The 5 Best Natural Sleep Remedies to Try Tonight [Slideshow]

Valerian Root

Valerian Root has been used since ancient times, and many tout it as an excellent natural sleep remedy. Not only has it been said to aid in natural sleep, but many have found it useful for anxiety relief, too. 

The natural herb is typically sold as pills or capsules. It can be purchased virtually anywhere that sells dietary and vitamin supplements. Talk to your doctor regarding your recommended dose, as it can vary widely from person to person.

Spend Time in the Sun

The sun?! That's for staying awake! While people catch sun during the day, it turns out that it's actually essential to promoting a healthy night's sleep.

Sunlight is essential for helping your body's natural circadian rhythm, which is how your brain knows when it's time to wake up and go to bed. Your hypothalamus gland sends signals letting your body know when it's time to calm down and get some sleep. It also spurs the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Getting enough sunlight during the day helps your body know when nighttime hits that it's time to get some shut-eye.

Melatonin Supplements

If your body is having trouble releasing the hormone, there are melatonin supplements available at almost any drug or grocery store for a natural sleep remedy. Adding a dose of melatonin to your bedtime routine jumpstarts your brain's sleep process. 

Since it's a chemical that's naturally produced in our bodies, it's just about as natural as you can get.

Chamomile

There's a good reason that tea enthusiasts often sip a mug of chamomile tea right before bedtime. The herb is known as a natural sleep remedy. It's been used for hundreds of years to help ease stress, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to sleep receptors in your brain. 

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is often used in aromatherapy and is believed to alleviate stress and promote sleep. The use of lemon balm as a natural sleep remedy dates back centuries. You can try dabbing a lemon balm essential oil on your wrists, spritzing your pillow with a light mist, or using an oil diffuser in your bedroom.

It's also present in some herbal tea blends. One study showed that 42% of participants showed improved sleep patterns after adding lemon balm to their bedtime routines for just two weeks.