We all want it. We all need it. We all yearn for it.

Am I sure I’m speaking about sleep or something else?

Thing is, if you’re missing out on satisfying zzzz’s then everything else suffers.

So let’s talk.

The brain has always fascinated me.

It looks like an overgrown pink walnut in science labs yet is more powerful then a supercomputer.

It may not feel like it in reality though! It’s jelly-like and blobby, and I refuse to dwell on whether it can bounce or not. Yuck.

What I do want to concentrate on is the vital need of this wonderous monstrosity for sleep. Good, satisfying sleep.

We can talk about all the things that detract from our sleep potential and be left with the same question.

These days more and more of us are complaining of health issues that we see a doctor for and end up with yet one more prescription. It’s like people have turned into pill slot machines and they hope the numbers align for a win. It is a constant gamble.

A case of, more of this to help with such and such and more side effects for something else because of it.

If you find yourself sometimes thinking you should try a certain remedy without having listened first to 100 online influencers presenting the how’s and why’s and do’s and don’ts, like, ‘‘I think I need liquorice’’ out of the blue, when your energy is waning, it is likely your inner voice speaking. Particularly when it’s not what you normally eat.

- Side point: If you happen to be really craving liquorice as we speak, do have it in moderation. It can have fun with your bowels… Ok, moving on.

NOTE: Before consuming any of what is outlined in this article do consult with your G.P if you are already taking any synthetic medications as some natural things do not like to mix ; )

Looking at this list don’t get worried that you need to make some sort of weird, tossed salad here because I’ve mentioned the balsamic. Phew!

Each of these things can be taken according to your individual taste. Alone or alongside other food items. If you can’t have any kind of nuts, then just leave them out.

These foods each have something deliciously in common….

Melatonin is actually a hormone in charge of your body’s circadian rhythm.

- ‘Isn’t the circadian rhythm something that can be balanced walking bare foot on grass?’

+ ‘Maybe. You can always try the grass thing as well and let me know how you went in the comments. Why not.’

Melatonin is often given to help with insomnia as low levels can leave you feeling poorly.

Also, if you are familiar with the drag of jetlag, then melatonin can be taken to help with that as well. Too much of it on the other hand can be awful, be careful!

BEWARE: An overdose can bring on headaches, irritability and nausea.

The dose of any melatonin supplement, even if you think more might help when you still find yourself struggling with getting good sleep, is not a winning idea. Always stick to prescribed dosages.

There are strict regulations as a pharmacist only medication so be sure to stick to the

label and follow all directions from your prescribing chemist as this usually is prepared at a compound pharmacy.

From the list of 5 natural options, the one that stands out however, is chamomile which has only a small part to play in maintaining or building melatonin levels.

Instead, it gives its warm and delicious hug right before bed when you sip it but its sleep promoting action comes from a flavonoid called Apigenin which helps relaxation by connecting with brain receptors resulting in that familiar soothing and calming effect.

It can also be used in addition to any supplements you might already be taking to improve melatonin levels, without side effects. That is good to know!

Again, it pays to listen to what your own body is telling you.

If you develop an allergy to any of the foods mentioned above it would be a good idea to avoid them.

While the Apigenin in chamomile works by gradually improving your quality of sleep over time, direct melatonin supplements work by providing the actual sleep hormone to assist with healthy sleep cycles.

The two can safely be used together to produce an even better effect because the relaxation qualities of chamomile don’t work much differently from how some medications might work for anxiety management of the nervous system.

Interestingly, some people like to take a herbal beverage that works to aid in digestive repair and health before sleep time.

Not the detox kind though!

Something detoxing would automatically add to disturbed sleep so be sure to avoid anything like that, but it could be in the way of green tea about half to one hour prior to sleep or even just a mug of warm boiled water which can have a comforting result on the stomach and nervous system as well.

I imagine this is because if you are holding onto a lot of stress this can affect the stomach, intestines, bowel and liver and if these areas are heavy with too many toxins this can absolutely affect what kind of sleep you’ll keep having.

It could be helpful to book in to see an Iridologist to find out what areas of your body need attention and support.

Such medical options of course are not for everybody but if you are at wits end and are feeling nauseous all the time from lots of medications already, then it might be worth investigating.

This antioxidant is of course natural.

Other sources are in oranges, celery, and oregano herb but I’m sure it lurks elsewhere as well. It seems to be something the human body needs and hence is there in healthy choice vegetables and fruits, common staples.