If you're looking for a natural, garden-fresh path to a better night's rest, the answer might be growing just outside your door. Many common garden herbs contain compounds that relax the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and gently guide the body toward sleep.

Here are 4 essential sleep-promoting herbs you can easily grow:

Lavender (*Lavandula species*): Famous for its soothing aroma, lavender's essential oils (especially linalool) have been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

How to Use: Place dried flower buds in a sachet under your pillow, or brew a calming tea with the buds.

Chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla*): This classic sleepytime ingredient contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which may bind to brain receptors that promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.

How to Use: Harvest the blossoms and steep them fresh or dried for a gentle, apple-scented evening tea.

Lemon Balm (*Melissa officinalis*): A member of the mint family with a cheerful, lemony scent. Lemon balm is a traditional remedy for nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness.

How to Use: Crush the leaves and steep them for a relaxing tea, or simply rub a few fresh leaves on your pulse points before bed.

Valerian (*Valeriana officinalis*): Often considered the most powerful natural sleep aid, the root of this plant contains valerenic acid, which interacts with neurotransmitters to induce a sedative effect.

How to Use: This herb is typically consumed as an extract or capsule, as the tea made from the roots has a very strong, earthy odor (some describe it as "sweaty socks").