of the active ingredients through your skin.
The Sleep Starter Topical Patch has been a really a great way to get a concentrated boost of herbs and vitamins that aid in falling asleep, including melatonin, magnesium, valerian root and 5HTP. I gave a 30-day supply a try and was really happy with how easy it is to use, plus I noticed differences right away.
Now, at the beginning of my nightly ritual (which includes the chamomile tea and reading a book) I put a patch on my shoulder and leave it on until morning. I never experience any grogginess, and I’ve been sleeping so much better.
At this point, I hardly even see my alarm clock after I set it at night. With a hot cup of tea, a good book, and my vitamin patch, my head is on the pillow and I’m deep in sleep without having to count a single sheep.