The National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) Sleep Awareness Week®, a “weeklong celebration of sleep health,” is March 14 – 20. In addition, the World Sleep Society’s World Sleep Day® falls on March 19. What better time to focus on your bedtime rituals, improve your sleep habits and finally get the seven to nine hours of sleep that healthy adults require each night, according to the NSF?
Tired of counting sheep?
Falling—and staying—asleep can be a challenge for many. A variety of factors, including diet, lack of exercise, physical health conditions (e.g., restless leg syndrome, chronic pain), mental health conditions (e.g., stress, depression) and poor sleep habits (e.g., drinking caffeine before bed, staying up too late) can contribute to a lack of shut eye. And we all know that subpar sleep can lead to a host of potentially harmful effects, including:
- Accidents
- Balance issues
- Decreased immunity
- Decreased sex drive
- High blood pressure
- Impaired concentration
- Increased diabetes risk
- Increased heart disease risk
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
Support from sleep supplements†
If you are among the many who struggle to get a good night’s sleep, you may want to try lifestyle changes, such as practicing stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga), exercising, adhering to a healthful diet, setting a bedtime and avoiding exposure to blue light at night. You may also benefit from taking a sleep supplement. Following are eight supplements to help you get more than 40 winks: *
Windmill Health Products Sleep Soundly Melatonin
Want to “sleep soundly and wake up refreshed?” These fast-acting, non-habit forming tablets contain melatonin, an antioxidant that helps control the “natural sleep-wake cycle.”†
Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray
Just two sprays of this natural sleep aid with white chestnut can “calm your restless mind and put your sleeplessness to bed.” It’s non-habit forming, not to mention gluten free and vegan!†
![Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray | Vitacost.com/blog]( "Bach Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray")
Olly Blackberry Zen Restful Sleep
“Sweet dreams are made of these” fruit-flavored bedtime gummies! Taken 30 minutes before bed, they contain melatonin, calming L-theanine and soothing botanicals, and are free of artificial colors and gluten.†
Natural Vitality Calm Sleep Capsules
As their name implies, these calming capsules, which contain melatonin, L-theanine and GABA, “help replenish the body’s magnesium levels and relax muscles for a good night’s sleep.” Formulated for those aged 13 and older, they are vegetarian, non-GMO project verified and void of artificial colors and flavors, gluten and sugar.†
Mybite Sweet Zzzz® Dark Chocolatey Bite Restful Sleep Support
As tasty as it is effective, this rich, chocolatey sleep aid is “specially formulated with melatonin and L-theanine to help you drift off easily and settle into a deeper slumber.” Each daily bite has just 20 calories and two grams of sugar and contains no artificial colors, flavors, gluten or preservatives.†
Nature’s Way Sleep Tonight™ Cherry Melatonin Drops with L-Theanine & Herbals
“Fall asleep for a more productive tomorrow” with this easy-to-absorb, cherry-flavored liquid sleep supplement! Taken on its own or combined with juice or water, the non-habit forming solution is free of alcohol, artificial flavors, dairy products, gluten, salt, sugar and wheat.
Youtheory Natural Lemon Lime Sleep Nighttime Powder
Ideal for those who suffer from occasional sleeplessness, this flavorful drink mix “offers the possibility of quicker, deeper and more refreshing sleep.” The fast-acting formula, which features amino acids, magnesium and melatonin, can be combined with juice or water a half an hour before bedtime.†
Kore Sleep & Recovery Passion Fruit Easy Melt Sticks
Containing melatonin, L-theanine, GABA and UC-II® collagen, these melt-in-your-mouth sleep sticks are “a great tasting, easy to use nightly supplement to help you fall asleep, recover and wake up feeling refreshed.” They contain no gluten or GMOs, and don’t need to be mixed with water or juice.†
*Always consult a physician prior to taking a new supplement.
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.