Customer Reviews Reveal the Top Natural Sleep Aids

There's no denying that good quality sleep is a vital aspect of life. However, due to bustling routines and an overexposure to technology and entertainment, obtaining ample sleep can become quite a challenge. This is where natural sleep aids might be beneficial.

According to Gary Soffer, an integrative medicine physician at Yale Medicine, natural sleep aids can consist of non-prescription supplements and herbs which may facilitate better sleep. Individuals can opt for these sleep aids to enhance their sleep cycles, manage sleeplessness or to alleviate insomnia. However, those suffering from severe sleep disorders should seek the advice of a medical professional for the most suitable treatment, which could potentially also involve prescription medication.

Despite the wide range of sleep aids conveniently available at your local pharmacy (and on online platforms such as Amazon), further research needs to be executed to confirm the effectiveness of these supplements and herbs for all individuals. Christine Won, M.D., Director of Women's Sleep Health Program at Yale Medicine, points out, 'For some individuals, these remedies might help them relax and fall asleep more easily, whereas for others they may not make any significant difference.' She also highlights that the scientific evidence supporting natural sleep aids is not as sturdy as it is for prescription medications. However, attempting a natural sleep aid can cause no harm, as long as it is approved by a doctor before use.

Since these products do not contain any drugs, there are no concerns about them leading to dependency or habit formation. Instead, these products consist of natural hormones, herbs, and vitamins that enable the body and mind to relax, thus facilitating better sleep quality. Key ingredients often found in these products include melatonin, chamomile, and magnesium, a nutrient known not for inducing sleep, but for promoting calmness and aiding in the regulation of melatonin levels.

Many might already be acquainted with melatonin due to its reputation as a natural sleep aid that can help combat insomnia and jet lag and enable you to fall asleep quicker. As a quick refresher, melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain that aids in regulating sleep and maintaining your body’s internal clock, the circadian rhythm. While it is safe for consumption, The Sleep Foundation advises starting with the minimum recommended dosage — 0.5 to 5 milligrams for adults — before gradually increasing the dosage to find an amount that successfully aids in sleep, without prompting any side effects.

In need of some additional assistance to fall asleep (and stay asleep)? Here, we discuss the best natural sleep aids — encompassing everything from supplements and drinks to sprays and gummies — to assist you in obtaining restful sleep.

This sleep aid option may not have fancy packaging or branding, but the positive reviews from more than 15,000 individuals demonstrate that it is well worth considering. The active ingredient, doxylamine succinate, ensures that just a single tablet aids you in getting quality sleep. How does it work? Doxylamine succinate is a sedating antihistamine that hampers certain chemicals in the brain, making you feel sleepy. Moreover, this formulation is free from gluten and pain relievers, and customers appreciate its cost-effectiveness.

One pleased customer wrote: 'This is the only product that has worked for both me and my husband. Even prescription sleeping pills didn't work as well! They are fantastic. They also help you stay asleep! If you're yearning for a night of quality rest, order these now!'

A study found that a deficiency in vitamin D is linked with an increased risk of sleep disorders. The Sleep Doctor, Michael Breus, concurs, stating that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels should be prioritized before seeking alternative solutions. If your doctor has already approved you to take a vitamin D supplement, this could be a suitable choice; or you can arrange an appointment with your doctor to get a blood test done to measure your vitamin D levels before considering supplementation. (Also read: Should You Use Vitamin D Skin-Care Products?)

A potent mix of melatonin and vitamin B6 is this supplement's secret to successfully combating insomnia. Melatonin helps control the body's sleep cycle, while B6 aids in the production of serotonin — and both ingredients contribute to promoting tranquility and relaxation. It is Gluten-free, sustainably sourced, and vegan to cater to diverse needs, and the brand recommends consuming one tablet around 20 minutes before bed. (Also read: Should You Utilize a Melatonin Diffuser Prior to Bed?)

If you're having trouble with a sleep disorder or if your mind is racing so you can't fall asleep, this supplement filled with sleep-friendly ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, L-theanine, and calming chamomile could be of help. These ingredients contribute to muscle relaxation, sleep cycle regulation, and enhanced calmness.

You won't find any caffeine in this bedtime tea. Instead, this evening bevvie is filled with chamomile, lemongrass, spearmint, and orange blossoms to help lull you to sleep faster. It's garnered an impressive 4.8 rating (even with more than 4,400 reviews) for helping users unwind after busy days.

If you have trouble taking pills, you'll love this dissolvable sleep aid. Each tablet contains 12 mg of melatonin that will help to regulate your sleep cycle, which can get off-balance thanks to busy lifestyles, traveling, stress, and even blue light exposure from electronic devices and traveling. While the Sleep Foundation recommends starting with a melatonin dose between 0.5 mg and 5 mg, since this one contains a higher concentration, you could use a pill-cutter to divide the tablets in half or quarters to create a smaller starting dose — which Amazon reviewers also suggest doing.

Kids need quality rest too, and, with more than 47,000 five-star reviews, parents are raving about these natural gummies. But is melatonin safe for children? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 'melatonin can be a short-term way to help kids get rest while you keep trying to establish good bedtime routines.' The AAP encourages parents and pediatricians to make the decision to administer melatonin together — so if you have the green light from your doctor, the AAP recommends beginning with the lowest dosage: 0.5 mg or 1 mg, taken 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime. Since a single gummy contains 1 mg of melatonin, figuring out the right dose couldn't be easier.

If you're looking to skip supplements altogether, consider this nighttime sleep aid that you spray beneath your tongue before bed. It's formulated with ingredients such as melatonin, magnesium, and magnolia bark, which can help induce sleepiness without making you crash. Not to mention, this spray is designed to enter the bloodstream 3-5 times faster than traditional supplements, so you really capitalize on those z's. The brand instructs to spritz it 3-6 times under the tongue 15 minutes before bedtime. (Related: I Swear This $5 Melatonin Bubble Bath Helps Me Relax and Fall Asleep Faster)

This drink mix is an easy solution to sleep trouble. A blend of magnesium, melatonin, and l-theanine work together to get your body into sleep mode much faster and easier than counting sheep. It has a delicious berry flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold before bedtime. The brand recommends starting with a single teaspoon (2g) and gradually increasing your intake to two teaspoons (4g) daily. Just add the powder to a glass of water, let it fizz, stir, and enjoy.

It's no secret that NyQuil can help you get a good night's sleep when you're feeling under the weather, which is most likely why users are raving about this sleep-enhancing version, featuring melatonin. The easy-to-take gummies aid in regulating a natural sleep pattern within the body, thanks to each containing 1 mg of melatonin, along with natural botanicals. Also worth noting: They're safe to take daily without creating a dependency, due to the low dosage.