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Best Natural Sleep Aids

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Natural sleep aids are dietary and herbal supplements designed to help relieve insomnia in cases of temporary sleeplessness, such as jet lag. They can also be helpful in resetting the circadian clock in confirmed sleep disorders, such as circadian rhythm disorders or delayed sleep phase syndrome.

Because they’re made from natural ingredients, natural sleep aids have fewer and less intense side effects than over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription drugs. However, they’re not regulated by the FDA the way medications are, which means it’s up to buyers to research ingredients and follow safe use guidelines.

A bottle costs between $8 to $25, depending on supplement count. Check out reviews of the top-rated natural sleep aids below, and then read our buyer’s guide to learn answers to the top frequently asked questions people have about natural sleep aids.

Best Natural Sleep Aids

Best Natural Sleep Aids – Reviewed

Best OverallGood Pharma Rest Assured

Best Overall – Good Pharma Rest Assured

Highlights

  • Ingredients: Jujube seed, Poria mushroom, passionflower, holy basil, anemarrhena root, Sichuan lovage root, ashwagandha, Chinese licorice root, lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemongrass
  • Count: 7 infusers
  • Dose: 1 infuser
  • Age: 13 and older
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Best OverallGood Pharma Rest Assured

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Good Pharma Rest Assured is an herbal tea designed to promote restful sleep. We recommend this product to customers seeking a warm sleep-promoting drink that doesn’t contain melatonin.

The Rest Assured tea’s main feature is a medicinal herb blend often used in traditional Chinese medicine called Suan Zao Ren. This blend contains five herbs, jujube seed, Poria mushroom, Sichuan lovage root, anemarrhena root, and licorice root, meant to improve sleep. These herbs are paired with others said to reduce anxiety, like passionflower and ashwagandha. Meanwhile, lemon myrtle, lemon balm, lemon verbena, and lemongrass give the tea a citrusy taste that should appeal to most people. The tea is considered safe for anyone over the age of 13.

To maximize the tea’s benefits, steep one infuser in 12 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes. The infuser features paper hooks that attach to your cup of choice for easy steeping. Good Pharma recommends composting the infuser and the leftover herbs and storing unused packages in a cool and dry place.

Best Kid-Safe PickZarbee's Naturals Children's Sleep Chewable Tablet with Melatonin

Best Kid-Safe Pick – Zarbee's Naturals Children's Sleep Chewable Tablet with Melatonin

Highlights

  • Ingredients: Melatonin
  • Count: 50 chewable tablets
  • Dose: 1 mg tablet for 3-5 years, 2 tablets for 6-12 years, 3 tablets for 12+ years
  • Age: 3 years and up
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Best Kid-Safe PickZarbee's Naturals Children's Sleep Chewable Tablet with Melatonin

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Instead of being a pill that’s literally tough to swallow, Zarbee’s Naturals is a chewable tablet, making it more palatable for kids. Zarbee’s Sleep is also available in both grape and mixed fruit flavors, to suit discerning tastes.

Despite the sweet taste, parents will appreciate that it’s gluten-free and made without high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors or sweeteners. Zarbee’s Naturals was founded by a pediatrician who wanted to create more USA-made natural, healthy options for kids.

Depending on your child’s age and their pediatrician’s recommendation, they can take between 1 to 3 tablets, which are all 1 mg each, to help them sleep.

Best Melatonin-Only SupplementNature Made Melatonin

Best Melatonin-Only Supplement – Nature Made Melatonin

Highlights

  • Ingredients: Melatonin
  • Count: 50 chewable tablets
  • Dose: 1 mg tablet for 3-5 years, 2 tablets for 6-12 years, 3 tablets for 12+ years
  • Age: 3 years and up
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Best Melatonin-Only SupplementNature Made Melatonin

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For just a straightforward melatonin supplement, Nature Made’s Melatonin is a solid option. It’s available in a 3 mg tablet, which is an average dose for most adults experiencing jet lag. There are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or color added. From their decades-long tenure in the supplement industry, Nature Made is trusted to reliably source their products and ensure the quality of their ingredients.

Unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, Nature Made does not recommend their melatonin supplement be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, or individuals with hypertension, diabetes, endocrine, autoimmune, depressive, breeding, or seizure disorders.

