Garlic's relationship with sleep is complex and depends on how it's used. While it's not directly a sleep aid like a medication, several sources suggest potential indirect benefits.
Garlic's Potential Indirect Benefits for Sleep
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Improved Breathing: Garlic can help clear blocked nasal passages, easing breathing difficulties and reducing snoring which can improve sleep quality. [Source: Garlic can also help clear blocked nasal passages if you are suffering from a cold - easing nocturnal breathing and reducing snoring, which in turn aids restful sleep.]
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Calming Effects: Some sources suggest garlic may have calming effects on the nervous system, potentially promoting relaxation and better sleep. [Source: Consuming garlic at night can contribute to better sleep quality due to its calming effects on the nervous system. By promoting relaxation,] [Source: Consuming garlic before bedtime may offer potential health benefits, such as… potential improvement in sleep quality.] [Source: A sulfur compound like allicin which is present in garlic can give you a restful sleep at night and relieve you from insomnia.]
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Improved Overall Health: Better overall health, possibly facilitated by garlic's immune-boosting properties, could contribute to more restful sleep. This isn't a direct effect but rather an indirect consequence. [Source: Consuming raw garlic… can enhance… sleep quality… ]
Important Considerations
It's crucial to note that consuming large quantities of garlic before bed may cause digestive discomfort and unpleasant breath, negatively impacting sleep. The cited articles mainly discuss eating garlic at night, not necessarily sleeping with it. One source even cautions against it: [Source: There are numerous benefits of eating garlic throughout the day, but is it true that garlic helps sleep? The simple answer is “no” — not if you're eating it… ]
Conclusion
While garlic might indirectly contribute to better sleep through improved breathing and potentially calming effects, it's not a guaranteed sleep aid. The impact depends on individual responses and consumption methods. Using garlic for sleep improvement should be approached cautiously.