Skip to content 
Chronic insomnia is often treated effectively with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, commonly called CBT-I. This structured treatment addresses the thoughts, habits, and behaviors that maintain sleep difficulties.
Sleep hygiene can support treatment, but it may not be sufficient by itself for chronic insomnia.
The Bottom Line
Honey mixed with a small pinch of salt is a popular bedtime remedy, but it has not been proven to treat insomnia.
Honey may soothe a nighttime cough in certain situations, and a calming ritual may help some people relax. The proposed effects on liver glycogen, tryptophan, stress hormones, and nervous-system activity remain uncertain.
Salt is essential to health, but most people do not need extra sodium before bed. Individuals with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart conditions, or sodium restrictions should be especially cautious.
If you enjoy the mixture and it fits your health needs, a small serving is unlikely to be a problem for many adults. It should not, however, replace effective sleep habits, evaluation of an underlying sleep disorder, or evidence-based treatment.
The most reliable path to better sleep usually involves a consistent schedule, appropriate light exposure, limited late-day caffeine, a calming routine, and professional support when sleep difficulties persist.