Best High-Dose MelatoninVitafusion Extra Strength Melatonin

Best High-Dose Melatonin – Vitafusion Extra Strength Melatonin

Highlights

  • Ingredients: 5 mg melatonin
  • Count: 120 gummies
  • Dose: 2 gummies
  • Age: 18 and up
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Best High-Dose MelatoninVitafusion Extra Strength Melatonin

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Vitafusion Extra Strength Melatonin should be used in cases where you have been advised to take a higher dosage, or you are dealing with an extreme case of jet lag. The gummy has a natural blackberry flavor, and is free of gluten, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavors.

Note that at 5 mg, Vitafusion’s gummy is one of the highest recommended doses of melatonin. You should definitely not start out with this, unless you have been advised to take a higher dosage. If that describes you, this is a more affordable way of getting your sleep supplements from a single bottle, as each individual dose packs a larger punch. Of course, you can also halve the dosage by only taking 1 gummy instead of 2.

Best Low-Dose MelatoninMicro Melatonin by Utzy Naturals

Best Low-Dose Melatonin – Micro Melatonin by Utzy Naturals

Highlights

  • Ingredients: 100 mg sour cherry powder, 250 mcg melatonin
  • Count: 90 tablets
  • Dose: 1 tablet 30 minutes before bed
  • Age: 18 and up
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Best Low-Dose MelatoninMicro Melatonin by Utzy Naturals

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Sleep experts consistently recommend starting melatonin with the lowest dose. There’s no need to overdo it on a natural sleep aid. Sometimes all you need is a small boost of melatonin, and several studies show that doses as low as 0.1 to 0.3mg are effective for inducing sleep.

At 250 mcg, Utzy Naturals Micro Melatonin falls right in that sweet spot. By selecting a low-dose melatonin, you avoid having to invest in a pill cutter and awkwardly chop down smaller doses. The small tablet also allows for more precise dosing, in 250 mcg increments.

The sour cherry in the quick dissolve tablet isn’t just there for flavor, either. According to research, tart cherry juice promotes your body’s natural melatonin production.

Best Valerian SupplementLuna Natural Sleep Aid by Nested Naturals

Best Valerian Supplement – Luna Natural Sleep Aid by Nested Naturals

Highlights

  • Ingredients: 10 mg magnesium, 200 mg L-theanine, 150 mb valerian root extract, 150 mg chamomile extract, 100 mg passion flower extract, 100 mg lemon balm extract, 100 mg hops extract, 100 mg GABA, 6 mg melatonin
  • Count: 30 capsules
  • Dose: 2 capsules 30 to 60 minutes before bed
  • Age: 18 and up
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Best Valerian SupplementLuna Natural Sleep Aid by Nested Naturals

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The Luna sleep aid by Nested Naturals packs a large punch. This natural sleep aid includes both melatonin and valerian root, magnesium, amino acids GABA and L-theanine, as well as sleep-promoting herbs like chamomile, passion flower, lemon balm, and hops.

This combination will not only calm your nerves and relax your body, inducing sleep, but it will also help you stay restfully asleep for longer.

However, it should be noted that many of the amounts of the ingredients are on the higher side, such as 6 mg melatonin, so a half dose of 1 capsule may be a better place to start. The Luna capsules are vegan, non-GMO, gluten- and soy-free, and made in the USA.

Best Sleep DrinkSom Sleep

Best Sleep Drink – Som Sleep

Highlights

  • Ingredients: L-theanine, GABA, melatonin, water, cane sugar, erythritol, natural flavors, citric acid, magnesium citrate, stevia leaf extract, pyridoxine hydrochloride
  • Count: 12 or 24 cans
  • Dose: One 8.1 oz can 30 minutes before bed
  • Age: 18 and up

Best Sleep DrinkSom Sleep

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Som Sleep combines 3 mg of melatonin with a proprietary blend of L-theanine and GABA along with 2 mg of vitamin B6 and 40 mg of magnesium to create a sleep-inducing beverage they recommend drinking 30 minutes prior to bedtime. The beverage does not contain any soy, caffeine, gluten, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavorings. It is also certified to be free of GMO ingredients and is vegan.

Som Sleep is berry flavored and is not carbonated. They also offer Som Sleep Zero, which replaces the cane sugar with monk fruit extract for those who are on a Keto diet or otherwise restricting their sugar intake.

