In this day and age it seems we are all looking to get better rest. But how can we do it naturally? Studies have shown a few different ways we can get better sleep naturally:

• Drink tea with herbs for sleep before bed
• Use natural herbal remedies for sleep.
• Be consistent about your bedtime and wake-up time
• Meditate or do a relaxation visualization before bed.
• Don’t have any caffeinated drinks after 2 pm.
• At least one hour before bed shut off all electronic devices such as smartphones, TVs, and tablets – their blue light delays the onset of sleep.

Many of the ways we get sleep naturally (Check the question above) apply to staying asleep, but there are a couple of extras here as well. So, how can you stay asleep better at night

• Reducing Stress by meditation before bed, drinking herbal tea or using an herbal tincture.
• Getting a supportive mattress – seriously it is worth it!
• Dim the lights at least an hour before bed
• Keeping the house between 68-70 at night – this is considered optimal temperature for sleeping.

Some of the best herbs for sleep are:

Lavender –  Studies have shown that lavender can assist in relaxing your nerves, lowering anxiety levels, and balance mood.

Chamomile – Chamomile is one of the oldest used herbs known for its relaxing effects. What makes it even more exciting is that modern-day scientific studies prove how effective chamomile can be.

Valerian Root – Valerian is often used to help with insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety in patients. Valerenic acid (in valerian root) prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitter GABA. This induces better quality sleep. On top of that, valerian also helps you fall asleep faster, improving the amount of time it takes for you to sleep once you lie down.

Passionflower – Passionflower has nerve-relaxing flavonoids that have been shown to help you not only de-stress but sleep better as well.

Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is an herb often used to relieve insomnia. Studies show it is effective at improving the speed at which you fall asleep and the quality of rest.

Holy Basil – Holy Basil promotes better sleep primarily by easing anxiety and reducing stress. How does it do this? Well, It has adaptogens that our bodies use to adapt naturally and cope with stress. Adaptogens help support a balanced mental state which prevents stressors from hindering your sleep.

Wild Lettuce – A less commonly known herb is wild lettuce It contains lactucarium which is a milky fluid that has analgesic and sedative properties. To have a true effectiveness it needs to be tinctured fresh. It has been studied to soothe your nerves, alleviate pain, and relieve mild symptoms insomnia. Check out our Dam’ Good Tincture which has local wild lettuce.

Sleep deprivation is often an effect from a fast-pased lifestyle mixed with anxiety, and stress. Stress, especially, directly affects the production of serotonin. Studies have shown that certain herbs can promote sleep and the production of serotonin which is how these herbal remedies can help support restful sleep.