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I have an unfortunate difference with the Shopping Skimm team, our resident Bad Sleeper (which I wrote about) time and once again). This allows me to talk about the sleep supplements that have relieved my stubborn insomnia. Ahead, I’ll share the best supplements I’ve tried—they’re all natural, affordable, and really work for my sleep—plus some accessories that dramatically improve my sleep routine.
Want a more restful night’s sleep? Check us out Sleep Awards.
Supplements
My favorite capsule…
A lot of my insomnia revolves around anxiety about falling asleep. These capsules make it work within 20-30 minutes of rest – fast enough to be effective, but not so fast that it’s alarming. Unlike other supplements I’ve tried, they shut down my brain in addition to my body, so I don’t have that weird feeling where my mind is spinning but my body is in sleep mode. Be warned, these capsules are large, but you can open them up and take the small melatonin-filled spheres individually.
My favorite flowers…
These pack a stunning punch. I usually only need one (half the recommended dose) to feel really tired and fast, so they come in handy when I want to go to sleep as soon as possible. I love that they’re vegan, which is rare in gummies, and are made with a number of plant-based ingredients—in addition to magnesium, melatonin, and L-Theanine, there are also herbs like lavender, chamomile, and bulrush. They taste absolutely delicious, so it feels like I’m eating dessert. One downside: these sometimes make me groggy in the morning, and it takes hours for me to feel better again.
My favorite powder…
This is a cult product in my house and offers the cleanest sleep overall. This lightly scented powder contains three types of melatonin and bioactive L-Theanine, which puts me into a soft sleep and keeps me asleep for hours. In the morning I feel bright and energized. The downside here is portability – you have to mix it with water and drink a glass, as opposed to popping it in your mouth and calling it a night. If you sign up for a subscription, you’ll get 30% off your first order.
My favorite show…
This is a newer product for me, and while it’s not as effective as other options, I love how easy it is to use. This is a tiny patch that you attach to your inner band (it’s so small, you won’t feel it). It contains 2 milligrams of melatonin, which is released gradually. I wouldn’t say it helps me fall asleep faster, but it does I was in a deep sleep all night. I feel the usual/weird mood the morning after, but it fades when I get to work. This is a great option for travel as it is very packable.
Accessories for sleeping
My Favorite Shades…
When my partner insisted on getting remote-controlled blackout shades in the bedroom, I thought he was being a typical Tech Guy Boyfriend™. I regret that I always doubted him. They were super easy to install (I know because I was snacking in bed and watching while I did it) and they do a great job of blocking out any light filtering in from the street. I used to wake up as soon as the sun started to rise, and now I can put in a few extra hours. In addition, they make the bedroom more comfortable and more like a refuge from all the chaos of the outside world, which is important for creating a favorable environment for sleep.
My favorite night tea…
Getting a good night’s sleep starts a few hours before I close my eyes, and a cup of tea at night is an essential part of my relaxation routine. Not only does it signal to my body that it’s time to start winding down, but it also settles my stomach after dinner. Chamomile is typical for PM tea, but since I don’t like the flavor, I resorted to Egyptian licorice mint. The mixture of licorice, cinnamon and orange is naturally sweet and slightly spicy, so you don’t need to add honey. It’s a warming blend that feels as much like a hug in a cup as it sounds.
My favorite essential oil blend…
It won’t really knock you out, but it’s one of those products that promotes a sense of calm in preparation for a general sleep. It is infused with lavender, patchouli and geranium, an aromatic blend reminiscent of luxurious massages. I put it on my pulse points while reading in bed and it feels like it lowers my blood pressure instantly.
My favorite moisturizer…
This past winter in New York was brutal, and when I woke up in the middle of the night with a scratchy throat, cough, or a bloody nose (gross, but true), I knew it was time to hydrate. I bought this crap out of pure desperation, but I really like it. It’s easy to use, lasts all night on low or medium, and makes a noticeable difference in my sleep quality. It’s not completely silent, but it does make a low noise that works well as a white noise machine.
