Consumption

Do you dread the night? Do you dread the thought of going to sleep? Getting to sleep can sometimes be just as painful as the dark circles you have to face in the morning. To support you in your quest for a good night's rest, here are a few examples of natural beverages to consider as potential remedies.

First and foremost, stress and sleep rarely go hand in hand. There are a number of relaxation methods you can use to calm your anxious state before bedtime. These include meditation and yoga. The ritual technique also helps to relieve tension and acts as an internal alarm telling your brain that sleep is just around the corner. Establishing habits such as relaxation through meditation (music, hypnosis,...) and a hot drink, will help alert your body that it's time to take a break. In addition, certain substances can be ingested to stimulate the production of serotonin and melatonin. These hormones play an essential role in regulating your sleep. For this reason, drinks containing minerals, tryptophan and therapeutic herbs are to be preferred.

Passionflower infusion

Discovered in South America in the 17th century, passionflower has become the most famous plant for combating anxiety and improving sleep quality. Containing flavonoids, known for their relaxing effect, this plant is considered to be the natural treatment most akin to anxiolytics. Passionflower also has a sedative effect on sleep, with no side-effects and no addiction. A good herbal tea is recommended for occasional insomnia.

Chamomile infusion

Roman chamomile, generally used in herbal teas, is a plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe muscular contractions in the digestive tract and uterus. Bringing comfort to those who suffer from heartburn, chamomile promises not to interrupt the night of painful episodes. Containing an antioxidant that acts on the brain, this plant combats insomnia and helps you fall asleep. Chamomile extract “promotes relaxation and can reduce anxiety”, says RTBF.

Warm milk

It's no myth that, provided they're well-chosen, hot drinks are recommended for a good night's sleep. Heat causes perspiration, lowering body temperature. This physiological phenomenon occurs naturally from 5pm onwards, and it's at this advanced stage that sleep begins. Heat only reinforces the mechanism. As for milk, thanks to its high tryptophan content, it helps you fall asleep. In fact, “tryptophan is a metabolic precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin”, according to the Passeportsante website. And as mentioned above, serotonin helps regulate sleep (as well as anxiety and appetite). So it's a good idea to drink warm milk if insomnia takes you by surprise. 

Valerian root infusion

As far back as ancient Greece, doctors recommended valerian to treat sleep disorders. During the First World War, this plant was also used to relieve nervousness caused by bombing raids. Today, valerian continues to play an important role in the lives of people who find it difficult to calm their restlessness and are regular victims of insomnia. An infusion of valerian root can also provide relief for menopausal women, offering them a better quality of sleep.

In conclusion, we strongly advise against drinking coffee after 2pm, consuming alcohol in the evening and eating or drinking an hour before going to bed. You certainly don't want to be disturbed by the urge to pee in the middle of the night, heartburn or interrupt deep stages of sleep.

(MH with AsD - Sources: RTBF/Passeportsante - Illustration: Unsplash)