Getting enough quality sleep is essential for a number of reasons. During sleep, our bodies heal and strengthen our muscles and recharge our energy levels, so we’re ready for new challenges, when we wake up.
Sleep also helps our minds by providing a period of rest that lets us process everything we’ve taken in throughout the day. As important as sleep is to our overall well-being, getting enough sleep is a growing problem for millions of people.
Instead of turning to chemicals to help you get to sleep, trusting a natural supplement can help you give your body the rest it needs. There are three components to quality Sleep Aids, which you should look for in any supplement you may be considering.
How to fall asleep and stay asleep faster
To help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, be sure to select a product that contains a GABA derivative, such as 4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid. This type of amino acid will help the other ingredients in the supplement cross the blood brain barrier, making the supplement much more effective.
Additionally, these types of amino acids attach to neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, affecting the production of compounds that will stimulate brain activity. This helps increase the body’s ability to relax and lowers the brain’s ability to circulate stress hormones throughout the body.
Serotonin and the brain
Additionally, your supplement should contain 5-HTP, a compound that influences the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter released to help regulate the body in a number of ways. One way that it affects the mind is by regulating how the brain prepares for sleep and wakefulness. By delivering more serotonin to the brain, you will be better able to fall asleep.
Finally, melatonin is essential in any sleep supplement. This is another neurotransmitter that the brain releases to help the body relax. A supplement that boosts the levels of melatonin helps to keep you asleep for a longer period, eliminating the tendency to awaken repeatedly throughout the night. Combined with the other two compounds, the melatonin works to promote a healthier sleep cycle.
Additionally, the serotonin and melatonin in your sleep supplement can also help you reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. This is because the brain uses these neurotransmitters to relax the body and to help regulate mood. As these are compounds that your body produces naturally, you’re also keeping your body free of harmful chemicals. While most sleep medications use chemicals that are sometimes addictive, a supplement with these main ingredients only boost the supply of substances already present in your brain.
Sleep disorders
While a sleep supplement may help treat other conditions, such as anxiety, it shouldn’t be used solely for that purpose.
The supplement should be used to treat sleep disorders primarily and any other conditions alleviated by the supplement should be viewed as an added benefit. In any case, the supplement you choose should be taken only as indicated on the manufacturer’s label.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to trying a quality natural supplement, certain lifestyle changes can also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. For instance, turning off mobile devices and other electronic equipment one hour before bed is recommended by many sleep experts.
Instead of checking social media before bed, try listening to some relaxing music, taking a warm bath, or practicing yoga. These activities can help your body relax and better prepare your brain to rest.
Relaxation
In addition to helping your body relax, engaging in relaxation techniques before bed can improve blood flow. This, in turn, will help your body benefit more efficiently from your sleep supplement.
The natural compounds in the supplement will be delivered to the brain more quickly, which means they will affect you sooner. Combining a supplement with lifestyle changes can ensure you’ll get the sleep you need, which will help you make the most of your waking hours.
