Sleep better without melatonin? These supplements help!
If you want to sleep better, but would rather not use melatonin, fortunately there are a lot of other supplements that can help. A good night's sleep is essential to feel fit, but many people have sleeping problems. Melatonin is often used, but is not always the best option. In this blog we give you 5 natural alternatives to this remedy.
Why you can start using an alternative to melatonin
Sleeping problems are common. Did you know that about 65% of Dutch people would like to sleep better? And it is true that even 10% of Europeans suffer from chronic sleep problems. Melatonin is a natural remedy that can help you sleep better and it is also used by many people. But there are good reasons not to opt for melatonin if you have sleep problems.
Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces itself. It helps to regulate your sleep rhythm, making you feel tired and sleepy when evening comes. It is produced under the influence of the decrease in daylight. It makes sense to choose a remedy for sleep problems that your body will recognize, because it also produces it itself. However, there are disadvantages to melatonin as a supplement.
Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster. If you suffer from waking up often in the middle of the night, melatonin will not help with this complaint. It also does not help you sleep deeper or sleep better. The drug also does not work very well for anxiety or stress complaints that keep you awake. Furthermore, melatonin is not intended for long-term use and the long-term side effects have not yet been properly investigated.
Sleep better with natural alternatives to melatonin
Those who would like to sleep better, but are looking for an alternative to melatonin, can rest assured. There are several supplements you can take for an undisturbed night's sleep. We have listed five for you.
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for your health. It plays a role in a large number of processes in the body, including the functioning of the nerves and muscles. It is also important for being able to relax properly. As a result, magnesium has a calming effect and can be used as a natural remedy for better sleep. A good magnesium supplement is Marine Magnesium from Together, which contains all 5 natural forms of magnesium.
2. Valerian
In addition to melatonin, valerian is one of the most commonly used supplements for sleep. This herb has been used for centuries for its relaxing and soothing effect. In 2006, a review examined whether valerian was actually useful for sleep disorders. This was investigated by examining 16 different studies. The conclusion was that in most cases people benefited from valerian and that there were few side effects. Valerian can be taken as capsules before going to bed, or you can have a cup of tea brewing.
3. GABA
GABA is a neurotransmitter that is important for relaxation. It has an inhibitory effect, which makes you less sensitive to external stimuli. This allows you to better close off sounds or other stimuli that distract you and makes it easier to fall asleep.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower is another natural supplement that can be used as an alternative to melatonin. It has also been used by humans for centuries to treat sleep problems. During a researchThe animals were given melatonin on rats. The supplement appeared to have a positive effect on sleep: the rats slept longer, stayed in the deep sleep phase longer, and woke up less often in between. The scientists therefore conclude that passion flower is a suitable remedy for sleep problems.
You can drink passion flower tea before going to bed, or use the relaxing Relaxmix tea from Indian Elements, which in addition to passion flower also contains catnip and Sweet Woodruff. Please note that in higher doses, passionflower has mild hallucinogenic properties. You can also use passion flower extract.
5. CBD oil
CBD oil is a popular supplement because of its versatile effect. It has relaxing, but also analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It can therefore be used for sleeping problems. Do you suffer from anxiety or stress that keeps you awake? Take a dose of CBD before bed and you will soon feel more relaxed.
But if you have pain complaints (joint pain, muscle pain, headache or other chronic pain), this can also cause sleeping problems. CBD can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. If you experience less pain, this can help you sleep better.
CBD is available in different forms. The best known is CBD Oil, which is easy to take, but has a fairly strong taste. There is also CBD paste, CBD crystals and all kinds of tasty CBD edibles. Choose the supplement that suits you. For all options you can check out our CBD shop look.
Treat your sleeping problems naturally
As you can see, there are many options to tackle your sleeping problems naturally. Whether you sleep poorly due to stress, pain or hypersensitivity to stimuli, there is certainly a supplement that can help you. Of course, it takes some trial and error to see what works for you. Take your time for this. But keep an eye on how it goes. If your sleep problems are persistent and you cannot solve them with a supplement, it might be a better idea to see your doctor or a specialist.
