Natural sleep tea

Sometimes sleep can be elusive. Many different factors, both external and internal, can influence your brain, hormones and nervous system which can, in turn, affect the quality of your sleep.

Some people rely on sleeping pills to get the rest they need, but this is not a long term solution, nor one many people are comfortable with.

Sleeping pills, like all medication, have side effects (including dizziness, constipation, stomach pain, difficulty focusing and memory problems) and must only be taken on the advice of your GP or specialist. They should never be ‘borrowed’ – they are prescription medication. Ensure any sleeping pills in your home are safely stored in the original packaging, well out of reach of children.

When you are deprived of sleep, you don’t function at your best. Your thinking skills are not as sharp, your motor skills decline, your energy drops, and you’re at even more risk for diseases and health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Bananas are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which are great for relaxing both your muscles and nervous system. Many people don’t know that the banana peel has even more potassium and magnesium than the banana itself! Interestingly, wiping the inside of a banana peel on an insect bite will effectively remove the itch and sting as well).

Try the recipe below to get the benefits of the potassium and magnesium in the banana peel. Magnesium is the most important mineral for muscle relaxation and can reduce muscle cramps along with other aches and pains. When you’re stressed, your body depletes itself of magnesium more quickly. You need magnesium to cope with stress, allowing you to relax and fall asleep.

Cinnamon is a useful spice to add to your diet because it’s good for balancing blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are balanced, your hormones can function in a way that allow for better sleep. If your blood sugar levels are off, then you may have energy at night, or be tired during the day.

Combining both the goodness of bananas and cinnamon is a natural way to nod off.

Banana cinnamon tea

Ingredients:

• 1 banana (with peel)
  
• 1 small pot of water
• A sprinkle of cinnamon
  

Method:

Step 1: Simple cut of both ends of the banana (top and bottom)

Step 2: Put the banana into a pot of boiling water, and boil for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle some cinnamon into the water as well. If you’d like to add some stevia or coconut sugar for sweetening, by all means, do so.

Step 3: Add more cinnamon if desired and enjoy!

As another option, you can also peel and eat a boiled banana with cinnamon sprinkled on it if you’d prefer.

Here’s to a great night’s natural rest!