Let’s Talk Sleep Aids: What Worked, What Didn’t, and Why I Choose Natural Options Now
Hey friends! 😴
If you’ve been following along, you know sleep has been a huge part of my wellness journey. Honestly? For a long time, I struggled. Between my busy EMS schedule, shift work, and just regular life stress, getting good sleep felt impossible.
I tried everything—some things worked (for a while), some didn’t. Today, I want to share the real deal about what helped me, what didn’t, and why I now lean into natural, sustainable solutions for deep rest. ✨
The Melatonin Phase
Like so many of us, my first stop was melatonin. It worked—at first. I’d take it and be out fast, which felt like magic... until it didn’t.
What I noticed:
It became less effective over time.
I started to feel groggy in the mornings.
I felt dependent on it to fall asleep (which low-key stressed me out).
Plus, after doing a little research, I learned that melatonin is best used for short-term sleep disruptions (like jet lag) and isn’t ideal for long-term, daily use. That was my wake-up call to try something else.
Kicking Screen Time (Game-Changer!)
The next shift? Ditching my phone before bed. 📵 I used to scroll until the second my head hit the pillow, but cutting out screens 30–60 minutes before bed made a huge difference. My mind felt calmer, and it was easier to unwind naturally.
Tip: I swapped scrolling for reading a book or journaling—two habits I now love!
Brain Dump + Journaling
I’ve shared this before, but I can’t say it enough: brain dumping and gratitude journaling have been powerful tools. Getting everything out of my head—whether it’s a to-do list or random worries—helps me let go of stress and actually rest.
It’s simple, but don’t underestimate how freeing it feels to leave the mental clutter on paper instead of taking it to bed.
The Relaxing Tea Experiment 🍵
This is where things got exciting. A friend recommended a natural relaxing tea blend, and honestly? I was skeptical at first. But I figured, why not try it?
Y’all—it worked like magic. The warm, minty tea became part of my nightly routine, and I found myself dozing off without melatonin. Plus, it felt like a cozy ritual I looked forward to, not just something I “had” to do.
Now, I’m all about nourishing my body with gentle, natural options that support rest instead of forcing it.
Why I Stick to Natural Options Now
Here’s what I’ve learned: True, sustainable wellness isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating habits and routines that work with your body, not against it.
My go-to sleep tools today:
✨ No screens before bed
✨ A consistent bedtime + wind-down alarm
✨ Relaxing tea
✨ Journaling + brain dump
✨ Light stretching or deep breaths to release tension
I’m not saying I never have off nights (we all do 🙃), but these habits have helped me build a solid foundation for better sleep that I can rely on—no grogginess, no stress.
Let’s Chat
What’s your experience with sleep aids? Have you tried melatonin, teas, or other remedies? I’d love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t!) for you—drop a comment and let’s swap stories. 💬
Here’s to restful nights and bright mornings! 🌙☀️
Big hugs,
Erin
