The Best Natural Sleep Aids To Try Now

From CBD oil to clever pillow gadgets, here is what you need to fall asleep naturally.

Natural Sleep Aids

by Phoebe Lee |
Updated on

There are few things as frustrating as disturbed sleep and remedying the dilemma can often seem impossible. Whatever the cause - co-sleeping with your child, a stressful period at work, or plain old insomnia - there are a number of natural tried-and-tested sleep remedies that could ease your route to a peaceful night's sleep. Ranging from weighted blankets to CBD oil and essential oil-infused bath salts, there's something for everyone.

1. Try a CBD supplement

Confused about CBD? Rest assured that though CBD is a cannabis-derived compound, it has no psycho-active effect and many rave about its calming and sedative effects.

The NHS is quick to attest that 'there is no guarantee that all CBD oils on the market are of good quality, or provide any real health benefits,' but recent clinical research has suggests that CBD does work to support better sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Hayley Dawes founded her CBD centred brand, Dreem Distillery, after suffering from insomnia for years. Dawes was quick to discover the benefits of CBD, but also the importance of a good quality, organic blend. In Dreem Distillery's Night Drops she combines a broad spectrum CBD with a powerful terpene blend. It's a rich CBD oil that promises to calm the nervous system and promote deeper sleep. Even Poppy Delevingne's a fan.

READ MORE: Poppy Delevingne, Daisy Lowe and Sadie Frost All Rave About These CBD Sleep Drops

2. Use a Zeez Sleep Pebble

What is a Zeez Sleep Pebble, you say? It's a promising piece of new technology made to help you sleep better. Steve Walpole, the brand's founder, first developed Zeez to ward off migraines and soon after turned opened the scope of Zeez technology to improve sleep too.

The pebble generates frequencies that encourages the mind to slow down and mimic the frequency patterns of a brilliant sleeper. The technology works on a fake-it-'til-you-make-it-type premise.

The brand is serious about sleep, and boast some impressive testimonials that you can watch here. If you're dubious, you can rent the device for £40pm for 3 months, with a £75 deposit. What's not to love?

3. Have a salt bath

There are few things as relaxing a bath and the right bath salts can heighten your experience tenfold.

Westlab's Sleep Bath Salts are a good place to start. Co-Founder of Westlab, Penny Hamilton, reminds us of the benefits of good sleep preparation: 'switch off your phone an hour before bedtime, taking a bath with the right salts and burn a calming aromatherapy candle while you read for 20 minutes.'

The salts are made with magnesium too, which has a calming effect on the body. Magnesium plays an essential role in the production of serotonin - the happy hormone, the regulation of melatonin - the sleep hormone - and the reduction of cortisol - the stress hormone - in the body.

4. Invest in aromatherapy

Nicola Elliott, founder of NEOM Organics, considers a good night's sleep so important that she prints deep breathing instructions on her packaging to help wind you down. The brand uses pure forms of essential oils to address your needs, be it to sleep better, to feel calmer, to have more energy.

The Perfect Night's Sleep Essential Oil blend is big on lavender, as well as sweet basil and jasmine, all of which help you to switch off. Use the oil in the brand's dreamy Wellbeing Pod, that disperses the scent effortlessly into large spaces.

5. Opt for a pillow spray

Never underestimate the power of a good quality pillow spray. Continued use can help you develop a scent association, which strengthens its sleep-inducing power. SImply put, the more you use your spray to help you sleep, the more your mind will associate sleep with the scent.

There are many on the market, but This Works's cult classic has a proven track record. Clinical and user trials are promising: 97% of users slept better, and 89% of panel users fell asleep quicker than usual.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Price: £19.50
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6. Try a weighted blanket

Weighted blankets have gained plenty of traction in recent months. The clamour is justified: a good one makes you feel cocooned and calms a busy minds. Research has suggested that they could be beneficial to children with ADHD, too.

Mela's is one of the most luxe: choose from a range of weights, finishes and sizes.

7. Take an adaptogen

Adaptogens are a unique set of herbs and plants that can help the body adapt, adjust, and recalibrate itself depending on our physical and emotional surroundings. They help relieve stress by modulating the release of stress hormones from the adrenal glands and in turn allow us to relax and fall asleep easily. Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help support stress.

Filled with vitamins, minerals, nutrients and adaptogens, Dirtea Mushroom Cacao Super Blend is an all-in-one beverage for reducing stress, boosting immunity and aiding a good night’s sleep.

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