- According to the CDC, about 70 million adults in the United States have what is categorized as a “chronic sleep problem.”
- And about one-third don’t get the recommended amount of sleep they need each night. Sleeplessness is a growing problem, exacerbated by the 24/7 news cycle and social media keeping us up and making us anxious.
There are a few ways kratom can help improve our sleep, also, we can improve our sleep by meditation to exercise and avoiding screens after a specific time at night. However, some find these interventions need an extra boost to help curb anxiety and poor sleep. For many, natural remedies like kratom may offer that extra nudge to help our bodies and minds relax.
What is kratom?
While you may not have heard of kratom, ancient cultures have been using it for centuries. Kratom is produced from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, a member of the coffee family. Leaves from the plant are dried and ground into a powder. Kratom is often found in powder form but can also be an extract, tincture, or tea, among other forms.
There are three main types of kratom: white vein, red vein, and green vein. The different veins are named based on the vein colors of the leaves when they are harvested, and each has a slightly different effect. Each vein gets its color from its alkaloid level, which changes as the leaves mature. White vein kratom is picked earliest, green next, and red last, at its most mature. In general, white vein kratom is said to help with energy and focus, red aids in relaxation, and green sits between the two.
How can kratom help with sleep?
Red vein kratom is the most popular strain chosen to help with relaxation and sleep. It is said to have a calming and soothing effect to help relax the body and mind. It may also help relieve discomfort which might be hindering sleep.
White vein kratom has the opposite effect and users often choose it to help increase energy and focus. While this may not seem helpful for sleep, it can still be beneficial. If you’re having trouble sleeping due to worries around not being able to get the things done you need to in a day, white kratom can help you be more productive throughout the day.
Where can I buy kratom?
You can buy kratom online or in person in some select states. When buying kratom, make sure you do your research on the supplier. It’s important to find a supplier that works with certified growers, is ethically sourced, and is sustainably grown. All of these factors help guarantee you’re getting a high-quality product. You should also check for certification from third-party labs that test the kratom to ensure it has proper alkaloid levels and is free from pesticides or other contaminants.
Are there other natural sleep remedies to consider?
There are a few other common natural sleep remedies that may help you relax and get a better night’s sleep.
CBD is said to ease worries and help with aches, both of which can interfere with sleep. Many people prefer CBD to cannabis as it doesn’t have THC, the component of cannabis that gives that “high” feeling. Plus, it’s legal in most states thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill stating that hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% THC are legal nationally. You can easily find a CBD store online or in person in most states.
Valerian root is another potential sleep aid, usually found in powder form. It also is said to help reduce worries and promote sleep, but studies are still ongoing. Valerian root is commonly consumed as a tea or in a capsule and is said to help people fall asleep quicker and reduce night time wake-ups.
Lavender is a very common sleep aid, usually used as an oil or dried flower. Many products that promote relaxation, such as candles, diffusers, and sleep masks, are infused with lavender. Its scent is said to have a relaxing, calming effect, helping people fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep.
Get the rest you deserve
Many people want to avoid artificial medicines and supplements, and these natural remedies are a nice alternative. It’s all about finding what works for you, your lifestyle, and your body. The more sleep you get, the better you’ll feel and be able to respond to the needs of your days.
