It’s happened again…you’re up at 3 am looking at the clock and wondering why you are wide awake. You are not alone: According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30-40 percent of adults report symptoms of insomnia within a given year. Thankfully, there are some easy natural products for better sleep you can use–some may even surprise you!

Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps
Himalayan Crystal Salt originated from the Himalayan mountains about 500 million years ago. The salt lamps utilize ionization to help neutralize common air pollutants like dust, animal fur, smog and electronic devices. Yes, the electronic devices that you depend on each day like your computer, television and microwave influence the air quality in a room because they give off charged ions.  These charged ions can influence our ability to rest and relax. Try placing a salt lamp in your bedroom to create a more calming sleep environment or plug a lamp into your computer to help combat the emotional and physical effects of sitting at a computer all day.

Natural Pillows
Did you know that your pillow can have a huge impact on your ability to get a good night’s sleep? Not only is it important for your pillow to properly support your neck and head so your spine is aligned, more experts are recommending natural, chemical-free pillow options. Not only do these pillows often last longer, they are keeping your head away from synthetic materials, chemicals and questionable allergy-inducing fillings. Popular natural options include pillows made from wool, organic cotton or Kapok. Kapok fiber is a sustainable material from the Kapok tree that makes for a snuggy, firm pillow that is great for allergy sufferers. Also, make sure to shop around for the best sales price (like on Amazon). You’ll be surprised what wonderful deals you can find!

Foods and Supplements for Better Sleep
There are a variety of natural foods and supplements to help you get better quality sleep. For instance, In a pilot study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester and the V.A. Center of Canandaigua found that tart cherry juice helped to prevent insomnia. Yes, tart cherry juice! Also, when it comes to vitamins and minerals, Vitamin B6 helps with  serotonin production and calcium and magnesium has shown to help people with chronic sleep problems. Finally, homeopathic products like Calms Forte and Bach Rescue Sleep earn high marks from users for helping them to get sleep without the drowsiness and drugged-out feeling that over the counter drugs are known for. Of course, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.