Some people, in their effort to do more, put sleep off and get as few hours as they possibly can. They figure they can sleep later or they don’t really need sleep that much anyway. That is why I’d like to take a few minutes to remind that sleep is actually crucial to your overall health and go over some of the best over the counter sleeping aids that are all natural. First, let’s delve into why sleep is important for cognitive health.
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Why Sleep Is So Important
Sleep (or lack there of) has a huge impact on your overall health. In fact, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.” Getting enough sleep is an essential part of keeping your immune system strong and now that it is cold and flu season, I try extra hard to make sure my whole family gets the sleep they need. Poor sleep is also detrimental to your mental health and can even contribute to weight gain! I hope that these reasons help you to remember why sleep is so important and give you permission to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep! You can read more about sleep depravation here.
Sleep is crucial for cognitive health for several reasons, impacting everything from memory and learning to emotional regulation and decision-making. Here are some key ways sleep benefits cognitive health:
- Memory consolidation: During sleep, particularly in stages of deep sleep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement), the brain processes and organizes information gathered during the day. This helps to solidify memories, transferring them from short-term to long-term storage.
- Learning and problem-solving: Sleep improves the brain’s ability to absorb new information and solve problems. Studies show that sleep enhances creative thinking and insight, leading to better decision-making and learning outcomes.
- Cognitive performance: Adequate sleep improves focus, attention, and reaction times. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, impairs cognitive functions, leading to poor concentration, slower reaction times, and difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Emotional regulation: Sleep helps regulate mood and emotional responses. Sleep deprivation is linked to increased stress, anxiety, and irritability, which can affect cognitive performance and mental well-being.
- Neural detoxification: During sleep, the brain clears out waste products, including toxic proteins that can accumulate and lead to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. This “clean-up” process is vital for maintaining brain health and function.
- Mental resilience: Regular, restful sleep strengthens mental resilience, helping to cope better with daily stressors and cognitive challenges.
In summary, sleep plays a critical role in maintaining and optimizing brain function, from improving memory and learning to supporting emotional stability and long-term mental health.
Best Over The Counter Sleeping Aid Choices
Here I will list several all natural sleep aids to help you relax and get to sleep. Before I go into the best sleeping aids, I would remind you that are foods that aid in sleep as well as exercise and they are a good base for ensuring you a good night’s sleep.
The Best Way To Get Sleep Is To Ensure A Good Sleeping Environment
1. Sleep Mask
A dark room helps most people sleep better! So pull those shades, turn off all of the lights, and try a sleep mask for natural sleep help.
2. Ear Plugs
Most people sleep better in a quiet environment. If you share a bed with a snorer, then snoring sleep aids like ear plugs just may be essential. Ear plugs can also help block out noisy neighbors.
3. Comfortable Pillow
A comfortable pillow may be just the ticket if you have trouble getting comfortable at night. I found an awesome pillow at CVS- Remedy Natural Pedic Folding Wedge Memory Foam Pillow. The memory foam is super comfortable and it helps prevent snoring which means better sleep for me!
4. Nasal Strips
If you are sick, have allergies, or are congested, the best sleep aid for you may be a nasal strip. They are drug free and help open your nasal passages for easier breathing so you can get better rest.
Relax And Go To Sleep
Some people have trouble relaxing. Here are some of the best sleeping aids for dealing with that.
5. Epsom Salts
A nice warm bath with epsom salts right before you go to bed can help provide soothing relief from overexertion and stiffness as well as help you relax. Magnesium is a key ingredient in CVS Health Ginger and Clay Epsom Salt and it is a stress reliever so you can soak away your worries!
6. Essential Oils
Essential oils can help in two ways. Certain essential oils such as lavender are known for their relaxing aromatherapy qualities. Other essential oils such as CVS Health Eucalyptus Oil are known both for their soothing vapors that help clear the head and ease breathing as well as their relaxing aromatherapy qualities.
7. Melatonin Or CVS Sleep Aid
If you are the type that has occasional sleeplessness, like my husband, you may find that the absolute best sleep aid is Melatonin or a CVS sleep aid. You may like to try CVS Health Melatonin gummies which are drug free and non-habit forming. Or you may like to try the CVS Health Drug-Free Sleep Aid dietary supplement with a low does of melatonin and a proprietary blend of the herbs lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm. Each person is different so one may work better for you than the other. I suggest trying the CVS sleep aid first and if that doesn’t cut it then the CVS Health Melatonin gummies which have a higher dose of melatonin. Always talk to healthcare provider before sue if you medical condition or are taking any medication or you have any questions or concerns about your health.
You can find out more about these sleep aid products and/or purchase them in a CVS store or through CVS.com and don’t forget to use your CVS ExtraCare Card for extra savings!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sleep is essential for cognitive health, aiding in memory consolidation, learning, emotional regulation, and overall brain function. Without sufficient sleep, cognitive abilities suffer, leading to issues with focus, decision-making, and emotional stability. To ensure better sleep, it’s important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimize your sleep environment by minimizing noise, light, and distractions. Additionally, limiting caffeine and screen time before bed can further promote restful, rejuvenating sleep. Prioritizing quality sleep is an investment in long-term cognitive health and overall well-being. Do you get plenty of sleep? Which of these all natural sleep aids is the best sleep aid for you?
Related Post:
How To Use Essential Oils To Sleep Better
Alison Palmer says
I was discussing my sleep issues with my doctor last week. She recommended melatonin. I’ve only tried it once and I slept well but felt a little hung over the next morning. I think I need to tinker with the dosage.