Som Sleep does not recommend the use of their product to those who are pregnant or nursing. Customers can purchase the beverages in packs of either 12 or 24 cans. The company also offers a 20% discount for customers who sign up for a monthly subscription. They ship for free within the contiguous U.S., and customers in Alaska and Hawaii can order via Amazon. The beverage is also sold in a variety of brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Wal-Mart.

Buying Guide – How to Shop for Natural Sleep Aids

Natural sleep aids contain different ingredients, which may or may not be particularly helpful to you if you’re using them to help you sleep. Read through the following buyer’s guide to understand more about how natural sleep aids work.

What Are Natural Sleep Aids?

Natural sleep supplements contain natural, dietary and herbal ingredients that have been shown to aid in relaxation or sleep. They are distinct from both over-the-counter sleep aids, which are usually antihistamine medications, and prescription sleeping pills, which are doxepin and zolpidem drugs requiring a prescription.

Natural sleep supplements are similar to OTC sleep aids in that neither has been proven effective as a long-term treatment for insomnia. Both are designed as a temporary solution to treat short-term sleeplessness, such as that experienced during jet lag. Prescription sleep medication, on the other hand, is prescribed for chronic insomnia. It has the strongest—at times dangerous—side effects, which is why these sleeping pills require a prescription.

Many people prefer natural sleep supplements over OTC sleep aids because they have a lower chemical content and a lower risk of overdose or dependence. For example, it’s not possible to overdose on melatonin, although if you take too much you will experience uncomfortable side effects, such as headaches or stomach cramps. Natural sleep aids are also considered safe to use for a wider range of people than OTC sleep aids, simply because they have less chemicals.

In this guide, we’re focusing on natural sleep aids exclusively. To learn more about other options, visit our guides to Prescription Sleep Medications and the Best OTC Sleep Aids.

Types of Natural Sleep Aids

Natural sleep supplements contain naturally-sourced ingredients that induce sleep. When you shop for natural sleep aids, you may find the below ingredients available as individual supplements, or combined with others as part of a formula.

Melatonin

Melatonin is the so-called “sleep hormone.” Your brain naturally produces melatonin in the evening, as a signal for your body to start falling asleep.

However, because we spend so much time flooding our brains with artificial light (through indoor lighting and tech devices), exercising late at night, and doing other, non-sleep-promoting activities, our natural melatonin production can become delayed.

This is a particular problem for shift workers, who have to sleep during a time their brain recognizes as daytime. Delayed melatonin production is a common side effect of jet lag, too, as we travel across time zones and our body become out of synch with our external environment.

A melatonin supplement helps correct these circadian disruptions, by giving your melatonin production a boost. A meta-analysis of 35 studies involving melatonin deemed it effective for relieving temporary insomnia, especially related to jet lag. Another meta-analysis of 19 studies found that melatonin is effective for decreasing the amount of time falling asleep (sleep onset latency), increasing the total amount of sleep time, and improving sleep quality.

Melatonin supplements are generally regarded as safe, given that you follow dosage guidelines. Dosage varies between 0.1 to 5 mg depending on the severity of the individual’s sleeplessness, their age, and other health conditions.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is an herb that’s been popularly used for decades in the US and Europe to help with sleep.

Despite its popularity, conclusions are mixed as to its effectiveness. A 2006 review of 16 studies and a later 2010 meta-analysis both found that while all studies had participants who rated their sleep onset and quality as improved, these assessments were subjective. Whether this sense of sleep improvement is caused by a placebo effect or the valerian root itself is unknown.

If an individual experiences side effects from valerian root, they are generally minor, like dizziness.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to have calming effects, which make it easier for restless minds and bodies to fall and stay asleep. Like melatonin, the human body naturally produces magnesium (50% of it lives in our bone) and the mineral is present in many of the foods we eat.

Beyond its calming effects, the reason magnesium is effective as a sleep aid is due to its effect on two other elements in the brain. It seems to have a stabilizing effect on melatonin, and it also increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) messengers in the brain, calming the brain.

Studies of individuals with magnesium deficiency have noted the presence of insomnia, while other studies have documented sleep improvements in sleep-troubled older adults by providing them with magnesium supplements.

Plant Extracts and Herbs

Melatonin, valerian root, and magnesium are the most common ingredients you’ll find in natural sleep aids. Beyond that, many sleep aid formulas include a variety of the below plant extracts to promote calm and relaxation.

