More than 50 million Americans suffer from some sort of sleep issue. This unfortunate reality impacts people of all different ages and can greatly affect their everyday lives. From falling asleep at work to feeling irritable and anxious, sleep issues are not to be taken lightly. Of course, there are prescription medicines to help with this issue. However, many people do not like the idea of taking medication to help them sleep and would prefer to use natural remedies.
In fact, certain drinks can act as natural remedies for some sleep issues. If you are currently experiencing sleep problems and are looking for something that isn’t a prescription medicine, keep reading to learn about six drinks that have been proven to help induce sleep.
Drinks to Consume to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night's sleep is an important component of health. If you aren't getting the proper amount of sleep, your entire life could be affected. An expert from a community that specializes in independent senior living in NJ pointed out that sleep issues are common for people of all ages, especially adults and seniors.
If you or someone in your family is suffering from sleep issues, here are six easy-to-prepare drinks that may provide some relief.
Warm Milk
Warm milk has been used as a sleep-enhancing drink for hundreds of years. The idea behind warm milk as a way to relax the body is based on the theory that milk contains tryptophan. When released into the brain, this amino acid produces serotonin, a serenity-boosting neurotransmitter. There is some speculation behind this. Some people claim that tryptophan will reduce anxiety and help you sleep while others claim that it does not produce a hypnotic effect at all. However, ingredients can be added to the warm milk to ensure that it does the job. Some of these include:
- Strawberries - Strawberries contain B6, which will regulate melatonin.
- Lavender - Lavender is a mild sedative and will promote relaxation.
Almond Milk
Warm almond milk is an outstanding drink to help you fall asleep naturally. Almonds are a rich source of magnesium, which is a mineral that is important for a good night’s sleep. In fact, many people have a hard time falling asleep because their magnesium levels are too low. Unfortunately, many people don’t think to check their magnesium level and this cause of insomnia is often missed.
Before you go to bed, have a glass of almond milk, warm or cold. You will fall asleep faster and feel more relaxed as you will get the proper REM sleep your body needs. Consider adding honey or one of the ingredients mentioned above to your nightly glass of almond milk.
Cherry Juice
Cherries are naturally rich with melatonin so drinking a glass of ice-cold cherry juice before bed will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Why? Because cherries contain tryptophan and anthocyanins, two compounds that help the body create melatonin and lengthen its effects.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is one of the most well-known drinks to help you fall asleep at night. It produces calming effects which are attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin. Apigenin binds to receptors in the brain that decrease anxiety and stress and initiate sleep.
Chamomile tea bags can be bought in almost every grocery store or supermarket, and all you have to do to prepare this sleep-enhancing drink is boil water.
Valerian Tea
Like chamomile tea, valerian tea is known to induce sleep for some people. It increases the body’s production of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).. When the GABA level increases, it can produce feelings of tiredness. This increases sleepiness and reduces anxiety, making valerian tea a drink worth trying to help your body fall asleep naturally.
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea has been used to bring on sleep since the Middle Ages for the same reasons as valerian tea: they both increase levels of GABA. This tea is part of the mint family and is a great aromatic bedtime drink to sip on while you curl up on the couch just before bed.
Get The Good Night’s Sleep You’ve Been Dreaming About
Most drinks that have tranquilizing potential can be prepared with simple ingredients. Consider trying a few to find out which ones help you sleep the best. These sleep-enhancing drinks are a good place to start and are easy to prepare. They are also affordable and can be conveniently found in most grocery stores. It may also be worth your while to contact a doctor or holistic specialist to learn about more sleep-inducing foods and drinks that can be incorporated into your life to help you fall asleep naturally.
