Can't Sleep? Reasons You May Have Trouble Sleeping

Counting sheep again? 

Sleepness nights can make the days downright exhausting. Sleep is as necessary as food, air, and water: in other words, you can’t do without it. Your body needs a certain amount of solid rest every night in order to carry out its restorative functions. 

While we all have the odd “bad” night, chronic lack of sleep can be severely detrimental to your physical and mental health. It can affect your productivity, relationships, learning, memory, and overall quality of life. That’s where some good sleep support tablets (the plant-based kind) can come in handy. So, if you’re struggling to get enough snooze time each night and looking for the best sleep supplement made with natural ingredients, read on. 

Reasons for poor sleep

There can be all sorts of reasons that you’re having difficulties falling asleep or waking up at odd times throughout the night. The first step in tackling your sleep issues is to figure out what might be causing them. This will vary from person to person, but here are some of the most common factors.

Diet

High intakes of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol (or all three!) are disastrous for healthy sleep. Refined carbs such as sweet treats, white bread, white rice, and soft drinks can cause a sharp increase in blood sugar. Your body reacts to this increase by releasing insulin, causing blood sugar to drop suddenly. This then triggers the release of hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which are designed to keep you alert!

Guzzling too many coffees or energy drinks throughout the day certainly won’t help you drift off into dreamland. Caffeine is a stimulant which blocks the specific receptors in your brain that promote sleep. Caffeine has a half-life of four to six hours, which means half of the caffeine stays in your body for up to six hours after you’ve finished your drink! 

Alcohol is even more problematic. You might think that a relaxing “nightcap” would help you nod off, but that all changes when your body starts to metabolise the alcohol. The breakdown of alcohol triggers the release of an excitatory neurotransmitter that can wake you up - usually in the middle of the night.

Late-night snacking can also thwart restful sleep. Foods that are high in fat or carbohydrates take longer to digest, and studies suggest that sleep is delayed after eating these kinds of foods less than an hour before bedtime. Lying down after a heavy meal also increases your risk of reflux - which certainly won’t help you sleep!

Stress and worry

Got a lot on your mind? Constant worries about work, finances, family, and other life matters can leave you tossing and turning. Young people are particularly vulnerable to stress, especially during exam time at school. 

In fact, any kind of stress can keep us awake for hours, making it extremely difficult to shut off. Worst of all, the sleep loss caused by stress can interfere with the body’s stress response system, causing hormones such as cortisol to rise later in the day. Higher levels of cortisol make sleep even more unattainable, creating a vicious cycle.

Poor sleep hygiene

“Sleep hygiene” refers to your pre-bedtime routine and your sleeping environment. Practising good sleep hygiene means going to bed when you’re tired, or at least sticking to a regular bedtime schedule. A comfortable bed with clean sheets is also a top priority!  Make sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and free from distracting noises. Get a pair of earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. 

Supplements to support sleep

Sleep deprivation can take a serious toll on your life, so it’s important to get on top of it right away. Good news: Bargain Chemist has some great natural supplements for sleep support that are both well-tolerated and effective! Many of these are based on the same plants and minerals that humans have been using for centuries to support rest and relaxation. 

One of the most popular of these is passionflower - yes, the very flower that produces the delicious passionfruit. Passionflower can be used in teas, infusions, and supplements to gently soothe the mind and body. It’s often used in combination with other sleep-supporting botanicals like hops, skullcap, valerian, and zizyphus. 

Tart cherry is another fantastic plant extract, known for its ability to support the body’s production of the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. And then there’s magnesium, an essential mineral that supports the nervous system and healthy muscle relaxation. 

You’ll find all of these herbs and minerals (plus a few more!) in Sanderson Real Sleep FX. This comprehensive formula contains seven herbs plus magnesium amino acid chelate to help support a deep, relaxed sleep. Just take 1-2 tablets an hour before bedtime every day.

Another great option is Healtheries Easy Sleep. It contains valerian root, passionflower, skullcap, and hops to support natural calm and help you wind down before bed. Take one tablet daily an hour before you head to bed, or increase to two if needed.  

These and other herbal formulas can help to soothe a busy mind and support a frazzled nervous system. They’re non-addictive and won’t leave you feeling drowsy the next day.  Check out our whole range at Bargain Chemist by visiting us in-store or online. 

Just remember to check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before starting any supplement regime, especially if you are taking other medications. The same rule applies if you’ve been having persistent struggles with sleeping for several weeks: go see your doctor. 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.