  • Lavender is commonly used to treat insomnia as an aromatherapy oil. It’s the most effective essential oil for sleep, with multiple studies proving its efficacy to be on par with traditional sleep medications and 14-24% improvements over a placebo. Lavender also helps relieve anxiety, which itself often goes hand in hand with insomnia. However, lavender in supplement form is still being evaluated for both safety and effectiveness. For some, side effects have included nausea and stomach pain, and for boys, prepubertal gynecomastia when the oil was topically applied.
  • Passion flower is another plant that’s associated with better sleep. However, like lavender, its supplement form appears to be less effective than other versions (passion flower tea, for example, provides a mild subjective improvement in sleep quality). No adverse side effects have been noted, and it appears safe, although it may have more of a placebo effect on sleep.
  • St. John’s Wort is an herb. As lavender helps relieve comorbid anxiety, St. John’s Wort appears to relieve comorbid depression. St. John’s Wort also stimulates GABA receptors in the brain, facilitating calmness and sleep. The side effects of St. John’s Wort include dizziness, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal distress.
  • Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that’s often consumed as a bedtime tea. It relieves both anxiety and depression, and varying studies have found it to either improve daytime functioning or hasten sleep onset.
  • Ginkgo biloba is a natural herb that relieves stress through a calming effect. While one study didn’t find objective improvements, participants subjectively reported better sleep quality. And another study found objective improvements in sleep among those with depression.
  • Lemon balm is a minty plant that may have a positive effect on the GABA receptors in your brain. It tends to perform especially well when combined with valerian root.
  • Kava, or kava-kava, is a plant extract from the Pacific islands. While kava has been shown to relieve stress-related insomnia and shorten sleep onset, side effects range from mild dizziness to liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Avoid sleep aids that contain kava, unless your doctor has specifically prescribed them.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that aid your body’s natural processes, such as sleep. Natural sleep aids include these to help facilitate melatonin production.

Glycine is an amino acid that may play a role in sleep onset by lowering your body temperature at night. Like melatonin, people may take glycine supplements to begin this process earlier. Studies have shown 3 gram glycine supplements to both improve daytime alertness and quicken sleep onset. To naturally boost your glycine levels, you’ll find it as an ingredient in many sleep-promoting foods.

Tryptophan is another amino acid. It’s involved in serotonin production, the happiness hormone, as well as melatonin. Small doses of tryptophan have been shown to both boost mood and help people fall asleep faster.

L-Theanine is an amino acid that relieves anxiety and promotes relaxation conducive to sleep. One study found that a 400mg dose was effective in improving sleep quality among boys with ADHD.

CBD Oil

Found in cannabis plants, cannabidioil (CBD) is one of the most rapidly growing wellness products on the market. As marijuana legalization continues throughout the country, researchers are discovering more and more ways that CBD can provide aid with sleep issues, appetite loss, and pain management.

Although CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it can easily be extracted with little to no trace elements of THC. This means that pure CBD oil carries no psychoactive effects, so you can use it without getting the sensation of being “high”

CBD has been proven to be a highly effective sleep aid. Though more research is needed, existing studies have shown CBD to improve sleep by regulating sleep patterns, alleviating pain, and reducing stress. Additionally, mounting evidence has suggested CBD helps with anxiety, depression and PTSD— all mental conditions that often affect sleep.

Two of the main benefits of CBD are its ease-of-use and fast-acting effects. If you’re using it in oil form, administering it is as easy as dropping a dose under your tongue or mixing it in with a juice or smoothie. CBD is also available in a variety of forms including gummies, topicals, capsules and more.

CBD oil is generally sold under two categories, pure CBD (virtually no THC) and full-spectrum (includes THC). If the oil retains any THC, it can only be sold within the 30 states where marijuana is legalized for medical or recreational use. Without significant amounts of CBD, it can be sold in all the other states except for a select few.

Though several studies shown CBD to be a promising sleep aid, more research is needed to show the full depth of its effects. As with any sleep aid, we recommend you talk with your doctor about the best ways to relieve your insomnia or other sleep disorders before trying CBD.

Safety and Side Effects

Are Natural Sleep Aids Safe?

Fortunately, a large body of research has been conducted regarding both the effectiveness and the minimal side effects of using natural sleep aids to relieve temporary insomnia. However, we don’t yet have evidence on the effects of long-term use of natural sleep aids.

