6 Natural Remedies to Get Better Sleep

Ever feel like no matter how long you’re in bed, you just can’t fall into that deep, satisfying sleep?

You’re not alone—between late-night doom scrolling, endless to-do lists, and stress that just won't quit, modern life isn’t exactly a lullaby. But what if the key to waking up energized wasn’t found in another app, but in the roots, leaves, and blossoms nature has been offering us for centuries?

Herbal medicine offers an ancient solution to our modern sleep problems and feeling tired all the time. From calming your restless mind to helping you stay asleep longer, plant-powered remedies could be your ticket to dreamland.

Ready to swap counting sheep for natural, restorative rest? Let’s explore how herbs can help you catch those elusive Zzz’s.

Why We Struggle to Sleep

We live in a fast-paced world, and therefore sleep has become a bit of a luxury. We all know we need sleep, we may even crave sleep, but we don’t always get enough of it. 

So, why is it so hard to get the rest we need? There are countless reasons, but a few usual suspects tend to wreak havoc on our precious sleep:

• Stress and Anxiety
  One of the biggest sleep disruptors is a busy mind. Whether it’s worrying about deadlines, relationships, or simply feeling overwhelmed, stress keeps the brain buzzing when it should be winding down. This constant mental chatter can make it nearly impossible to fall asleep—or stay asleep once you do.
  
  
• Screen Time Overload
  Binge-watching your favorite show or scrolling through social media right before bed might seem relaxing, but the blue light emitted from screens can mess with your body’s natural melatonin production. This makes it harder for your brain to recognize it’s time for sleep, leaving you tossing and turning instead.
  
  
• Unbalanced Hormones
  Hormonal imbalances, particularly cortisol (the stress hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone), can throw your circadian rhythm out of whack. This is especially true for people experiencing high-stress levels, menopause, or thyroid issues.
  
  
• Poor Sleep Hygiene
  Maybe your bedroom isn’t the sanctuary it should be. A cluttered, noisy, or overly bright room can sabotage your chances of getting quality sleep.
  
  
• Diet and Lifestyle
  What you eat and drink matters more than you might think. Heavy meals, sugary snacks, or stimulants like caffeine too close to bedtime can all interrupt sleep. Even too much or too little exercise can impact how well you sleep at night.

Why Care About Sleep?

What’s the true power of a good night’s sleep? Beyond helping you feel positive and energized each day, sleep also keeps your body in tip-top shape. 

When sleep becomes a nightly struggle, however, the effects ripple through every aspect of your life. Chronic poor sleep doesn’t just make you groggy—it can wreak havoc on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Without enough quality rest, you could struggle with: 

• Mood Swings & Anxiety
  If you’re feeling irritable, anxious, or even depressed, it could be tied to your sleep patterns. It’s hard to feel calm or happy when your body and mind are running on fumes.
  
  
• Brain Fog
  Struggling to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions? Poor sleep directly affects brain function, making even simple tasks feel like an overwhelming chore.
  
  
• Weakened Immune System
  Your body does its best healing while you sleep, so chronic deprivation lowers your immune defenses, leaving you more susceptible to illness.
  
  
• Weight Gain & Hormonal Imbalance
  Poor sleep throws off hunger hormones, leading to increased cravings for high-calorie foods. Over time, this can contribute to weight gain and other metabolic issues.
  
  
• Increased Risk of Chronic Conditions
  Long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Your sleep routine should help you feel good, not groggy. So, let’s find out how you can use herbal remedies to spend more time in high-quality sleep.

6 Natural Remedies to Help You Sleep Better

When it comes to getting quality sleep, many people turn to over-the-counter sleep aids or pharmaceuticals. While these options can work short-term, they often come with side effects or leave you feeling foggy the next day. 

