Have you ever struggled to sleep? I mean, really struggled — where you lie in your bed in a totally dark, quiet room set with an optimal temperature for sleep (between 60-68 degrees Fahrenheit) and been wide awake for hours? Maybe you even add in some white noise, a sleep cast, or a weighted blanket. In a country where nearly two thirds of us take and rely on a sleep aid, I am betting a majority of you can relate.
The good news is that we do have science and technology to help us out here. Technology in the form of meditation apps to help us sleep and science in the form of supplements — but you should do a little homework before settling on the best technology and scientific solutions for your specific needs. At AGEIST, we are all about doing the homework (or relying on our kick-ass scientific board to do the homework!)
Sleep Aids
Research by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that of the nearly two in three taking sleep aids:
- 23% use prescription medications
- 27% use melatonin
- 20% use marijuana or CBD (cannabidiol)
While any of these solutions might work for the short term, we need to be aware of the long term effects of sleep aids — especially those that act as sedatives. In fact, the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — think consistent schedule, setting the proper stage in your room for sleep, and meditation. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed. We highly recommend CBT and practice these solutions everyday.
On the other hand, we recognize that the results from CBT can take time and can lead to a very vicious cycle with regards to sleep: the more we stress about it, the more elusive it can become. That is where science can help bridge the gap — allowing us to get some much-needed sleep while developing the right habits to be able to sleep on our own. We are not looking for a “magic pill” but a solution that complements the work we are doing on our own.
Those of us at AGEIST rely on the premium natural sleep remedies from Ned to calm our mind and promote whole-body relaxation. Their capsules, tinctures, and magnesium superblends help us bridge the gap between the work we do on our own and a good night’s sleep.
And while the price tag may seem high, there is a reason: Ned has simplified your sleep stack as it contains 3 types of magnesium, GABA, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, L-theanine, and over 70 trace minerals to give you the best sleep possible. The Farm-to-Ned Alliance sources ingredients from regenerative farms that cultivate deeply nourishing botanicals, as they believe that wellness starts in the soil.
Technology Aids
Chronic insomnia is a dangerous health issue and can lead to memory issues, depression, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes — which is why we also turn to technology in the form of sleep apps to augment our personal efforts.
A few options when looking for app-based solutions:
- White noise contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure. You may also want to look into pink, brown and green noise as well; we are all unique and react differently to different sounds.
- Sleep Casts use sound and visualization to create ideal conditions for sleep; they are essentially boring 45-minute stories narrated in a soothing tone with wind-down or breathing exercises.
- Meditation for sleep uses deep breathing exercises and body scan techniques to calm the mind and body, preparing you for sleep.
The colored noises on the spectrum, sleep casts, and wind-down exercises are deliberately crafted to help you fall asleep — occupying your mind just enough, yet not keeping you awake.
Sleep is a natural function of the body, yet our bodies sometimes need some help. If you are curious about the natural line of solutions that Ned has to offer, use the code “AGEIST” at checkout for 15% off.
