The 3 Biggest Sleep Hacks BUSTED!!

This article has been researched and written by Arelang Naturals^® in-house writers.

Quality sleep - Is like a distant dream (no puns intended). Here in India, many of us turn to our screens for sleep solutions, scrolling through hours of social media for the latest sleep “hacks”, most times into the wee hours of the night - see the irony? A recent survey found that nearly 60% of urban Indians struggle with sleep weekly and over 30% have tried viral sleep trends, chasing the elusive eight hours of rest.

From Ayurveda to trendy “self-care” routines like magnesium supplements and hours of “bed rotting,” we’ve embraced it all in the name of better sleep. But do these methods truly deliver, or are they keeping us awake instead?

Let’s bust three of the biggest and most common sleep myths and uncover why the real key to restful nights might be a lot simpler than you think—perhaps as simple as savouring a soothing dark chocolate!

Myth #1: Magnesium Supplements = Instant Sleep Magic

Magnesium has gained superstar status in the sleep world, with promises of dreamy nights packed into powders and "sleepy mocktails." But can this one mineral really work wonders for sleep on its own? The answer is complex.

Magnesium is a vital multitasker—relaxing muscles, calming nerves and managing stress—all key stakeholders in the sleep game. But here’s the catch: research on magnesium’s direct impact on sleep is a mixed bag. Sure, high doses may even help some people sleep better, but this often comes with its own side of digestive drama (cramps and, um, other more ‘loose’ disruptions).

What most people don't get is that magnesium shines brightest and gets best absorbed when it comes from real food. Think leafy greens, almonds, bananas, pumpkin seeds and avocados. Not only do these foods pack a good magnesium punch, but they also bring extra nutrients like fibres and antioxidants to boost your overall health and bring out the best effects of magnesium.

So, instead of relying on supplements as a quick fix, try adding these natural sources to your diet. Your body (and your sleep) will thank you—and you can skip the digestive fireworks.

Pro Tip: Natural sleep aids work best as part of a bedtime routine, not a quick fix. Try having a warm cup of milk or herbal tea before bed and set a “digital curfew”—turn down the lights and put your phone away an hour before sleep. This helps your body wind down and boosts natural melatonin production. Along with it, consider Restore Your Sleep dark chocolates. The natural ingredients like Walnut, Nutmeg and St. John’s Wort are rich sources of tryptophan and serotonin which act as raw material for the production of melatonin in your body, making it easier for the brain to boost melatonin production.

Myth #2: Bed Rotting is the Ultimate Way to Relax and Recharge

We’ve all been there—lying in bed for hours, thinking we’re “recharging,” maybe even scrolling through our phones, telling ourselves we deserve the brain time off. It seems like the easiest way to unwind, right? But here’s the catch: while staying in bed may feel comforting for a while, it can actually mess with your sleep.

The Reality:

Spending too much time in bed while awake can confuse your brain. Your bed starts to feel like a place for anything but sleep—stress, worry and even boredom can creep in. Over time, it messes with your sleep cues, making it harder to fall asleep when you need to. Experts call this “sleep hygiene,” which is basically the idea of keeping your bed just for sleep (not for long Netflix marathons or endless scrolling).

Plus, laying in bed for hours can leave you physically sluggish, stiff and low on energy. Not exactly the “recharge” you were aiming for. 

Our Solution:

Instead of “bed rotting,” try taking small, intentional breaks throughout your day—whether it’s a quick walk outside, a little stretching, or treating yourself to a piece of Restore Your Sleep chocolate. It’s packed with calming botanicals like passionflower, helping you relax without turning your bed into a stress zone. That way, when it's time to sleep, you’ll actually be ready to drift off into the restful, restorative sleep you deserve.

Myth #3: More Sleep = Better Sleep

We’ve all heard it—“Just sleep more and you’ll feel better!” But here’s the thing: sleeping too much can actually do more harm than good. More than nine hours of sleep a night can leave you feeling sluggish, moody and even mess with your metabolism. So, while we all love a good nap, the magic really happens with the right amount of sleep—not too little, but not too much either. Quality, not just quantity, matters when it comes to refreshing, restorative sleep.

The Reality

The sweet spot is typically between 7 and 8 hours for mental sharpness, immune health and overall mood. That’s when your body and mind get the most benefit. Studies show that oversleeping or undersleeping can lead to headaches, irritability and even make it harder to focus the next day. So, it’s not about clocking in more hours—it’s about quality sleep that resets your system and leaves you feeling truly refreshed.

Our Solution

To help hit that sweet spot, Restore Your Sleep chocolates are packed with gentle botanicals like Valerian root. It helps your body reach that deep NREM 3 sleep, the stage where your cells do their most important repair work. These chocolates help you fall into a restful sleep without the grogginess, so you can wake up feeling actually rested—ready to take on whatever the day brings.

The Real Sleep Essentials

Instead of chasing the latest sleep trend, try these science-backed tips that help you wake up feeling rested and ready:

Catch Some Sun in the Morning: Exposing yourself to natural light early in the day can regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boost mood.

Limit Caffeine After 2 p.m.: Caffeine has a half-life of 5-6 hours, meaning that your late afternoon chai could still be in your system at bedtime.

Create a Digital Curfew: Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production. Aim for a no-screen rule at least an hour before bed.

Including Natural Sleep Aids: Consuming non melatonin natural sleep aid like Restore your sleep dark chocolates 30-35 mins before sleep helps your mind to relax, produce melatonin and increase the time spent in the NREM 3 stage also called as deep sleep stage will help improve the quality of sleep and regulate the circadian rhythm.

There’s no universal magic bullet for sleep, but there are mindful choices you can make. From balancing minerals and botanicals to establishing consistent pre-sleep routines, the path to restful sleep is about alignment with your body’s unique rhythm. And with Restore Your Sleep dark chocolates, you get a delicious, natural way to support that rhythm, making restful sleep feel as good as it tastes.