Enter herbal remedies: a natural, sustainable way to support your sleep without the unwanted aftereffects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been perfecting the art of wellbeing support for centuries – and that includes working with the body’s natural rhythms to promote deeper, more restorative rest. These herbs not only help regulate your circadian rhythm but also calm an overactive mind, soothe tension, and balance hormones—all critical for drifting off into a peaceful slumber. Here are some of our top picks for a holistic path to better sleep: 

Shui De An Sleep Easy

Best for: Insomnia or trouble sleeping due to a restless mind or anxiety

Do you find it difficult to "turn off" their brain at night? Shui De An is a go-to remedy for those experiencing restlessness or difficulty falling asleep due to stress or anxiety. It works well for individuals with a tendency toward heat imbalances—often experiencing vivid dreams or night sweats. This herbal blend focuses on nourishing the heart and calming the spirit, which in TCM are key to restful sleep. 

Shui De An works by stabilizing the Shen (spirit) and balancing the Yin and Yang energies in the body. It also helps regulate the nervous system which eases mental chatter and promotes relaxation.

Valerian Root Herbal Tincture

Best for: Those with high-stress lifestyles or physical tension

Valerian Root has long been praised in Western herbal medicine for its natural sedative effects. This powerful root helps relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep. In TCM, it is often used for its ability to ease Qi stagnation, calming both physical and emotional tension.

Valerian works by increasing levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation in the brain. It’s great for people who feel physically tense or mentally anxious, making it difficult to sleep. From a TCM perspective, it works by calming the liver and soothing irritability, which is often tied to disrupted sleep.

Suan Zao Ren Herbal Tincture

Best for: Sleep issues due to anxiety, overthinking, or emotional stress

Suan Zao Ren, or jujube seed, is one of the most famous sleep aids in TCM. It works by calming the mind and nourishing the heart and liver blood, which in turn promotes deeper, more restful sleep. 

In TCM, Suan Zao Ren is used to calm the Shen and nourish the blood, both of which are crucial for good sleep. Jujube seeds contain saponins that have a sedative effect, helping to quiet an overactive mind and reduce anxiety. It’s particularly helpful for individuals who wake up frequently during the night or feel restless in their sleep.

An Shen Bu Nao Wan (Calm Mind Combo)

Best for: Those with long-standing insomnia or those who have trouble staying asleep through the night

An Shen Bu Nao Wan is a powerful TCM formula designed to calm the mind and improve sleep quality. It works by nourishing the blood and calming the heart, two elements closely tied to emotional balance and restful sleep in TCM.

In TCM, this formula nourishes the Yin and blood while calming the Shen. This helps to reduce emotional disturbance and stabilize the mind. It can be particularly helpful if you suffer from vivid dreams or frequent waking during the night.

From a Western perspective, it has calming, sedative properties that promote relaxation and deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan Insomnia Support

Best for: Poor sleepers who have long-term stress, anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm

This herbal remedy is a favorite in TCM for its ability to support both mental and physical health, making it a comprehensive treatment for insomnia. Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan nourishes both Yin and blood, calming the heart and easing emotional tension, which is often the root cause of sleep disorders in TCM. It can also help those with heart palpitations and restlessness. 

Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan works by addressing deficiencies in both Yin and blood, which can cause anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. From a Western standpoint, this formula helps to regulate stress hormones and promote a sense of calm.

Magic 15 Help Sleep Calming Herbal Tea

Best for: Those who want a gentle, nightly ritual to unwind

A soothing tea blend designed to promote relaxation and sleep, Magic 15 incorporates calming herbs traditionally used in both TCM and Western herbal medicine. Ingredients like jujube seed (Suan Zao Ren), astragalus, and fleeceflower work in harmony to create a sense of calm while supporting the body’s natural sleep cycles.

Sleep Serenely with Herbal Medicine

Sleep is one thing we just can’t live without. If you’ve been pushing your sleep issues under the rug, now is the time to find a safe, sustainable solution that works.

Whether you’re dealing with stress, physical tension, or an overactive mind, herbal medicine can help you restore balance and enjoy deep, restful sleep (and more energized, happy days). 

Shop our collection of these and other herbal remedies to restore your best sleep tonight!