Insomnia: A Killer that Can Be Stopped
Insomnia is more than just a nuisance – it can be a literal killer. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night, but what if your brain refuses to shut up or acquiesce to sleep? Don’t give up hope just yet, because the solution might be sitting right in your kitchen.
There are specific drinks that act as natural sleep aids, packed with ingredients that aren’t just beneficial for your health – they’re scientifically backed to help you maintain a better sleep schedule. By making a simple trip to your pantry, you can swap tossing and turning for actual quality rest.
Avoid These Drinks Before Bed
While some drinks will keep you awake, others should be avoided altogether. Caffeine-based beverages like coffee, soda, and chocolate are obvious culprits, as they contain enough caffeine to affect your sleep. WebMD suggests completely eliminating all caffeine for two weeks before reintroducing it into your diet.
Alcohol is another drink that can negatively impact your sleep quality. It can cause fragmented sleep, reduced rapid eye movement sleep, and even insomnia. One study showed that total sleep was decreased by 1 hour after the consumption of caffeine 6 hours before sleep. Furthermore, alcohol can lead to frequent urination, causing you to get up throughout the night.
Drinks for Sleep: The Best Natural Options
So, what are the best drinks to help you fall asleep and stay asleep? Here are some natural options that contain ingredients proven to induce sleep:
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is one of the best herbal teas for inducing sleep. It contains no caffeine to keep you awake and instead is made up of a natural sedative called apigenin. Chamomile has been proven to improve sleep quality, reducing the number of wakeups for uninterrupted sleep.
Milk
A warm glass of milk before bed can be just what you need to help you sleep better. Milk contains tryptophan, which increases melatonin and helps ward off sleep disorders like insomnia. Studies show that warm milk can even help the sleep of those 65 years and older.
Banana Smoothie
Make a banana smoothie for one of the best sleepy drinks you can enjoy. Bananas contain tryptophan, which helps you sleep better, as well as magnesium, a supplement crucial for melatonin production and maintaining your normal circadian sleep cycle.
Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root tea has been known to fight insomnia and encourage better sleep since the second century A.D. It’s a gentle and natural sleep aid used in lieu of prescription medications to treat a number of sleep-related disorders, as well as anxiety and restlessness.
Lemon Balm Tea
Like valerian root tea, lemon balm is a calming herb that can help you fall asleep faster. It works with other herbs like valerian to better your sleep and fight insomnia, while also helping with anxiety.
Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice is another fantastic drink before bed. It contains nutrients like magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc that have been proven to help you sleep longer and better, especially for those with insomnia.
Conclusion: Sleep Better Tonight
In conclusion, there are many natural drinks that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. From chamomile tea to tart cherry juice, these beverages contain ingredients proven to induce sleep and improve overall sleep quality. So, the next time you’re struggling with insomnia or restless sleep, try one of these natural drinks before bed.
