Is putting a teaspoon of this mixture underneath your tongue the secret to a good night’s sleep?

 

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A post shared by Ananya| Nutritionist (@ananyastouchofhealth) 

But is this remedy actually effective in inducing a more peaceful and restful state before sleep? Clinical dietician Kanikka Malhotra tells indianexpress.com, “There’s limited scientific evidence directly linking this specific combination to improved sleep quality.” 

“While specific studies on this exact mixture may be limited, research on the components separately highlights their potential sleep-enhancing effects,” she adds.

Honey: It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin and then melatonin, the sleep hormone. However, the amount is minimal, and honey’s sugar content could cause a blood sugar spike, disrupting sleep in some.

Himalayan Salt: Rich in minerals like magnesium, it might indirectly support sleep by aiding muscle relaxation. But, dietary intake has a negligible impact on magnesium levels for sleep improvement.

What hormones are influenced by the consumption of honey and Himalayan salt?

As mentioned above, Ananya says that the mixture helps regulate hormones. However, there is limited information provided about which hormones are affected. 

Malhotra says that the honey-salt mix’s influence on specific hormones for de-stressing is unclear. 

“Honey’s tryptophan content is minimal, and its impact on melatonin is debatable,” she informs.

While Himalayan salt might indirectly improve magnesium levels, which can regulate cortisol, dietary intake’s effect is weak, she adds.

Potential risks or considerations associated with regularly using honey and Himalayan salt as a sleep aid

While honey and Himalayan salt offer natural sleep aid benefits, there are potential risks and considerations. “High consumption of these ingredients, especially in individuals with health conditions. Honey has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, reduce excessive weight gain, improve lipid metabolism, and enhance insulin sensitivity, which can help manage metabolic syndrome,” Malhotra warns.

Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, she says, it still contains sugar. Individuals with metabolic disorders, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should consult a qualified healthcare provider before incorporating honey and Himalayan salt into their sleep routine, as these ingredients may interact with ongoing medications or exacerbate existing health condition.

Honey’s tryptophan content is minimal, and its impact on melatonin is debatable. (Source: Freepik)

Additionally, she states that it is essential to ensure a moderate intake and consider individual health conditions before using them as sleep aids. For those with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, consulting a qualified dietician is recommended to explore alternative dietary methods or precautions for achieving better sleep using natural remedies.

Some better and proven alternatives to induce a restful sleep 

While the honey-salt mix might be majorly harmless (except people living with metabolic conditions), consider these natural sleep aids with some scientific backing: 

*Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, it might promote relaxation before sleep. 

*Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb helps manage stress, a significant sleep disruptor. Studies suggest ashwagandha may improve sleep quality and duration. 

*Cumin Seeds/Jeera: Have an infusion of jeera tea at night to soothe your nerves and get sound sleep. 

*Mint/Pudina Leaves: Drink a concoction of calming mint tea just before hitting the bed to have a sound sleep. 

*Jatamansi: Known for its calming properties, Jatamansi promotes relaxation and may ease anxiety, a common sleep barrier.

*Brahmi: This herb supports cognitive function and may also improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. 

*Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium deficiency can disrupt sleep. Include magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds in your diet

“While natural remedies are generally safe, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. For herbal remedies, ensure proper dosage and purchase high-quality products from reputable sources,” Malhotra recommends.