Manuka honey is well-known for its myriad health benefits, from boosting immunity to aiding digestion. However, did you know it can also support a restful night’s sleep? With its unique blend of natural compounds, manuka honey offers calming and restorative properties that can enhance your nighttime routine.
Here’s how you can use this superfood to promote better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Why manuka honey can help with sleep
Manuka honey contains natural sugars that promote a steady release of glycogen, an essential energy source that fuels the body during sleep. Unlike other sugars, manuka honey’s unique composition provides a gradual energy release that helps prevent sudden dips in blood sugar, which can lead to restless sleep. Additionally, it encourages the body to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, by slightly raising insulin levels, which in turn promotes the production of tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin.
For those seeking natural ways to improve their sleep, a spoonful of honey before bed may offer a gentle, effective solution.
Ways to incorporate manuka honey into your bedtime routine
1. Take it straight from the spoon: One of the simplest ways to enjoy manuka honey’s sleep-enhancing properties is to take a teaspoon right before bed. Its natural sugars help to maintain glycogen levels, supporting a more restful sleep.
2. Combine with warm herbal tea: Adding a teaspoon of manuka honey to a cup of chamomile or lavender tea is an effective way to relax before bed. The warm tea and honey work together to promote relaxation, helping you unwind.
3. Make a honey milk drink: A traditional remedy for better sleep, warm milk with honey combines tryptophan-rich milk with the natural sugars in manuka honey, boosting melatonin production. For an extra calming effect, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
4. Mix into yoghurt: If you prefer something cool before bed, try mixing manuka honey into a small bowl of yoghurt. Yoghurt provides probiotics that support gut health, while the honey’s sugars work to keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the night.
Other health benefits of manuka honey
While manuka honey is excellent for sleep, it also boasts various other health benefits. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that support immunity and digestion, and it’s even used topically to promote skin healing. For example, if you’re interested in enhancing your daily wellness or skin care routine with an organic health supplement, manuka honey can be an invaluable addition to your routine.
Creating a bedtime ritual with manuka honey
Incorporating manuka honey into your nightly routine can signal your body that it’s time to wind down. Establishing a consistent ritual—whether it’s a honey tea or a soothing honey milk drink—can help your body recognise the cues for sleep, making it easier to relax. Combining manuka honey with calming activities, such as reading or listening to soft music, can make this ritual even more effective.
A few considerations when using manuka honey for sleep
While manuka honey can be beneficial, it’s essential to use it in moderation, especially if you’re monitoring your sugar intake. Start with a small amount, about half a teaspoon, and adjust as needed based on how your body responds. Additionally, be sure to purchase high-quality honey from a reputable retailer, as only authentic manuka honey provides the unique sleep-supporting benefits.
Conclusion
Using manuka honey as part of your bedtime routine is a natural, soothing way to encourage better sleep. Whether you add it to tea, milk, or take it straight, this superfood offers a gentle approach to support a restful night. For premium manuka honey and other wellness products, explore the range available at Nature’s Nutrition, and take a step towards better sleep and enhanced wellbeing.