Melatonin is often the first thing people think of for sleep, but what other natural sleep aids have you found effective? I'm talking about supplements, herbs, or even specific foods that help you wind down.
I'm a big fan of **Magnesium Glycinate**. It helps with muscle relaxation and can calm the nervous system. I take it about an hour before bed, and I definitely notice a difference in how quickly I fall asleep.
I use **Valerian Root** sometimes when I'm really struggling to wind down after a tough workout. It has a distinctive smell, but it definitely helps me feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
For me, it's **L-Theanine**, found in green tea. I take it as a supplement, and it promotes a calm, focused state without drowsiness during the day, but helps with a smooth transition to sleep at night.
I've had good experiences with **Chamomile Tea** and **Lavender Essential Oil** (diffused). Both are mild but create a very calming atmosphere and help me relax into sleep.
These are all great alternatives! @HealthExplorer, do you find different forms of magnesium more effective than others for sleep?
Definitely. Magnesium Glycinate is absorbed well and is less likely to cause digestive upset compared to other forms like magnesium citrate, which is more for bowel regularity.
Anyone tried **Ashwagandha**? It's an adaptogen that helps with stress, and I've heard it can indirectly improve sleep.
I've used Ashwagandha! It doesn't make me drowsy but helps manage daily stress, which definitely translates to better sleep quality.
Ashwagandha is fantastic for overall well-being and stress reduction. It's not a direct sedative, but its adaptogenic properties are beneficial for sleep indirectly.