A good night's sleep is elusive for many people and in their quest to find better rest, some look to supplements.
While there are many supplements touted as potential sleep aids, not all of them work. It's important to make sure you have healthy sleep habits before resorting to supplements because simply tweaking your sleep routine may just do the trick. But if you are still struggling to sleep well, here are some supplements to consider:
Melatonin
Perhaps the most well known supplement for sleep, melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally and is usually released in the evening when your brain reacts to dark. Melatonin is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Melatonin can come with side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea and agitation.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral and it is involved in over 300 biochemical processes in the body, including sleep processes. There are many forms of magnesium but researchers believe that magnesium glycinate and magnesium L-threonate are the two forms that are most beneficial for sleep. And magnesium L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been found to offer cognitive benefits.
Valerian
This herb is a popular choice when treating insomnia. It offers sedative and hypnotic effects and has been used for centuries. While there has not been conclusive research regarding the sleep benefits of valerian, researchers believe it is safe for short-term use to help treat insomnia or anxiety.
As with any supplement, it is important to talk to your health care provider before adding any supplement to your regimen. Keep in mind that just because something is natural, it doesn't mean it's safe. It's also important not to mix sleep supplements or take in combination with medications that can cause sleepiness.
