Why Can’t I Sleep? - 6 Effective Sleep Supplements You Haven’t Tried Yet
Have you experienced a terrible sleep?
You gave the answer 99.9% of people will give.
For most, the “yes” would extend even further to agree that a string of days, weeks or even months of poor sleep is a reality. Sleep is the golden chain that links our ties health and our bodies and health together.
The truth is, sleep is a delicate beast. So many factors can effect our ability to shut the eyes and drift off without disturbance for the entirety of the night. We need sleep to survive.
The reason for this necessity is interestingly largely unknown but there are experts in the field that have dedicated their lives to exploring the nuances of sleep. We have compiled a 5 natural sleep habits and 5 epic sleep supplements that you probably haven’t tried yet.
We know one things for sure, sleep is inevitable when you combine a couple of these supplements & habits to create the ultimate sleep combo routine that works for you!
Why Sleep Is A Pillar Of Recovery
Being one of the 4 pillars of recovery that we love to harp on about, we have done our own research into sleep and go deep into it in our own personal experimentation. The thing is, we understand it is easier said than done to get the recommended 8 hour minimum, which seems like a pipe dream for most of us.
What we aim for in improving sleep is both ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’. Of course we would all prefer to avoid having to supplement or use devices to be able to get a proper nights rest. There are plenty of tips for an effective approach to doing so as we’ve mentioned in previous blog posts and we will briefly touch on some habitual approaches before we move on to effective sleep supplements that work.
Natural Sleep Tips
#1 Our master clock, or circadian rhythm is the physiological response that determines our sleep-wake schedule. In order to have the best habits to encourage the most effective master clock, we need to feed it regularity. The regularity in sticking to the same bed time and the same waking time, will really set the precedent for when we are telling our body clock that it is time to go to sleep.
#2 Temperature. Brain and body also need to drop their core temperature to initiate sleep and stay asleep by about 1 degree celsius. Current recommendation is to maintain a room temperature of about 18 degrees celsius. This sounds cold, but it an essential part of establishing the right conditions for triggering sleep. The Chilipad range is the best way to attack this area and we have touched on it in more depth in another post
Natural ways to improve sleep
#3 Make it dark. This may be a suck-eggs tip, but true darkness is another significant factor in establishing the best conditions for sleep. The fact that we are an ever increasingly digital society glued to our screens, particularly in the evenings when we should be winding down and preparing for rest, means that we are constantly drowning the eyes with sleep destroying blue light.
Same goes for general light pollution in the bedroom in terms of street lighting, a lack of pure darkness does not allow the best chance to being to produce hormones like melatonin which are an essential hormone to trigger sleep. So switch of the phone, roll down the block out blinds and slide on the eye mask.
#4 Bed association. Another rule of thumb is surprisingly to get out of bed and walk around to break the association of wakefulness. The idea is to break the wakefulness, move around a little and break away from the wakefulness trigger.
The idea from there is to only return to bed once you feel some sort of sleepiness, giving the brain the chance to associate the bed with sleepiness.
#5 Stay away from caffeine and alcohol in the afternoon and evening. Alcohol and caffeine block REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, an extremely important phase of sleep associated with dreaming. Enough said. More on that research presented in this article.
6 Best Sleep Supplements You Haven’t Tried Yet
At RG we are all about setting a wind down routine. The perception that sleep is a light-switch and we should be able to jump into bed and turn the light off, drifting away shortly after is a far cry from reality.
We’ve tested out more sleep supplements than most insomniacs.
In fact, we have a list of 6 natural sleep supplements that even insomniacs would approve of and we don’t think you would have tried them yet.
Access premium doctor medical services while discovering the 6 best sleep supplements you haven't tried yet. Our experts ensure comprehensive healthcare and guide you towards better sleep with effective supplements tailored to your needs.
The star of the sleep show - The Reishi mushroom has been used for many millennia in Asian cultures, it is regarded as a symbol of health, longevity, success and divine power and it is commonly referred to as “The mushroom of immortality”. Drop a few squirts to sleep superchill a tea or even straight into a glass of water.
In modern times, Reishi has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Often incorporated into wellness routines, Reishi can be consumed in various forms, from drops added to a soothing tea to direct ingestion by mixing it into water. Its adaptogenic qualities are believed to help the body manage stress and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies to support sleep and overall well-being.
Whether enjoyed as a supplement to enhance relaxation before bedtime or incorporated into daily rituals for its broader health benefits, Reishi continues to captivate interest for its historical significance and potential therapeutic effects in promoting a restful night's sleep.
This good gear is a powder that can be spooned into any pre-bedtime drink, tea or just warm water. It is made of a unique combination of adaptogenic herbs including Ashwaganda, Schisandra and Chamomile Extract which specifically affect sleep to help you zen out and crash out.
