HEALTH AND WELLBEING
5 NATURAL WAYS TO GET A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP Struggling to drift off? Liz Connor finds some natural methods for combating those sleepless nights... Despite best intentions to get an early night, most of us know the frustration of your brain kicking into gear just as your head hits the pillow - sabotaging your chances of drifting off peacefully. Having trouble sleeping is extremely common, but while it's sometimes just a temporary blip, for others it can be a chronic problem. The Sleep Health Foundation estimates that a third of us have struggled with insomnia at some point, and recent figures suggest the pandemic has taken a toll on our slumber too. In a survey by King's College London, half of British adults said their sleep had been worse than usual. When a bad night's sleep strikes, it can be tempting to reach for over-the-counter sleeping medication, but doctors warn that these aren't intended for long-term use. Often, it's much kinder on your system to look at holistic options first - good sleep hygiene and having a 'wind-down' routine and set bedtime can all help. And if you're still tossing and turning, here's five natural sleep aids that promise to help you get a better night's sleep...
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1. VALERIAN ROOT Valerian root is touted as a homeopathic way to promote relaxation and help reduce anxiety, and there's some evidence to suggest it can have a positive effect on sleep. The herb comes from a tall flowered plant that's native to northern Asia but is widely available as a tablet supplement - which fans say taking before bed can help promote peaceful sleep. However - it's always recommended to speak to your GP or pharmacist before introducing any new supplements or tablets into your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medication. 2. MAGNESIUM Magnesium is a vital mineral for developing healthy bones and teeth, supporting muscle function and helping reduce groggy morning fatigue - and studies have also found that it may help with broken sleep. Research published in 2012, looking at elderly people with insomnia, found taking a magnesium supplement didn't just improve sleep quality, but was also associated with longer sleep time and drifting off more quickly. We can introduce more magnesium into our diets by eating leafy veg and nuts, but experts warn many people in the Western world are not getting enough.
