The best sleep aid for 2025: Get better sleep without a prescription

Garden of Life Sleep Well Tablets earn our top pick for a natural sleep aid thanks to its high-quality formulation, third-party testing and relatively affordable price. Besides the company's stellar reputation, we love that these tablets use natural ingredients like valerian root, lemon balm and chamomile to help you toss less and dream more. Plus, they're non-habit-forming and won't leave you feeling like a zombie during your morning commute.

As someone who has tried everything from counting sheep to mindfulness apps, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of these tablets. Just be prepared for the possibility of strange or vivid dreams. According to a 2020 study, valerian root can have this effect. I, however, didn't have any issues. I slept soundly through the night and woke refreshed, as the label promised. 

We also love these tablets because they contain a probiotic blend for gut health, are certified vegan and non-GMO and don't contain artificial ingredients. Garden of Life products are also third-party tested for purity and potency, so you can rest assured that the tablets contain what they claim to (and nothing else). The con? The tablets are quite large and may be hard to swallow. If you have trouble with pills, look for the spray or liquid formula.

As with most sleep aids, this supplement has mixed reviews on its effectiveness. That said, Garden of Life Sleep Well still has mostly positive reviews on Amazon, with one reviewer saying it worked well for her husband who has trouble falling asleep: "These work for him and seem to be super effective. They are bigger pills so he breaks them in easy so that they are easy to use. No side effects and we love that they are natural! Decent value — we would buy again for sure.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. While our bodies produce it naturally to signal when it's time to sleep, some people with insomnia respond well to melatonin supplementation for its sleep-promoting effects. Though research is ongoing, there's enough evidence to suggest that melatonin can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality in some individuals, particularly those with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder.

I've tried melatonin in the past, and while it helped me fall asleep faster, I've often awakened too early and felt groggy the next day. Natrol Time Release Melatonin gummies are formulated to help you stay asleep longer, thanks to the slow release of melatonin throughout the night. Each gummy contains 10 mg of melatonin and is free of artificial sweeteners, dyes and flavors. We also like that Natrol supplements are formulated in NSF-certified facilities and are rigorously tested in-house for purity and potency.

The drawback of gummy supplements is that they can stick to your teeth and potentially contribute to cavity formation — though these contain only 1 gram of added sugars. Still, brushing your teeth after taking them is important to preserve your pearly whites. 

Users seem to appreciate this new formula, with one reviewer saying, "Texture is like all gummy bear candy, but its performance is great, and my sleep quality has changed. Highly recommended!"

After we tested 18 melatonin supplements, Thorne Melaton-3 came out on top, with our tester saying the supplement made them feel as though they were "sleeping in a cloud." Thorne is well-known for its commitment to producing easy-to-absorb, research-backed supplements — and this product is no exception. 

Each capsule provides just 3 mg of melatonin, making it a good option if you're new to melatonin or simply prefer a smaller dose. According to our tester, the dose "was just enough to help me fall asleep without the risk of morning grogginess." 

A 5-star Amazon reviewer agrees, saying: "This product is extremely effective. Sleep quality has improved greatly. No morning grogginess or medicine head upon awakening. Works great in about 30 mins. Will definitely continue with this product."

At $0.25 per serving, this NSF Certified for Sport product provides excellent value, though it may get a bit pricy if you need to take more than one capsule at a time. 

Nature's Sunshine Herbal Sleep Capsules contain a combination of valerian root, passionflower and hops flowers to promote a sense of calm without fillers or synthetic ingredients. I tried these capsules before bed — now I wish I'd known about them years ago. Not only did I drift off to sleep quickly, but my mind wasn't running an internal marathon — one of the reasons I often have difficulty falling asleep. I woke up feeling more rested than usual, and my Fitbit confirmed that I slept deeper. 

One reviewer on the company's website said it helped her sleep naturally without side effects or a feeling of being hungover.

As mentioned, valerian root has been linked to vivid and unusual dreams, so they aren't for everyone. Stop taking them if you notice unsettling sleep patterns. I didn't experience adverse side effects, but it's something to consider. Another important note: A serving size is two capsules, so the 100-capsule bottle will last less than two months if you take them daily. 

