Natural Sleep Aids - 7 Melatonin Alternatives For Sleep

30-Second Takeaway

• Popular melatonin alternatives include CBD, L-theanine, valerian root, and lavender.
• Some experts say that melatonin supplements shouldn't be used for chronic insomnia. Some natural sleep aids can be more effective at treating long-term sleep problems.
• If you struggle to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, consult with your healthcare provider and try using sleep aids without melatonin.

Can you even remember a time when you could fall asleep with ease? Or have those days just completely passed you by? If so, you're definitely not alone - sleep disorders are actually much more common than you think. Luckily, restful sleep is not entirely unattainable!

So, are you interested in learning how to get a restful night's sleep without the help of prescription sleeping pills? There are some effective natural remedies out there that can help you relax, unwind, and catch some Zs.

Keep reading to discover dietary supplements and natural ingredients that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep!

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Natural Melatonin Alternatives

You hear the word "melatonin" all the time, but you might not actually know what it is. Unbeknownst to many, melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that your body produces on its own.

Just like the smell of lavender or a particular lullaby from childhood, melatonin tells our brains and bodies when it's time to sleep. It plays an important role in regulating our sleep cycles.

The melatonin production cycle typically rises in the evening and falls in the morning. But that's not to say that folks haven't experienced daytime sleepiness every now and again.

That's where melatonin supplements come into play.

Whenever the melatonin cycle gets disrupted—say, with jet lag or poor sleep habits—melatonin supplements are used to treat these slumber problems. Melatonin supplements can act as a quality sleep aid for those with trouble falling asleep.

However, supplemental melatonin can still cause you to experience vivid dreams and struggle to "turn off your brain" before bed. So, if you feel groggy from that over-the-counter stuff, consider a natural supplement like the ones we will list below.

There are other things to help you sleep besides melatonin supplements. These natural, plant-based sleep meds can help you get that high-quality REM sleep you've been dreaming of (literally). Keep reading!

#1. Cannabidiol (CBD)

You may have given up on a good night's sleep. But CBD surely hasn't!

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound derived from hemp that is often infused into tinctures, gummies, or topical roll-ons. Studies have found that CBD can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia when used alone or even alongside THC.

Based on various trials and research, it's easy to see the effectiveness of CBD in reducing sleep latency and improving overall sleep quality. Studies show that CBD users have experienced a 66.7% improvement in sleep quality in the first month.

Our Sleep and Soothe Gummies are infused with full-spectrum hemp extract and other natural ingredients like L-theanine. Together, these therapeutic remedies create the ultimate "chill pill" and help induce full-bodied relaxation.

You won't experience unwanted drowsiness - just be prepared to be blissfully lulled to sleep with the sweet taste of natural raspberry on your tongue. 

#2. L-Theanine

As previously mentioned, L-theanine is a natural ingredient believed to affect the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which can influence mood and sleep (that's why we included this powerhouse ingredient in our Sleep and Soothe Gummies.)

Research has shown that L-theanine sleep supplements can help improve overall sleep quality, although more research is needed to back up these claims. Regardless, this plant-based ingredient has become fairly popular in the wellness world.

Some animal studies have also shown it may be even more effective when combined with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid.)

#3. Valerian Root Extract

Maybe you've heard of valerian root for sleep before, as it's known to help treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, or menopause. The valerian plant stands out from the rest, as it has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It offers a natural and well-tested alternative to your over-the-counter sleep aid, often used today as a natural sleep supplement.

For a relaxing evening in, indulge in a bar of our Delta 8 THC Chocolate Dream. This CBD- and valerian root-infused dark chocolate is creamy and sweet, allowing you to unwind while treating your tastebuds.

#4. Glycine

There's a sweet (and sleepy) little amino acid called glycine that is known to play an important role in the nervous system. Studies have shown this popular sleep aid can help you stay asleep if you usually wake up multiple times in the night.

Aside from improved sleep quality, folks have also reported feeling less fatigued the next morning after taking glycine supplements.

#5. Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural mineral that has been shown to help quiet the mind and body. It's well-known for its relaxing qualities and can support a healthy nervous system, enhance brain function, and improve sleep quality.

If you’re looking for a multi-benefit supplement, magnesium not only aids sleep but also supports overall health.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of processes within the body, and studies suggest that it can help regulate melatonin production. Many supplements with magnesium also contain other sleep-promoting ingredients like glycine or melatonin, though you can also obtain magnesium through a well-rounded diet.

#6. Lavender

If you've never been soothed to sleep by the smell of lavender, then you've been missing out! This delicate purple flower grows all over the world, and its relaxing fragrance may enhance sleep.

Additionally, lavender oil has been shown to positively affect those with mild insomnia. Some even advocate the use of lavender supplements as a sleep aid over melatonin.

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#7. Passionflower

If you're passionate about deep sleep, you'd better try out passionflower. Passionflower is a popular herbal remedy for insomnia and can help you get the good night's sleep you've been after for so long.

However, this calming effect seems to depend on how the passionflower is consumed. When brewed as a tea, passionflower has been found to improve the quality of sleep, similar to melatonin. Passionflower can also be consumed as an extract or in capsule form.

As always, studies are still ongoing, but passionflower continues to provide a much-needed reprieve.

The Bottom Line

Sleep is definitely one of the things we take for granted when it's going well. But can you recall the last time you slept through the night and felt wholly refreshed and fulfilled the next morning?

If that memory's far off, don't worry about it for too long. These melatonin alternatives are here to take the stress of relaxation away!

Home remedies, natural alternatives, and herbal supplements offer a natural way to tap into our bodies' regulating systems. So, it only makes sense that supplements like CBD, lavender, magnesium, and more are here to help you ease into sleep. There are even other options that aren't listed, such as chamomile tea and tart cherry juice.

It's time to wake up ready for the day, able to conquer everything!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good natural sleep aid?

Discovering alternatives to melatonin that work for you can take time. Often, it comes down to personal preference. Our list of tried-and-true natural sleep aids offers maximum benefits and limited potential side effects so that you can finally experience deep, uninterrupted, and fulfilling sleep.

Natural sleep aids, like CBD or lavender, are soothing and uplifting and don't leave you feeling groggy.

Is magnesium better than melatonin?

Though both melatonin and magnesium supplements can be effective sleep medications, magnesium may be the better choice for long-term use. Though there is a lack of research, magnesium is generally considered safe for use as directed over a longer period of time.

Are natural sleep aids safe? Are natural sleep aids safer to use than prescription sleep aids?

The short answer is yes. Supplements derived from natural active ingredients are much safer than any type of prescription drug. But even still, it's important to always dot your i's and cross your t's.

And by that, we mean this: Always do your research and choose quality products from reputable brands. Also, keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate herbal supplements. Note that most of these melatonin alternatives are only intended for short-term use (even melatonin itself.)

If you have questions about ongoing sleep problems, always consult with a healthcare professional first. Then, test out melatonin alternatives like our Delta 9 gummies with as much information about them going forward.

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