The 3 Supplements This Celebrity Nutritionist Never Leaves Home Without

When you’re stressed out, you don’t sleep nearly as well. Subsequently, poor-quality sleep can dial up stress levels throughout the day.

In one study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, workers who slept for five or less hours experienced increased amounts of perceived stress. Perceived stress is the thought or idea of something threatening, rather than actually experiencing something threatening. 

Stress can make falling or staying asleep a real challenge, but a targeted sleep supplement can help you meet your ideal eight to nine hour sleep quota.* One of my favorite supplements is melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Supplementing with melatonin may benefit certain sleep challenges, including abnormal circadian rhythm patterns and jet lag.*

Melatonin levels decline gradually with age. Researchers suspect that may be one reason why quality sleep also declines as we get older.

It’s worth noting that a melatonin supplement may help you fall asleep, but doesn’t necessarily improve sleep quality or duration.* That’s why I prefer taking melatonin combined with other nutrients. L-Theanine, found in green tea, is one of them. Research shows that this amino acid promotes quality sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting calm.*

Sleep hygiene is also critical. For me, that means turning off electronics a few hours before bed (that email can wait till morning!), sipping chamomile tea, and taking a hot bath along with a novel. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it.