Emma Loewe

mbg Sustainability + Health Director

By Emma Loewe

mbg Sustainability + Health Director

Emma Loewe is the Senior Sustainability Editor at mindbodygreen and the author of “Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us.”

Image by Marc Bordons / Stocksy

June 2, 2023

Sleep is more essential to health than many people realize. As you snooze, your body is busy regulating hormones1, consolidating memories2, supporting immune defenses3, and flushing out toxins4. But an alarming 1 in 3 Americans5 don’t get enough sleep, meaning they’re missing out on these essential processes.

While they can’t undo bad bedtime habits, sleep supplements can help compliment a healthy wind-down routine and make deep, restorative sleep easier to come by.* Here are four signs you could benefit from taking one, and how to find a quality option:

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1.

You have trouble turning your mind off at night

Having racing thoughts at bedtime is very common—especially during stressful times at work, in your personal life, or in the world at large. Even sleep doctors struggle to calm their minds before bed at times, making it much harder to fall asleep. Leaving plenty of buffer time before bed to turn off screens, wash up, and get into sleep mode can help, as can starting a nightly journaling practice where you write down what’s on your mind. Supplements that contain calming ingredients can also be extremely effective at easing stressful thoughts.*

2.

You know your deep sleep could use some work

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3.

You have an unpredictable schedule

Health experts agree: The best thing you can do for your sleep quality is go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This trains your body to get into a good rhythm and slip in and out of deep sleep more easily. It’s easier said than done, of course. For the times you’re dealing with teeter-tottering work hours, traveling to new time zones, or just staying out a bit later on the weekends, sleep supplements can help you relax despite an inconsistent schedule.*

4.

People who want to transition off melatonin

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What to look for in a sleep supplement:

  • Non-hormonal
  • Gentle and non-habit forming
  • Low in added ingredients
  • From a trusted brand 

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They’ll also contain science-backed ingredients that have been shown to promote rest and relaxation, like mindbodygreen’s sleep support+. This targeted supplement contains a trio of ingredients that help improve all the various markers of a great night’s sleep.*

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The takeaway

Most of us could use some help in the sleep department, and taking a supplement can be a valuable addition to many bedtime arsenals. Be sure to look for one that is non-hormonal, made from a trusted brand with few additives, and formulated with science-backed ingredients.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.