What’s the great equalizer when it comes to being human? The short answer: sleep.
No matter how healthy your habits are, running on fumes wreaks havoc on even the simplest day-to-day tasks. Your mood, stress levels and ability to focus all connect back to sleep quality. When you’re exhausted, it shows up in your nervous system first.
It’s not just about getting a full night of sleep, but a full night of restorative sleep. Not getting the rest your body needs can have a significant impact on the nervous system (which affects how pretty much everything else functions, too).
Below, we’re breaking down what chronic under-rest does to your nervous system, why it can leave you stuck in fight-or-flight and how to gently support deeper, more impactful rest.
How Can You Keep the Nervous System Healthy?
Your nervous system has two primary modes:
- Fight-or-flight (sympathetic)
- Rest-and-digest (parasympathetic)
When you’re well-rested, your body naturally shifts between these two stages. But when your sleep takes a hit, the nervous system can become trapped in a low-grade state of alert (even when there’s no real threat present). If you struggle with sleep, you may be familiar with some of these symptoms:
- Memory issues and trouble focusing
- Physical tension in the jaw and shoulders
- Racing thoughts at night
- Digestive discomfort
- Unable to relax (even when you’re downright exhausted)
All of these symptoms can land the nervous system in fight-or-flight mode, which can lead to chronic stress and anxiety (which then leads to more sleepless nights… Cue the never-ending cycle of exhaustion).
How Can You Get Better Rest?
If you suffer from sleepless nights, the key to improving your sleep quality is stacking small signals of safety that allow your nervous system to slow down. Here are a few ways you can stack the odds in your favor for a better night’s rest.
Exercise regularly
In addition to heart health, longevity and physical fitness, one of the many benefits of staying active is better sleep. This doesn’t mean you need to sign up for bootcamp classes or marathon training. In fact, low-impact movement (like walking or yoga) can be extra effective because it calms the body without overstimulating it.
Optimize your sleep environment
While many people may be lulled to sleep by background television, a dark environment is significantly better for sleep. For the best possible sleep, aim to keep your room dark, quiet and cool. If your room gets a lot of sunshine, consider hanging blackout curtains for optimal sleep.
Sleep supplements
Sometimes, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Natural sleep supplements can be a great way to support nervous system balance and relaxation. Consider supplements such as magnesium, melatonin or other herbs to help your body and mind relax and unwind.†
Always be sure to consult with your doctor before adding anything new to your routine, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or taking other medications.
If your nervous system has been running on overdrive for what feels like too long, gentle, targeted products can help signal to your body that it’s time to unwind. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best natural products to support deeper rest and better sleep quality.
The Best Natural Products to Get Better Rest
If you’ve tried adjusting your routine and still struggle to unwind, these natural products can help gently guide your nervous system to rest.
Vitamins and Supplements for Sleep Support
These triple-action valerian root supplements are formulated to help you fall asleep faster (and stay asleep for longer). Nature Made’s melatonin-free formula provides 200 mg of valerian root extract, a clinically studied ingredient that supports sleep quality.† They’re vegan and made without added colors, artificial flavors, preservatives or gluten, so you can rest easy (literally).
These vegetarian, non-GMO tart cherry extract capsules are made from Montmorency cherries. They support healthy sleep, joint and immune health and help relieve muscle soreness.†
Boiron SleepCalm Tablets Sleep Relief
Boiron’s melatonin-free sleep tablets are a plant-based, homeopathic solution that supports a good night’s sleep without the morning brain fog. They’re made without artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives and offer relief from restlessness and overnight wakeups.
The Best Herbal Sleep Remedies
Native Remedies Good Night Sleep Oral Spray
Native Remedies’ homeopathic sleep spray promotes mental and physical calm, allowing for a better night’s sleep.† This proprietary blend of herbs is designed to safely and effectively provide relief from sleepless nights.
This professional strength herbal formula harnesses the power of herbs like fresh valerian root, chamomile flower, lemon balm and orange peel to promote better, deeper sleep.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Herbal Tea
Traditional Medicinals’ Nighty Night Tea is relaxation in a cup. This sweet herbal blend is caffeine-free, non-GMO, and formulated with soothing herbs like passionflower, chamomile and linden flower to aid in relaxation and better rest. With notes of citrus and spice, this minty tea will provide the relaxation you’ve been craving.
Aromatherapy Products for Deeper Sleep
Badger Organic Sleep Balm Lavender and Bergamot
Badger Organic’s sleep balm uses a cruelty-free and organic blend of Bulgarian lavender, bergamot and balsam fir to promote peace, calm and relaxation from within. This rich balm can be applied to the temples, chest, lips or hands to promote better sleep through the power of aromatherapy.
NOW Essential Oil Blends – Peaceful Sleep
Essential oils can be a powerful tool for promoting better, deeper sleep. Ease into rest with this calming sleep blend, made with cold-pressed and distilled essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, ylang ylang and orange.
Dr Teal’s Sleep Spray with Melatonin & Essential Oils
Dr. Teal’s sleep spray calms the mind and body with melatonin, lavender and chamomile. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested and free of parabens and phthalates. Quickly spritz this soothing formula on the body, pillows, in the shower or use it as a room spray to melt away stress and get a better night’s sleep.
Natural Sleep Products for Kids
As important as rest is for adults, a good night’s sleep is even more imperative for little ones. Here are some sleep products to promote better rest (and help protect their nervous system).
Oilogic Baby Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Vapor Roll-On
Oilogic’s baby-safe blend of lavender and chamomile is diluted with nourishing jojoba and grapeseed oil to help babies and kids ages 3 months and up. This sleep-boosting blend is made without melatonin or harsh chemicals and is gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan and dermatologist-tested.
Siddha Remedies Kids Homeopathic Oral Spray Soothe & Sleep
This homeopathic oral spray combats restlessness and sleep struggles for little ones, helping to reduce nightmares and middle-of-the-night wakeups. Made for ages 2 and up, Siddha Remedies’ sleep spray is made without sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol or GMOs.
Oilogic Baby Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Linen Mist
Bring a sense of calm into your little one’s sleeping environment with Oilogic’s baby sleep mist. This natural blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils is made without harsh chemicals and can be sprayed onto bedding, pajamas, swaddles or stuffed animals before sleep to help your child wind down more easily.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.