Ever since I tried this Wholesome Hippy Calm Cream, I've been sold on the benefits of magnesium for sleep. While research is ongoing — especially for topical use — magnesium supplements and creams show promise for promoting better rest, especially in those with sleep disturbances or insomnia. 

When applied before bed, Wholesome Hippy purports that this cream helps ease muscle tension and fosters a sense of calm. Plus, it's enriched with other sleep-promoting ingredients like melatonin, valerian root and chamomile, making it an ideal addition to your wind-down routine.

As someone who often deals with tense muscles and difficulty falling asleep, I was excited to try it. Thanks to the shea, cocoa and mango butters, the texture is thick and moisture-rich, but it dries quickly, leaving you feeling moisturized but not greasy. A little bit goes a long way — I needed only a fingertip's worth on each foot. The scent is heavenly too!

The real reason I love it? I've been using it on my son's feet as part of his nighttime routine, and he's finally sleeping through the night. Granted, he doesn't have severe sleep issues, but it has certainly helped him calm down and stay asleep longer. 

One user raved: "The quality of my sleep has vastly improved, and my anxiety doesn't wake me up. Plus, it has the added benefit of pain relief! You only need a small amount, so it lasts quite a while."

Nothing can replace a warm cup of tea before bed — it's a nightly ritual that helps still the chaos of three kids and a million to-dos. For those nights when I need extra help unwinding, I reach for Stash Chamomile Nights Tea. The blend of chamomile, spearmint and natural lotus flavors puts my mind and body at ease after a long day.

The tea is light yet soothing, and I appreciate that it's naturally caffeine-free. While research confirming the benefits of chamomile is limited, it's long been used as a natural sleep aid.

This tea isn't just great for bedtime — I've also found myself drinking it during stressful moments when my brain won't stop racing. Its calming effects and delicious flavor make it a staple in my tea collection. 

One of the more than 49,000 Amazon reviewers says, "This is a chamomile tea with an extra bit of calm due to the addition of some mint and lotus flavor. It's a really nice tea to have right before bed. It actually makes me considerably sleepy sometimes, so I avoid drinking it earlier in the day."

I started using essential oils years ago after looking for natural ways to support a healthy and pleasant-smelling house. If you ask a certified aromatherapist, they'll likely tell you that essential oils have been used for centuries for sleep and relaxation. However, not all oils are safe or suitable for every household, especially if you have pets or small children. 

NOW Foods Peaceful Sleep Oil Blend has quickly become one I can't sleep without. It includes chamomile, lavender, orange, tangerine and sandalwood oils to help promote a relaxing atmosphere conducive to sleep. This blend isn't overpowering like others I've tried. I add a few drops to my diffuser 30 minutes before bed and feel myself starting to unwind almost immediately. What more could I ask for?

While essential oils can be controversial, some studies suggest specific oils like lavender and jasmine may help with sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. 

The over 2,400 Amazon reviewers rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, with one user saying, "My kids and my husband swear by this!"

When all else fails, the trusty ZzzQuil is on my nightstand. I'm not a fan of relying on medication to sleep, but sometimes it's the best option when I can't afford another restless night. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine HCl, a common antihistamine that causes drowsiness.

While it's non-habit-forming, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and not take it for more than a few consecutive nights. The company recommends stopping the medication and seeing a health care professional if you have insomnia for more than two weeks. I also try to take it at least eight hours before I need to be up in the morning, as it can cause drowsiness or even dizziness the next day.

These are liquid caps, which I find much easier to swallow than larger pills. The outer capsule dissolves quickly, so it works faster than traditional capsules. I've undoubtedly woken up with dry mouth after taking these, but they do the job when needed. Plus, they're affordable and available at most local and online drugstores. Amazon reviewers rate them 4.5 out of 5 stars, with one user commenting: "Slept like sleeping beauty!"

Sleep trackers do one thing well: track the amount of sleep you get. What I find interesting about the RISE Sleep Tracker app is that it not only tracks your sleep debt (the amount of time you need to make up for lost sleep) but also provides personalized recommendations for improving your sleep habits and becoming more alert during the day.

