Many of us struggle to get to sleep at night. Over-the-counter supplements can be a solution to this. These supplements consist of natural and healthy ingredients that make us more relaxed and ready for sleep. Below are 5 of the most popular and effective supplements.
Melatonin
Melatonin is our body’s sleep hormone. Our body naturally starts producing it once the sun goes down. However, stress or jetlag can disrupt our body’s ability to produce melatonin. This is where melatonin supplements come in use. These supplements can be bought from any pharmacy and can come in the form of tablets or gummies. Take one 2mg dose (usually a single tablet or gummy) 30 minutes to an hour before bed for effective results. Be wary that melatonin supplements can have the side effect of making some people feel drowsy the next day.
CBD
CBD is a chemical extracted from the cannabis plant. It has pain relieving and anxiety relieving qualities, and can help many people to fall asleep more easily. Unlike regular cannabis, CBD does not make you high as it contains no THC. It can occasionally cause side effects such as nausea, but for most people it is safe and effective. You can buy CBD supplements in a variety of forms from CBD oil to capsules. Sites like CBDistillery have a huge variety of CBD products to explore.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to relax muscles and calm the brain. It is found in many foods including various fruits, nuts and shellfish. Supplements can provide a larger dose, which is much more effective at making us sleepy. They come in the form of capsules, tablets and powders. For many people, magnesium supplements can have great results with no side effects - however some people can experience nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Valerian root
Valerian root comes from the valerian flower. For centuries, it has been used as a sedative. Scientists believe that its effectiveness comes down to its ability to increase levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain - a chemical that helps us to feel calm. Valerian root can be consumed in tablet form or as a hot tea. It is best to take it 1 to 2 hours before bed in order for its effects to kick in on time. You’ll find many online pharmacies selling valerian root products. Be wary that, like other supplements, there can have side effects.
GABA
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is another supplement worth exploring. As mentioned with valerian root, this chemical helps us to feel more relaxed. It is a neurotransmitter that our body naturally produces and it is also found in fruits and several fermented foods. Stress and other factors like poor diet may inhibit GABA production. GABA supplements can help to combat this and are worth taking for those suffering from anxiety or chronic stress. These supplements typically come in the form of capsules (compare some of the best supplements here at Innerbody). A side effect can be drowsiness the next day.
