Sleep is easily underestimated. However, when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and mind, a good night’s slumber is one of the most productive things we can do. That said, most of us don’t get anywhere near enough sleep on a regular basis. Stress, chores, bad diets, lack of exercise, and long working hours can all be a factor. For that reason, it’s important to adopt healthy sleep hygiene. But there are also some great herbal sleep aids on the market to help you drift off.
The importance of sleep
We know that sleep is incredibly important as it allows our bodies time to recover from the day. But how much sleep do adults need?
Studies have found that the optimal amount for an adult is more than 7 hours of sleep per night . That said, most British adults only tend to get an average of around 5-6 hours. It’s no surprise then that sleep supplements are so popular in the UK.
What is a sleep supplement?
A sleep supplement is a product taken daily to help encourage a healthy night’s rest. Unlike prescription sleeping pills, they tend to be herbal or based on traditional medicines. In addition, they usually provide a more natural benefit for sleep.
Herbal remedies can include a huge range of ingredients, including CBD, valerian root, chamomile and 5-HTP, all of which help to promote sleep in different ways.
If you’re looking for natural sleeping remedies but don’t know where to start, we hear you. Here, British organic CBD brand Evopure explains everything you need to know about choosing and using sleep supplements. But first, let’s take a look at the best sleep aids available in the UK right now.
7 herbal sleep aids UK
Using CBD for sleep is certainly growing in popularity. While there are some great options on the market, its popularity has led to a lot of low quality ones too. Some are made with poor quality CBD, a low dosage or even no CBD at all. Others may feature CBD alone without the other cannabinoids needed to experience the full benefit. Some imported from abroad may even contain THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in recreational cannabis.
For that reason, it’s important to select a high-quality CBD oil for sleep that comes from a trusted source. Evopure’s Sleep Broad Spectrum CBD oil is made in the UK from organically grown, high-quality hemp. This means it contains all of the cannabinoids needed to experience the full wellness-boosting benefits of CBD oil. It’s also THC-free, and lab test results are provided on the website, making it both high quality and safe.
Add in sustainably grown practices and this is an easy choice for the best CBD oil in the UK. Better yet, this sleep blend includes passiflora extract and a blend of organic relaxation-inducing terpenes. These work together with the cannabinoids to make a quick-acting herbal sleep aid with no significant risk of side effects.
Studies show that magnesium supplementation can improve aspects of insomnia such as sleep efficiency and sleep time.
While magnesium is found in some foods, evidence suggests that magnesium deficiency is a common and under-recognised issue worldwide. In fact, some studies claim that up to 75 percent of adults may not be meeting their recommended daily intake of magnesium .
A magnesium supplement is likely to make a significant difference to your ability to fall asleep, and stay asleep. BetterYou’s magnesium sleep spray contains 75mg magnesium per dose. It also contains lavender and chamomile essential oils, both of which are popular traditional herbal sleep aids.
This vegan sleep supplement features a blend of adaptogens, including 5-HTP, ashwagandha and amino acids. It also includes complementary herbal ingredients such as chamomile. The result is increased relaxation and reduced stress, alongside a boost in melatonin production .
5-HTP itself is the immediate precursor of serotonin, a substance that regulates sleep and mood. What’s more, serotonin can be converted into melatonin, which is also useful in regulating healthy sleep patterns.
The additional botanical ingredients in this blend promote relaxation and remove stress. Meanwhile, the 5-HTP does its thing, ensuring your body has everything it needs to rest and recover effectively.
These natural sleep tablets combine magnesium with 5-HTP, lavender, chamomile and more, to help relax both body and mind.
The formula is suitable for those with a busy lifestyle. It’ll help you to switch off in the increasingly short space of time we tend to get between work and sleep.
Magnesium, 5-HTP and L-theanine all work to reduce stress on the mind. Meanwhile, ashwagandha, chamomile and lavender help to calm the body. The end result is a restful sleep, better energy levels, and an easier awakening in the morning.
Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, this blend of adaptogens is equally beneficial for recovery after a workout.
It packs in turmeric and ginger with cordyceps and reishi mushrooms, which have been found to encourage a healthy night’s sleep.
While there’s no strong evidence to support the sleep-producing benefits of cordyceps, there is evidence that it can increase energy levels and help reduce inflammation. Both of these will help you feel better throughout the day, be more productive and get more out of the sleep you do have.
One of the more unique options, this vegan night-time supplement promotes self-care as much as sleep.
The gel capsules contain valerian root, a traditional herbal remedy that has been used to treat sleep disorders for thousands of years. It also contains hop flower, another herbal extract that has been found to contain benefits for stress and anxiety .
HUM Nutrition has also added ceramides and ferulic acid to promote skin renewal, as well as the antioxidant, CoQ10. Regular supplementation can help you to get a more natural night’s sleep, reduce your stress during the day, and regenerate your skin from the inside.
Form Nutrition’s popular remedy features a unique blend of 5-HTP, magnesium, black pepper and L-theanine. These sleep capsules will give your brain everything it needs to relax and unwind throughout the night, and top you up on magnesium at the same time!
At only £19 per pack, this is great value and a comprehensive way to help manage your insomnia. If these don’t work for you, it could mean you already have enough magnesium and serotonin. That said, over 75% of adults are magnesium deficient, and the stresses of daily life are draining our collective serotonin levels. So, these capsules could be a game changer.
Herbal sleep aids: What you need to know
How to take sleep aids
Sleep aids come in a variety of forms, the most common being capsules. These are often easy to swallow, plus capsules make it easy to control your dosage.
Another common form is sleep gummies. These are great if you are unable to swallow capsules. That said, these aren’t always the healthiest option as they can contain a high amount of sugar.
In the case of CBD, oil drops are the most common and effective form. If you’re not a fan of the natural taste of pure CBD oil, you can also try CBD capsules and snacks.
Finally, herbal sleep teas provide a great opportunity to slow down and de-stress before bed time.
Herbal sleep aid ingredients
The most common ingredients that are considered to be effective sleep aids include CBD oil, magnesium and 5-HTP.
Ashwagandha, lavender & chamomile are also great options. These provide a more gentle effect, and are ideal for supporting the above ingredients while reducing stress.
Can sleep aids reduce anxiety and stress?
Absolutely. In many cases, the relationship between insomnia, and anxiety and stress, is a two-way street. Getting a bad night’s sleep and going to work already feeling drained is not going to help your stress levels.
Most sleep aids either work by giving the body what it needs to relax effectively, or by forcefully relaxing the body and mind in order to remove stress. In both cases, this can help you break out of this cycle, start your day feeling fresh, and manage your workload more easily.
Will sleep aids make me feel drowsy?
Some herbal supplements can make you drowsy, especially if the doses are higher than what you need. With that in mind, look for high-quality herbal sleep aids with effective doses. If you opt for a CBD oil or supplement, choose a broad spectrum blend such as Evopure. This means that it contains zero THC, the cannabinoid known for making people drowsy.
How long should I take herbal sleep aids for?
This depends on the product being used and the severity of your insomnia. In most cases, it’s best to begin by following the manufacturer’s directions.
If after a week or two, you experience no benefit, it may be that you need to try a higher dose for a few days. If this still doesn’t work, then it’s possible that the supplement you’re using isn’t right for you. As always, if your insomnia symptoms are still severe and ongoing after trying more than one supplement, seek medical advice.
