We live in a time where resting is seen as slacking off—where having robot level productivity is prioritized over sleeping. There are also tons of other factors that affect our sleeping habits such as anxiety, overthinking, having long to-do lists, etc, but either way, sleep is essential to our wellbeing and how we function. So if you’re having trouble catching some zZz’s, below are 12 different things that may help.

1. Valerian Tea

Valerian is an herb that works to help you relax, reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

It works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to de-stress the mind and body which causes you to fall asleep. Thankfully, there are no adverse side effects like morning drowsiness.

2. Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salt works amazingly well for reducing the feeling of stress and being overwhelmed. Epsom salt, if you didn’t know is also called magnesium sulfate. Good magnesium levels work to boost neurotransmitters by helping to induce sleep and reduce stress. Magnesium also promotes melatonin, which is a natural sleep inducing hormone.

3. ASMR

ASMR emerged as a YouTube trend years ago although it’s been around way before then. It’s been known to help people sleep because it causes a pleasurable tingle from the base of the head which travels down the body. The sensation causes people to feel relaxed which allows them to fall asleep easier.

4. Lavender Sheet Spray

The biggest benefit of lavender is that is calms you without the sedating feeling. It also improves sleep quality in increasing the time you spend in deep, slow-wave sleep. Spray this on your pillow or on your sheets and you’re bound to sleep through the night.

5. Binaural Beats

These are a personal favorite of mine. Binaural beats plays a sound frequency in one ear and another sound in the other. The combination creates a single new frequency that your body tunes itself to, which slows down brain activity to help you relax and fall asleep quicker.

6. Weighted Blanket

The pressure from a weighted blanket calms your heart rate and the nervous system. The general rule of thumb is to choose a weight that is roughly 10 percent of your own body weight.

7. Black Seed Oil

If you’ve tried this oil before, you know the taste is nothing like you’ve ever experienced. On top of all of the other amazing benefits, black seed oil serves a natural sleep remedy. You can either take one teaspoon and drink warm water afterwards or use one teaspoon of black seed oil and one teaspoon of honey in warm milk, one hour before bed.

Why this works? Black seed oil increases the tryptophan levels in the brain. It helps the hormones that regulate sleep. Keep in mind this does not have immediate results. but if taken on a consistent basis, you should begin to form a sleeping pattern you’re happy with.

8. Michael Sealey’s Sleep Hypnosis Videos

Meditation and hypnosis videos have always worked when it comes to sleeping problems. You can find tons of these type of videos on YouTube but one channel that is highly rated is by Michael Sealey.

Michael is certified in clinical hypnotherapy and maintains that “hypnosis can bring us improved self control, clearer and empowered behavioural choices, and allow us to listen to our best inner resources. Many people experience a deep sense of calmness and serenity during hypnotic meditation and are often pleasantly surprised to see the ongoing, life enhancing results.”

Random, but he also has different types of sleep hypnosis videos like ones for jaw relaxation/teeth grinding, ones to help with overthinking, etc that many people have seen prolonged results with.

If you have a tv in your room or are subscribed to YouTube premium, check out his channel the next time you’re having trouble falling asleep.

9. Sleep Sounds

Nature sounds and white noise ease the body’s fight or flight response and help the brain transition from a working mindset to a relaxed one. You can find these sounds online or on an app from your phone’s app store. My personal favorite is the app called Rain Rain. They have so many different sounds, it can actually get slightly overwhelming but once you find a sound you love, you’ll want to use it every night. They even allow you to combine sounds if you want to create your own mix.

Headspace’s sleep music is also highly recommended.

10. Yoga

11. CBD

CBD decreases symptoms of insomnia and anxiety while also regulating stress hormones. Before purchasing any type of CBD product, it’s important to do your research on the different types. One highly recommended product is a tincture by Joy Organics. It’s vegan, lab tested, contains zero THC, and is USDA certified organic.

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