6 Unexpected Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep

Do you want to fall asleep faster or improve the quality of your rest, but counting sheep or turning off the T.V isn't working? 

When simple or well-known recommendations don't work, you probably feel at a loss. Sometimes you need to do something more to break the cycle and get yourself some much-needed rest. 

Here are six different things you can do to get a better night's sleep right away. 

1.Sleep Vitamins

Did you know that vitamin and hormone deficiencies might be what's standing between you and sleep? Two of the essential chemical factors in sleep are melatonin and vitamin B6. If you're not sleeping well, your body might need a natural sleep aid from an external source.

Luckily, there are several products designed to help. Try out capsules or gummies that help you sleep for an easy, hassle-free way to get a better night's rest. 

Note that you'll need to use vitamins for at least three weeks to feel the benefits. 

2. Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy, also called essential oil therapy, can be used for various purposes, including insomnia. Each essential oil has different effects, so it's necessary to get it right. 

If you want to use aromatherapy to help you sleep, lavender oil is the best choice. Recent studies have shown that inhaling lavender can cause a faster onset of REM. You could place a lavender oil aroma in your room before bedtime or use lavender spray on your pillow.

3. Drink Cherry Juice Regularly 

Cherry juice is highly beneficial for health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It's also an excellent sleep aid because it contains a natural dose of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. 

For cherry juice to affect your sleep pattern, you need to drink a glass every day over a sustained period. Not only will this help you fall asleep faster, but it could also extend your overall snooze time. 

4. Try Out a Weighted Blanket

Babies love to be swaddled snugly in their blankets because it mimics the comfort and security of the womb and helps them doze off. A similar principle applies to adults too.

Weighted blankets offer a type of deep-touch therapy that promotes better rest. Not only will they make you feel snug and secure, but they also stimulate specific points on the body with touch, which can cause the brain to release melatonin. 

5. Make Banana Tea 

Banana tea is a natural remedy that may help you get that much-needed relaxation. 

How does it work? Banana tea contains many muscle relaxants and sleep-aiding hormones, like: 

• Dopamine
• Tryptophan
• Serotonin

Tryptophan is an amino acid that triggers the release of sleep-regulating hormones like melatonin and serotonin. 

Be sure to use the peel rather than just the inside of the banana when making your tea. That's where most of the compounds you need are! 

6. Restorative Yoga Poses 

There are hundreds of health benefits associated with yoga, but not many people know that practicing yoga can help you fall asleep faster. Restorative yoga poses are like the typical floor-based poses but are held for much longer and can be done with aids such as pillows and supports. 

Restorative yoga can even be done from your bed and is a great way to relax your mind, focus on breathing, and switch off your stress responses. This will help you feel calm and ready for a long, relaxing snooze. 

Bottom Line

Sleeplessness and poor sleep quality harm your physical health and mental wellbeing. If you're struggling to get to sleep, try out these unusual hacks to wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed.