8 Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
by Akili King for Vogue
Like many people, sleep evades me when I’m under high stress, the time I need it the most.
Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, June 2003
Like many people, sleep evades me when I’m under high stress, the time I need it the most. But I have come to find that natural sleep remedies, whether they’re routines or supplements, have helped me a lot during times when self-doubt and worries creep in before I shut my eyes. These practices have become increasingly important during a global pandemic and a monumental human rights movement.
Shanelle McKenzie, cofounder of the Villij, an organization committed to making the wellness space more inclusive, reminds me that “as a woman of color, it’s important to recognize sleep as a form of self-care. We are looked to as healers and nurturers, but without the proper rest and self-care, who are we to our community?” Her fellow cofounder Kim Knight adds that now “more than ever, women of color need to be reminded that they have done enough. As nurturers, we must deliberately take care of ourselves. Prioritizing sleep is a form of radical self-care for us.” Whether it’s soothing meditations, calming music, or teas and supplements that help you find dreamland, Knight emphasizes “your relationship with sleep is important. Like any other relationship, be open to exploring and once you find what works for you, stick to it.” Here are a few ways to help you find your well-deserved rest.
Read More: 8 Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
