Many people have an established evening routine that helps them wind down or that they find satisfying. I absolutely love pajama’s, especially ones with quotes like “this girl loves sleep” or “they told me to follow my dreams so I went back to sleep.” I have a nighttime skincare routine I look forward to. In addition, to help stop the constant daytime overstimulation and relax, (although I don’t always succeed!) I put my cell phone on silent and curl up with a good romance book.
Most recently, I’ve taken an interest in drinking teas to help me relax and fall asleep. Did you know that there are actually certain beverages that can help your body get into sleep mode more easily? Here’s a list of the top three choices you can make for a nighttime beverage and their health or sleep benefits:
As an herbal tonic, lemon-ginger tea can have soothing properties that will help the day fade into the distance and sleep come more easily. Lemon ginger tea can soothe indigestion, banish nausea, reduce nasal congestion and may help fight inflammation, among other properties.
2. Warm Milk
Remember that sleepy, satisfyingly full feeling you get after a traditional Thanksgiving meal? Turkey isn’t the only food that contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that promotes good sleep and a good mood. Warm milk also contains tryptophan, which plays an important role in the production of both serotonin and melatonin. And melatonin is a hormone the body produces as a reaction to darkness, to help you sleep at night.
Again, the hero here is tryptophan content which produces melatonin. Tart Montmorency cherries some studies show, might contain up to six times more melatonin than sweet varieties. Tart cherry juice concentrate or cherry-based products consumed regularly can help improve nightly rest.
For more tips on the best nighttime beverages and what to avoid, click here. For tips on creating the best sleep environment in your bedroom, you’re already in the right place! Knowing that you have a favorite pillow, comforter or mattress pad waiting for you is one the best ways to set the stage for a great night’s rest. One of my favorites is the SleepSmart bedding collection at Pottery Barn. Every bedding basic you could possibly need is offered under this collection which focuses on natural odor control, breathability, and temperature regulation. SleepSmart is offered in Down or Down Alternative fills, and there a wonderful pillow, mattress pad and duvet protector assortment for sensitive sleepers or anyone who would benefit from waterproof products. The entire SleepSmart collection is super soft, and comfortable with lots of value, features and benefits woven into each product. Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift, the SleepSmart basketweave blanket will bring some extra beauty to her bed and help her sleep cool and comfortable this summer!
About Inventive Sleep® by Tracy Miller Tracy Miller is a trusted inventor and innovator of dynamic, technology driven, and comfortable products for the home, and founder of Inventive Sleep™. Her engaging brands are found in millions of homes and hotels across the country. As a Sleep Products Innovator, Tracy is dedicated to helping people realize their dreams and goals starting with a great night’s sleep. Her reputation for combining proven and modern materials in everyday products including sheets, pillows, comforters, blankets, and mattress pads, adds exciting new comfort and performance qualities consumers love to incorporate into their homes. Tracy is also the author of the weekly sleep blog Sleep Secrets and Inspirations. In it, she shares her expertise on materials research and design, and demystifies the sleep experience with an informative and fun-filled conversation on how sleep helps people with daily living, as well as some of her tips and tricks on picking your favorite products. For more information, visit http://www.inventivesleep.com. Sleep Tonight. Create Tomorrow.™