And because natural sleep aids are classified as dietary or herbal supplements, they’re not regulated by the FDA the same way medications are. That means manufacturers are under no obligation to meet safety or effectiveness regulations, or that a word used on one label means the same thing as when it’s used on an another.

Because there is less regulation, and a lot of manufacturers who want to take advantage of a consumer need, it is up to you to research natural sleep aids before purchasing them. Fortunately, you are already doing that by reading this guide.

Many people prefer to use natural sleep aids because they have less artificial ingredients and help one live a clean lifestyle. Generally, natural sleep aids have fewer and less extreme side effects than OTC sleep aids and prescription sleeping pills.

However, just because a sleep aid is natural does not mean it is guaranteed to be safe for you. Some herbal supplements can have adverse side effects for some people, as we outlined above under each natural sleep aid.

In particular, some groups of people need to take extra caution with natural sleep aids, such as pregnant women, children, and anyone taking other medication. For example, melatonin can interfere with the effectiveness of certain antidepressants or blood pressure medications.

If you fall into one of these risk groups, you should talk to your doctor first before taking a natural sleep supplement. Based on your medication and health condition, they will advise you on whether or not a particular sleep aid is safe for you, and how you may need to adjust the dosage.

To be as safe as possible, always review the ingredients of any natural sleep aid you purchase and follow the instructions for safe use. Avoid natural sleep aids if you fall into one of the risk groups above, and speak to your doctor if you have any questions. Finally, never combine natural sleep aids with other sedative medications or alcohol.

Side Effects of Natural Sleep Aids

Besides sleepiness, which is the desired effect, natural sleep aids may cause some mild side effects. Alternately, some people may find that while the sleep aids appears to help them fall asleep faster, they still have trouble staying asleep.

Arguably, one of the largest risks of taking natural sleep aids is the dependence that can develop. Although not as extreme as can happen with over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription sleeping pills, if you fall into a habit of taking natural sleep aids on an everyday basis to help you fall asleep, you may develop a dependence on the sleep aid.

Over time, you may not be able to fall asleep without them. When you try to stop taking natural sleep aids after an extended period, you may experience a rebound insomnia. Natural sleep aids are most effective when used on a short-term basis, such as when you’re coping with jet lag or the discomfort of temporary congestion from an illness.

How Can I Use Natural Sleep Aids Safely?

Although taking a sleep aid can be helpful, it’s not a permanent remedy to help with sleep loss. Before relying on a natural sleep aid or prescription medicine you should try out the basic techniques below to improve your sleep hygiene and increase rest.

Know how much sleep you need: Everyone is different, but most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep per night. Once you know your body requirement it can be difficult above or below that amount of rest. Strive to settle in at the same time every day.

Go to bed at the same time every night and follow a bedtime routine: When you go to sleep at the same time each day you will eventually establish a routine your body craves. You’ll get used to early nights and restful slumbers, so treat your body to a healthy rest every night.

Find a dark and cool place to sleep: Waking up in a sweat can make you feel either hot or cold. Either way it’s uncomfortable. A cool and dark place will help you rest without the disturbance of temperature fluctuations and light disruptions.

Dedicate your bed only to sleep and sex: Although the bedroom can feel like a place to unwind and let go, you should reserve your bedtime activity to only sleep and sex. Any other activities can be disruptive and negate the rest your bed provides.

Limit screen time: Turn off all devices including phones and computers at least one hour before bedtime. Even if you’re watching a relaxing show the blue light omitted from these devices is the strongest light that also resembles the light of day. You’ll find it hard to rest when your brain is told to wake up.

Eat well, exercise, and get sunshine during the day: Exercise does your body good, wears you out, expends calories, and can even improve your mood. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day and make the routine daily. Your body will begin to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

Avoid substances like caffeine and alcohol before bed: It might seem counter-intuitive, but alcohol can disrupt sleep just the same way the caffeine and soft drinks can. Avoid ingesting any caffeinated beverages before bedtime and opt for either water, herbal tea, or a glass of warm milk to get into the sleep zone.

Dosage and Supplement Form

Supplement Form

Most commonly, natural sleep aids are available as swallowable pills or tablets. You’ll also find powders or chewable tablet options.

More recently, some sleep aid manufacturers have produced supplements in gummy form. These will have a natural flavor, so they’re sweeter-tasting and fun to chew, but you will get some extra calories and sugars as a result of taking these supplements.

