Here we will discuss five things you can use instead of sleeping pills.
Sleeping pills like Lunesta or Ambien are effective medications for insomnia; however, their long-term effects significantly outweigh the benefits.
Over time, prescription sleep inducers lose effectiveness as you naturally build tolerance, requiring gradual dosage increases that could result in gastrointestinal disorders, problems with cognition, and sleep apnea.
Keep reading to learn about some healthy alternatives to sleeping pills.
Table of Contents
1) CBG
You may have heard of THC and CBD, but there’s another cannabinoid called CBG that’s highly beneficial.
Since this cannabinoid is relatively unheard of, you may be wondering, “what is CBG?“.
CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid essential to the function of other cannabis components such as THC, which is why it’s often referred to as “the mother of all cannabinoids.”
CBG is known to relieve anxiety, pain, and inflammation that might make sleep difficult and acts as a natural sedative to the body’s mind and muscles.
Cannabigerol can be beneficial in all cannabis forms; however, the benefits are maximized and much more potent when extracted and used in concentrated form.
2) Hot Tea
Drinking a cup of hot tea before bed can help you fall asleep because the body relaxes when you consume warm foods and beverages.
The mind and body respond to warmth in a calming manner because it lowers blood pressure, encourages the release of serotonin, and tires the system by forcing temperature regulation.
Additionally, many types of tea are designed to promote drowsiness naturally.
Some teas to try would be:
- Chamomile- Chamomile is a plant that contains an antioxidant called apigenin that relaxes muscles and helps induce sleep.
- Magnolia- This tea is made from the magnolia plant, which has sedative compounds called honokiol and magnolol.
- Lemon grass- Lemon grass is another plant that helps relax the body because it contains antioxidants that have sedative effects on nerves and muscles.
- Sleepy Time Tea- Sleepy time tea or other teas branded as sleep aids contain a combination of chamomile, magnolia, lemon grass, and other calming plants like lavender and mint.
When choosing a tea for bedtime use, remember to purchase a caffeine-free option.
3) Natural Supplements
Melatonin might come to mind when thinking of natural supplements used for a better night’s sleep; however, it certainly isn’t the only one.
Some supplements to try are:
- Ashwagandha-This supplement is one of the most powerful over-the-counter sleep aids because it directly influences the adrenal gland’s regulation of hormones responsible for removing stress.
- Rhodiola- Rhodiola, also known as golden root, helps the brain balance serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, responsible for positive and negative moods. Therefore, Rhodiola is great for those struggling to sleep due to racing thoughts or low moods.
- Valerian Root- Valerian root is one of the most beneficial supplements because it has soothing effects on the body. Over time, it corrects your sleep cycle and provides a more permanent solution.
Each supplement interacts with your body differently, so if you find that one doesn’t work as well as hoped, you may find that a different supplement works better.
4) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that stimulates nerve cell function by placing thin needles strategically into the skin.
Although inserting needles into your body may sound scary, many individuals claim to feel no pain and only relief during the process, which may be why this alternative medicine has been around for over 8,000 years.
Acupuncture is categorized as alternative medicine and is based on testimony instead of scientific research.
Still, the ancient technique is believed to help with sleep by increasing melatonin levels, enhancing blood flow, stimulating the sleep-inducing regions of the brain, and decreasing pain that may keep you up at night.
5) L-Tryptophan
On Thanksgiving, have you ever had a strong urge to take a nap or noticed that a dinner guest had fallen asleep on the couch after eating? The holiday get-together isn’t boring everyone to sleep; It’s actually the turkey making people drowsy.
More specifically, turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan, essential for producing melatonin.
Tryptophan is found in many foods other than turkey, and they can be added to your dinner or eaten as a snack to help you unwind for bed.
Some foods that contain tryptophan are:
- Bananas
- Sesame seeds
- Cod and salmon
- Raw dairies like Milk and cottage cheese
- Brown rice
- Potatoes
- Chickpeas and green beans
Additionally, you can purchase L-tryptophan in supplement form to take at night.
Long-term use of sleeping pills can be harmful; therefore, it may be good to use alternatives if you struggle with insomnia. Consider Hot tea, CBG, acupuncture, tryptophan, and other natural supplements in place of a sedative prescription.