Ashwagandha, known for its stress-relieving benefits, helps the body manage cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and supporting a peaceful sleep environment. Schisandra, a potent adaptogen, enhances the body's resilience to stress and may contribute to improved sleep quality. Chamomile Extract, celebrated for its soothing effects, has long been used to calm the mind and prepare for restful sleep.
Together, these herbs synergize to create a comprehensive sleep support formula, aiming not only to help users "zen out" from the day's stresses but also to facilitate a smoother transition into a restorative night's sleep. Whether incorporated into a bedtime routine or used as needed to unwind, this blend represents a natural approach to promoting relaxation and enhancing sleep quality.
We understand that alot of people searching sleep supplementation recognise the need to avoiding over supplementing or over using Melatonin, which we prefer to limit to only using when we are looking to recover from a change in time zone or feeling jetlag and need to reset our sleep patterns to a different time zone. This mixture has no Melatonin and just pure sleepiness instead using Ceramides, CoQ10, Ferulic Acid and Valerian Root.
In place of Melatonin, our mixture harnesses the power of natural ingredients known for their calming and sleep-promoting properties. Ceramides contribute to skin health and hydration, but in this context, they also support relaxation. CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant, aids in cellular energy production, potentially helping the body unwind at the end of the day. Ferulic Acid, with its antioxidant properties, may also contribute to relaxation. Valerian Root, a well-known herb for promoting sleep, enhances the blend by soothing the nervous system and promoting feelings of tranquility.
This combination of ingredients is crafted to induce a state of calmness and readiness for sleep without relying on Melatonin, offering a natural alternative for those seeking a gentler approach to supporting their sleep routines. Whether as part of a nightly ritual or used selectively during periods of heightened stress or travel, this blend aims to provide a balanced, non-habit-forming solution to promote restful sleep and overall well-being.
3.5
Sleep easy with a quality sleep supplement that you know also looks out for planet earth and its precious animals. Future Kind Vegan sleep has been awarded the Sleep Foundations Top Pick for Best Natural Melatonin Supplement. We think that speaks volume with the amount of sleep supps on the market! Includes Lemon Balm, Camomile and Melatonin also eco-friendly with a carbon offset.
This supplement features a thoughtful blend of ingredients known for their calming effects, including Lemon Balm and Chamomile, which help promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep. Melatonin, a natural hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles, is included in a balanced amount to support natural sleep patterns without overdependence.
What sets Future Kind Vegan Sleep apart is its commitment to sustainability. The product is eco-friendly, boasting a carbon offset that minimizes its environmental footprint. This dedication to planet Earth resonates with conscientious consumers who prioritize both their health and the well-being of the environment.
Choosing Future Kind Vegan Sleep not only supports your personal wellness goals but also contributes to a more sustainable future, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a natural and ethical approach to achieving better sleep.
This one is one of our personal favourites and widely used brand in our recovery supplementation. Bulletproof Zen Mode elevates you to a new level of calm and is a proprietary formula of clinically studied adaptogenic herbs and neuro-nutrients including L-Theanine, 5HTP and GABA.
At its core, Zen Mode features L-Theanine, a natural compound found in tea leaves renowned for promoting relaxation without inducing drowsiness. 5HTP, a precursor to serotonin, supports mood regulation and may aid in managing stress and anxiety. GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, helps quieten excessive neural activity, promoting a tranquil mental state.
These ingredients are carefully selected and combined to synergistically enhance the body's ability to cope with stress and achieve a state of deep relaxation. Whether used to unwind after a hectic day or as part of a nightly routine to prepare for sleep, Bulletproof Zen Mode offers a holistic approach to promoting calmness and overall well-being.
As a brand known for its commitment to quality and efficacy, Bulletproof Zen Mode represents a reliable choice for individuals seeking to manage stress naturally and support their recovery journey with science-backed ingredients.
Now Foods are a quality, low cost supplement brand that we regularly use when we have been going a bit too hard on the spending but still need to supplement. Costs approximately $25AUD for 90 capsules which is just about the best value for a Melatonin, 5-htp and L-theanine combo that can send to the sheep counting station with ease…90 times over.
Melatonin helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, promoting a natural transition to sleep without causing grogginess the next day. 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin, supports mood and relaxation, while L-Theanine, derived from tea leaves, promotes calmness and mental clarity.
This combination of ingredients from Now Foods provides a cost-effective solution for promoting restful sleep and managing stress levels. Whether used occasionally to reset sleep patterns after travel or consistently as part of a nightly routine, these supplements offer reliable support for achieving a peaceful night's sleep.
For anyone looking to stretch their supplement budget without compromising on quality, Now Foods provides an accessible option that delivers results, ensuring you can comfortably count sheep 90 nights in a row without breaking the bank.