Sleep is such a vital part of your overall well-being – do a quick check-in!

• Are you sleeping as much as you should be?
• Too much or not enough?
• Are you sleeping through the night or waking up multiple times?

There are many sleep aids that can help you sleep through the night – Melatonin, Valerian, 5-HTP, L-Theanine, or Phosphatidyl Serine are all great considerations in a treatment plan for a patient.  Your insomnia could be related to high cortisol at night or poor sleep hygiene. The supplement your Naturopathic Doctor chooses is based on your symptoms!

Some people take melatonin supplements to aid their sleep, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, a seizure or autoimmune disorder, don’t take it. Always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement!

If you’d like to naturally work with your body’s hormone levels, try limiting your use of electronics at nighttime. Stop using your computer, tablet, and cellphone at least an hour before bed, and put them in a place that won’t tempt you to open them. If you’re watching television, stay at least six feet away from it.

Another sleep hygiene tip: go out and get some sunlight! Spring is upon us and the weather is beautiful. Get some early morning and late afternoon rays. This is a perfect excuse to exercise, which will also help tire your body out.

If you’re hooked on caffeine, limit it to morning use. Caffeine can stay in your body for more than five hours, so decide when to stop drinking it during the day in order to sleep better. If you’re looking for a step down from coffee, try a caffeinated tea and slowly move to a decaf tea. Believe me, there are plenty of flavors to choose from, so it really isn’t a death sentence! You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you quit cold-turkey. Because of this, it’s better if you decrease the amount of caffeine over time.

If you regularly feel tired or sluggish, you might have an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Consult with your Naturopathic Doctor to see what sleep aid would most benefit you. With the right treatment plan, you should have high energy levels and sleep soundly.

Sweet dreams!