If you’re like me, you’re a shitty sleeper. Let me explain. I am a sleepy girl with a busy life. I go to school full time, work part time, and enjoy having a social life because I’m not a loser. With that being said, I suck at sleeping. I’m a certified Nap Queen, but when it comes time to hit the sack at the end of a long day (yes, day, because after long nights I seriously knock tf  out), I cannot fall asleep.

I’m sure it happens to a lot of you. You’re sleepy all day, purposely do not take a nap when you get home, and then once you lie down, it’s impossible to fall asleep! Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s my undiagnosed anxiety. Maybe (see: yes) it’s stress. Whatever the reason may be, instead of restorting to popping a Xan as a part of your bed time ritual, try these natural ways to seriously improve your sleep. Seriously, they work.

1. Melatonin

Classic go-to sleep aid. It’s natural, and really does help you fall asleep as soon as you turn the lights off and lie down- & stay sleeping through the night. My only suggestion would be to take it waaay before you’re planning on waking up in the morning. This shit stays in your system and although you’ll get an amazing nights sleep, you’ll be groggy all morning if taken too late at night.

2. Chamomile Tea

I’ve never been a tea drinker- not iced, not hot. It seriously tastes like dirty water to me. But after countless nights of tossing and turning, I finally listened to everyone who suggested chamomile tea to me and gave it a go. I went with Tazo, but I’m sure all brands are good. The lavender and other herbs really help relax you and make falling asleep (and staying asleep) so easy.

3. Lavender Oil

I had always heard about essential oils, but thought they were some weirdo hippie remedies all the crazies used. Well, call me a weirdo hippie crazy girl, cause this works. The moment I began dropping a few drops of lavender oil on my pillows before bed, I started having the best sleeps. I sleep hours without waking up, and having the scent of lavender so close to me is so relaxing and wonderful. Be sure not to drop too much though, because the scent could get really strong and uncomfortable. Two to three drops on your pillows and sheets should do the trick.

4. Reading

I love reading, but it 100% puts me to sleep. I just almost fell asleep doing a discussion post because I had to read a case study (see: boring). If you’re finding it difficult to fall asleep, pick up a book you’ve been saying you were going to get around to reading and read it. Read a chapter a night, and not only will you get sleepy and fall asleep, but you’ll eventually finish a book on your book list!

5. Powering Off

The most difficult of them all. I can’t seem to power off my electrical devices an hour before bed as recommended. What if someone texts me (they don’t)? What if there’s Twitter drama (there isn’t)? If you can manage to power off your devices at least an hour before bed, it’s proven you’ll fall asleep more easily and sleep better through the night. Maybe one day I’ll have enough will power for this. For now, I’ll try the other tips mentioned above and continue waiting for texts that aren’t coming and drama that isn’t happening.

So I’m a sleepy girl who can’t sleep. Do you see my dilemma? Thankfully, these things have really helped me sleep through the night, so I hope they help you too. Try it out this week and let me know how it goes. And no, putting lavender oil on your pillows after chugging four margaritas at happy hour doesn’t count. Try this out on a Tuesday night or something when you aren’t drinking. And if you’re chugging four margaritas at happy hour on a Tuesday, I wanna be you.

Snoozy sleeping,

Nicki G.