10 Natural Sleep Remedies for Your Best Sleep Ever

Ah, the elusive full night of sleep. I for one find myself tossing, turning or lying awake staring at the ceiling (or worse, my phone!) way more than I should. I don’t even have kids either; I don’t know how those of you with little ones in the house ever catch more than a few hours of Z’s.

It’s easy to dismiss the need for sleep, especially when you’re younger and can bounce back more easily. But when you consider that it truly is a basic human function, and the lack of it is linked to obesity, heart disease, cancer, immune dysfunction, car accidents and anxiety—among many other problems—it’s easier to realize that, no, we’re not superhuman, and yes, our bodies really do require good, consistent sleep to survive. Here are 10 easy and natural sleep remedies that don’t include counting sheep.

10 Natural Sleeping Remedies

1. Aromatherapy

The power of smell should not be underestimated! Make an aromatherapy roll-on with chamomile and lavender to promote pleasant dreams.

2. Take a Bath

This insomnia-beating dynamic duo of lavender and chamomile strikes again—mix up a soothing bath with these herbs and wind yourself down before bedtime, or try an epsom salt bath.

3. Do a Castor Oil Pack

There’s nothing you can really do during a castor oil pack treatment (where you apply a flannel with castor oil to your liver underneath a heating pad) other than sit there, relax and enjoy the warmth. Do one right before you take a lavender bath at night to promote even better sleep.

4. Turmeric Tea

Chamomile tea is a tried-and-true way to get some Z’s, but this homemade turmeric tea is also a natural sedative.

5. Calming Herbs

Instead of an over-the-counter sleep aid, turn to tinctures or teas made from herbs like lavender, passion flower and California poppy.

6. Gelatin

Glycine, one of the amino acids in gelatin, can help beat insomnia. Look for hydrolyzed gelatin (the kind that doesn’t need to be dissolved in hot water) and add it to juices or smoothies.

7. Crystals

Some strategically placed healing crystals like quartz and agate can relieve anxiety and stress, sending you off to sleep faster and more relaxed.

8. Adopt a Relaxing Nighttime Beauty Routine

Slow down and make your nighttime beauty routine as relaxing as possible—you’ll even start to look forward to it! Essential oils, stress-busting body spray and a relaxing face mask are all surefire ways to settle in for the night.

9. Eat Foods Rich in Magnesium

This mineral helps muscles relax, which helps you relax. Nuts, seeds and fish are just a few foods that are good sources. Take a supplement if needed.

10. Detox Your Environment

When your room is clean, screens are put away and the light is blocked out (perhaps with this chic, Penelope Garcia-inspired eye mask), you’ll have a much easier time drifting off.

What are your natural tips and tricks for falling asleep?