Dosage Recommendations

The effectiveness of certain sleep aids depends on the individual sleep aid as well as the individual. Further, some sleep aids require a significantly higher dosage than others, which is why it’s essential that you always read and follow the dosage guidelines provided by the sleep aid manufacturer.

Because they have fewer side effects than prescription sleeping pills and even over-the-counter sleep aids, it can be safe to take natural sleep aids for a longer period of time. For example, it’s generally considered safe to take valerian for up to 6 weeks at a time, and some believe it’s actually more effective when taken over a longer period of time.

However, natural sleep aids are not designed to be a long-term solution to insomnia. If you have a chronic inability to fall or stay asleep, you may have a sleep disorder. Taking natural sleep aids will prevent you from getting the treatment you need as long as you continue using the sleep aids as a band-aid solution.

Important Shopping Considerations for Natural Sleep Aids

Can You Take Sleep Aids While Pregnant?

Because a baseline of studies has not yet been performed to determine how melatonin affects a pregnant woman or fetuses, it’s generally not recommended that you take melatonin while you’re pregnant. Instead, try implementing the behavioral techniques we discuss below, and review our guide to sleep tips during pregnancy.

Are Natural Sleep Aids Safe for Children?

Children under 3 should not take melatonin or other natural sleep supplements. Past age 3, the question of safety varies with each supplement. Certain supplements are developed with lower, safer doses ideal for children. Others will explicitly state on the label whether or not they’re safe for children under 18.

As with adults, older children should start with the lowest recommended dosage and increase it gradually, under a doctor’s guidance.

Regardless of which natural sleep aid you are using for your child, your best bet is to speak with your doctor first, even if you’re planning to use the supplement for temporary relief from jet lag-induced insomnia.

Natural sleep aids like melatonin can help children with certain sleep disorders and issues, but you want to ensure you get the underlying condition diagnosed first—especially if you believe your child has insomnia. Sometimes behavior that parents view asan issue is totally normal. For more guidance about what’s considered “healthy” sleep for kids, review our Parent’s Guide to Healthy Sleep.

And, as we’ve stated above, to date there are no studies proving the efficacy or safety of using natural sleep aids on a long-term basis. For that reason, it’s best to speak to your doctor first before giving your child a natural sleep supplement, and to plan to use it on a temporary basis, unless otherwise prescribed.

What Time Should You Take Natural Sleep Aids?

For the best time to take your particular natural sleep aid, review and follow the instructions on the label. Typically, the recommendation will be to take the dose sometime between 30 minutes to 2 hours before you’d like to fall asleep.

Tips for Improving Sleep Hygiene

Although taking a sleep aid can be helpful, it’s not a permanent remedy to help with sleep loss. Before relying on a natural sleep aid or prescription medicine you should try out the basic techniques below to improve your sleep hygiene and increase rest.

Know how much sleep you need: Everyone is different, but most adults need at least 7-8 hours of sound sleep per night. Once you know your body requirement it can be difficult above or below that amount of rest. Strive to settle in at the same time every day.

Go to bed at the same time every night and follow a bedtime routine: When you go to sleep at the same time each day you will eventually establish a routine your body craves. You’ll get used to early nights and restful slumbers, so treat your body to a healthy rest every night.

Find a dark and cool place to sleep: Waking up in a sweat can make you feel either hot or cold. Either way it’s uncomfortable. A cool and dark place will help you rest without the disturbance of temperature fluctuations and light disruptions.

Dedicate your bed only to sleep and sex: Although the bedroom can feel like a place to unwind and let go, you should reserve your bedtime activity to only sleep and sex. Any other activities can be disruptive and negate the rest your bed provides.

Limit screen time: Turn off all devices including phones and computers at least one hour before bedtime. Even if you’re watching a relaxing show the blue light omitted from these devices is the strongest light that also resembles the light of day. You’ll find it hard to rest when your brain is told to wake up.

Eat well, exercise, and get sunshine during the day: Exercise does your body good, wears you out, expends calories, and can even improve your mood. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day and make the routine daily. Your body will begin to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

Avoid substances like caffeine and alcohol before bed: It might seem counter-intuitive, but alcohol can disrupt sleep just the same way the caffeine and soft drinks can. Avoid ingesting any caffeinated beverages before bedtime and opt for either water, herbal tea, or a glass of warm milk to get into the sleep zone.

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