In the long term, too little restful sleep poses a serious health risk. According to a pioneer in sleep research, the American William C. Dement, 90 percent of our health is related to sufficient, good sleep.

Unfortunately, many people in Germany can only "dream" of a good night's sleep. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute, a third of the adult population suffers from problems falling asleep and staying asleep three times a week or more often. In a survey by DAK-Gesundheit, 80 percent of adults complained of sleep problems.

Unfortunately, many people in Germany can only "dream" of a good night's sleep. According to a study by the Robert Koch Institute, a third of the adult population suffers from problems falling asleep and staying asleep three times a week or more. In a survey by DAK-Gesundheit, 80 percent of adults complained of sleep problems.

There can be many reasons for this. The sleep thieves include: stress, hecticness, depression and long flights with jet lag, increased night temperatures such as so-called tropical nights. In women, hormonal changes such as menopause can lead to problems falling asleep and staying asleep. This should not be underestimated.

The release of the "Sandman hormone" melatonin is important for good sleep. Too much light in the bedroom and staring at a screen for a long time before going to bed inhibit melatonin production. Melatonin is mainly released in the body in the dark.

In addition to exercise, meditation, evening rituals and screen-free time before bed, herbal remedies help you fall asleep and sleep through the night. These include preparations that combine lavender and other plants, such as valerian, hops or passionflower. Combining several calming herbs can significantly increase the sleep-promoting effect of a herbal preparation. Products containing melatonin are particularly popular as a gentle sleep aid. Melatonin can also be combined excellently with classic medicinal plants such as lavender and passionflower.

Other ingredients are also increasingly being discussed when it comes to healthy and natural sleep aids. Certain B vitamins are particularly recommended for sleeping through the night, but also vitamins C and D and the mineral magnesium. These support the organism, which is by no means inactive during sleep, in its "repair work" at night. Vitamin B6 and magnesium in particular also play an important role in the conversion of the essential amniotic acid L-tryptophan, as a precursor to serotonin, the "happiness hormone", and melatonin, the "sleep hormone". Combinations of plant substances with melatonin and L-tryptophan are therefore sensibly supplemented with magnesium and vitamin B6.