It took me five minutes to set up, including syncing it with other health apps, and it's been an eye-opening experience. For example, I learned that I was in 3.3 hours of sleep debt and required 9 hours of sleep each night to be fully rested. In terms of energy, RISE estimated my circadian rhythm and suggested times for me to wake up, exercise to improve energy and wind down for bed. This is all based on data collected via phone motion and other inputs I provided about my lifestyle.

The app has several other handy features, like progress reports, relaxing sleep sounds and habit reminders. It may not be as accurate as a wearable when used alone, but RISE uses data from other external devices if you have one (like Fitbit or Garmin) to further analyze and improve predictions beyond most smart device apps I've tested. 

The over 7,500 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play agree that this is an app worth trying. You can give it a whirl for free for seven days before the price goes up to $70 per year.

My sinuses are pretty sensitive, so I've always been a fan of humidifiers. This Humidifier and Aroma Kit by Canopy is the first humidifier I've tried that has two options for aromatherapy: You can add a few drops directly to the water tank or use the separate magnetic aroma puck with up to five drops of oil. The puck, which attaches to the top of the humidifier, slowly diffuses the scent into the air. You can change the puck depending on the time of day or the scents you prefer.

I tried this in my bedroom while I was down and out with a cold, and it definitely helped keep my nasal passages more comfortable while I slept. I like that it has a large tank and user-friendly controls — I can also pop the parts into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Though it's on the pricier side for a humidifier, the added features make up for it.

It does have some limitations, though — it's best suited for spaces less than 500 square feet, and the aroma puck may not work as well in larger rooms. But overall I stand with the hundreds of satisfied Amazon reviewers who give it a thumbs-up. One user shared: "One of the best aspects of this humidifier is how quietly it operates. Even on the highest setting, it produces only a gentle hum, making it ideal for use in bedrooms or nurseries."

Two nights. That's how long it took the Saatva Cloud Memory Foam Pillow to sweep me off my feet and into the dreamiest snooze in recent memory. As a pillow snob — I quite literally sleep with five different pillows on my side of the bed — this one has quickly become one of my all-time favorites.

The outer cover is 100% organic cotton, and the inner foam layers are CertiPUR-US-certified. What I love most is how it contours to my neck and head without feeling too firm or soft. I sleep on my side and back, and it's comfortable in both positions. The cover is removable and machine washable too!

One downside is the price point — it may be out of budget for some. It also had a slight initial odor that quickly dissipated within a day or two. With a one-year warranty and a 45-day trial period, it's worth trying if you're looking for a new pillow that adapts to your body as you move.

I'm feel like I'm at a five-star resort in the Turks & Caicos whenever I climb into bed with these Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets. Made with premium viscose from bamboo, they are soft, eco-friendly, moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and odor-resistant. Can you ask for more from a set of sheets?

I prefer these sheets over traditional cotton ones because they keep me cool throughout the night without ever feeling chilled. They also have a subtle sheen that makes my bed look extra inviting. The fitted sheet is slightly oversize, so it stays in place even if you have a thicker mattress or added topper. And unlike other bamboo sheets I've tried, these don't wrinkle easily when laundered. I've washed them multiple times following the care instructions, and they still feel new.

These are an investment (to say the least), but they may be worth it if you value a good night's sleep. Plus, Cozy Earth offers a 100-night trial and free shipping and returns — you can try them risk-free. 

I'm not going to lie — I was skeptical about choosing a mattress online without trying it in person. I struggled to decide which firmness level I wanted: plush, luxury firm or firm. But I went with a luxury firm and have been super happy with my decision. The Nolah Evolution 15" is the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on — no exaggeration.

I didn't initially understand what "luxury firm" meant. Is it closer to firm or medium? From my experience, it's like having a firm mattress (great for back support) with several inches of melt-into-your-mattress softness on top. I'm a side-back combo sleeper, and this mattress cradles me without feeling like I'm sinking. My husband's morning back pain has disappeared too.

Some important notes: It comes in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king and split king. There's a 120-night trial period, although you can opt out for a discount ($75+ depending on size). If you decide to return it within that period, it costs $99 for pickup. The mattress also comes with a lifetime warranty, but most replacements/repairs will require some kind of transportation or repair fee.