Do you often struggle with getting a restful night's sleep? If you do, you aren't alone! There are some easy and quick changes you can make to the environment where you get your shut eye as well as some natural sleep aids.
The first place to start is evaluating where you sleep. Are your pillows comfy? Is the comforter you use keeping you warm and snug at night? Is your mattress and/or bed frame on the older side and maybe needing an upgrade?
I just upgraded my mattress and bed frame to something more tailored to my specific sleep needs. So far, it has made all the difference! Here is a link to the adjustable frame to buy that features maximum customization for amazing sleep.
Now that you've taken note of you sleeping conditions, let's talk about some sleep remedies you can harvest straight from your garden! If you grow a handful of herbs in a small space, raised bed or even a container you may already hold the key to a good night's sleep right on your porch, patio or in your backyard.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb that is frequently used in aromatherapy. Smelling this florally fragrance has a soothing sedative and calming effect. It is also known to improve your mood and reduce your stress. An easy way to add lavender to your sleep space is to make a lavender sachet and place it under your pillow to aid in a better sleep. You can use this plant to make oil, make tea and even make a relaxing bath soak!
Want to read more in-depth about lavender? Check out this helpful article - The Relaxing & Heath-Boosting Powers of Lavender
Chamomile
This gorgeous, happy little bloom is one of my favorites to grow! The tiny blooms have been used to treat different physical ailments like insomnia for years. Chamomile contains a chemical compound called apigenin that has a tranquilizing effect when it binds to the receptors in the brain. It can also help with discomfort, mild pain, anxiety and digestive issues. Drinking one cup of chamomile tea before bed can provide a more restful night's sleep.
Learn more about the strong link between chamomile and its nighttime benefits here - Chamomile for Calm and Sleep
Hops
Hops might not be as commonly grown as the lavender and chamomile listed above. So what are hops? Hops are the female flowers from the hop vine plant that is commonly used to make beer have the bitter taste. Hops have been found to help with anxiety and sleep disorders. I grow hops in my garden, and it is vigorous, comes back year after year and is very easy to grow. It is on the bitter side, so when making tea with it, I add in a mix of chamomile and mint. You can also dry some and keep it near you bed.
Want to read more information on hops? Check out this helpful article - Hops: The Ingredient in Beer That Can Help You Sleep
Passion Flower
Studies have shown that passion flower can help with anxiety and insomnia. The flower is known to boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid in your brain. It lowers brain activity that can lead to better relaxation and better sleep. Make a nice delicious cup of tea before bedtime.
Learn more about the benefits of passionflower in this helpful article - Passion Flower Benefits: May Help Anxiety and Insomnia
Time to take some of these herbs you grow to brew tea, make an essential oil, create some sachets and make some bath soaks! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. As always, thank you for reading and happy gardening!
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