5 natural remedies for a good night’s sleep
Sleeping is one of the most fundamental needs for humans. A proper sleep regimen is critical for the overall well-being of an individual. However, not everyone can get an adequate night’s sleep and various sleep disorders can adversely affect one’s sleep schedule. When left unnoticed, sleep deprivation can lead to severe ailments like depression and heart disease. Fortunately, there are certain natural, preventative sleep remedies that can help one sleep soundly.
Symptoms of sleep disorders can affect one’s health and quality of life. Here are some of the best sleep remedies one can consider.
- Indulge in a warm bath
After having a long tiring day at work, take a warm bath to relax the muscles and self-induce a proper sleep cycle. Ensure to soak in a warm bath two hours before to cool off the body and trigger sleep.
- Apply lavender oil
Lavender is well-known for its great ability to improve one’s mood and induce better sleep. One can apply a few drops of lavender oil on their hand and sniff it. This will help relax one’s mind and is generally safe to use However, if one has a sleep disorder, they can opt for lavender supplements prescribed by their doctor for instructed period and time frame.
- Have a glass of warm milk with honey
Like the good old days, make a habit of sipping a glass of warm milk with honey every night. The combination of milk and honey is known for its benefits in stimulating sleep and has been practiced for a long time. It contains amino acid, which will increase the secretion of sleep hormone, leading to a calming effect and naturally inducing sleep.
- Opt for magnesium-rich foods
When it comes to sleep remedies, magnesium does matter. It is a vital mineral that is good for one’s health and helps individuals relax their muscles and lower stress levels. Experts have found that eating magnesium-rich foods like walnuts, lentils, spinach, and dark chocolate will allow one to experience a healthy sleep pattern in the long run.
- Sustain sunlight for melatonin
The rays of the sun are essential to ease one’s sleep routine. A great way to ensure a proper sleep schedule is by exposing oneself to natural sunlight as it helps increase the production of melatonin, which helps promote sleep.
When to see a doctor for sleep disorders?
If one is suffering from sleep disturbance, seeking medical help is crucial if the problem continues and seriously affects one’s everyday life. To understand when to see a doctor for professional help, one must watch out for the frequent occurrence of the following potential signs and symptoms.
- Chronic sleep deprivation
It is advisable to contact a doctor if one frequently struggles to fall asleep and stay asleep or has poor sleep quality, resulting in continuous daily exhaustion and functioning impairment. - Sleep apnea
If one snores loudly and experiences brief breathing pauses while they sleep, it may indicate sleep apnea. Seeking medical care is essential because this disorder could have major health repercussions. - Insomnia
Consulting a doctor can help discover underlying problems and offer the right treatment if one frequently struggles to fall or remain asleep, interfering with their ability to function during the day. - Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
RLS is a condition in which one experiences uncomfortable leg sensations frequently accompanied by an overwhelming impulse to move their legs, especially at night. This condition can be identified and treated by a doctor. - Narcolepsy
A healthcare provider should be consulted if one has extreme daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy) brought on by emotions, sleep paralysis, or vivid hallucinations when going to bed or waking up. - Shift work sleep disorder
If one’s job involves rotational or night shifts and they experience sleep disruptions or excessive daytime sleepiness, a doctor can advise them on how to manage their sleep pattern and enhance the quality of sleep. - Persistent snoring
Constant snoring may be a sign of a sleep condition, such as sleep apnea, if it is loud, bothersome, and accompanied by other sleep disorder symptoms like gasping, choking, or daytime tiredness. Thus, it is important to see a doctor.
Speaking with a healthcare provider is preferable if one has any worries about their sleep patterns or quality. A doctor can assess sleep disorder symptoms, diagnose them accurately, and suggest suitable treatment options to help one sleep better.
A good night’s sleep is crucial to rejuvenate, recharge, and repair the body, allowing one to be active and focused the next day. However, struggling with a sleep disorder will affect one’s daily activities and even put one at the potential risk of other health conditions.
In most cases, simple sleep remedies will significantly affect one’s sleep quality. However, if sleep disorder symptoms don’t improve with home remedies, it is important to seek expert help to treat the underlying cause and promote one’s sleep regimen.