3 simple ingredients give your body what it needs for a relaxing night's sleep

The average American gets just under seven hours of sleep during the workweek and about 7 1/2 hours of sleep on the weekends (or other nonwork nights), according to the National Sleep Foundation
Though individual needs vary based on body type, health and genetics, getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, affect your mood and contributes to weight gain, according to the National Sleep Foundation. 
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The National Sleep Foundation recommends between seven to eight hours of sleep for older adults (over 65), seven to nine hours for adults (18-64), between eight and 10 hours for teenagers, and between nine and 13 hours for children under 14. 
Choose organic instead of over the counter
If you are having trouble getting enough shut-eye, you may be tempted to reach for a sleeping pill, but pills can be addicting and may actually make it more difficult to fall asleep naturally, according to WebMD.  Instead, consider a homemade recipe to help you drift off to dreamland. 
LavidaLucida recommends mixing 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with a quarter-teaspoon of honey and one-eighth teaspoon of sea salt. Consider mixing it with a glass of water to help with the taste. 
Why oil, salt and honey?
The ingredients in this natural nighttime remedy all aid in getting better Z's. Among the many benefits of honey, improved sleep and relaxation are at the top of the list, according to Dr. Oz. Natural sugars found in honey slightly increases insulin in your body, which promotes the production of tryptophan, which in turn makes you sleepy. (This is the same chemical that makes you yawn after too much turkey on Thanksgiving.) 
Coconut oil, along with other healthy fats, helps your body produce the hormones necessary to get a good night's sleep, according to Wellness Mama. The sea salt helps reduce stress and raises your oxytocin levels so you feel relaxed enough to shut down properly for the night, according to Healy Eats Real
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As a bonus: Regularly consuming coconut oil and other healthy fats can give you an energy boost during the day which may also help you sleep better at night, according to Wellness Mama. 
RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.