At every Essential Oil class I teach someone comes to me after the class and asks what they can do to get a better n
ight’s sleep. Let me share a little of what I have learned in researching the topic of sleep.
Sleep can effect your ability to lose weight, age slowly, fight illnesses, make good decisions, and re-act quickly. Sleep is important!
I have taken pills to help with sleep in the past. No More! Those things leave me feeling groggy the next day and they often don’t work.
There are some Essential Oils which can help address your sleep problems. Lavender has been shown by researchers to aid in sleep, both falling asleep and getting a deeper sleep, when used topically (as in a massage) or in aromatherapy. Make sure your oil is a therapeutic grade essential oil. (Check out this research article on lavender by the University of Maryland Medical Center). You may also use clary sage, melissa, sandalwood or blends of essential oils containing lavender.
Of course, which oil will be most effective depends on why you are not sleeping. Email me and we can discuss your personal issues and how to utilize Essential Oils for a better night’s sleep without unpleasant side effects the next morning.- Look for the inquiry form on the right side of this page.
Let’s start with some other things that might help.
News Flash: Caffeine will keep you awake! Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, Excedrine after 2pm. I love a few glasses of iced tea with dinner. The question becomes: Would I rather sleep well or drink tea with dinner?
Your electronic devices can keep you awake. Turn them off 60 minutes before you want to go to sleep. The blue light stimulates. Turn off the TV, cell phone, computer, etc.
Get out in the natural sun light. 30 minutes per day will help your body regulate your days and nights.
Make your bedroom cool. No, not with beaded curtains. Set your thermostat in the 60’s.
A warm bath 90 minutes before bed will help. Add some Epsom salt to increase your magnesium absorption. Add some key Essential Oils for the maximum benefit.
The darker the room, the better the quality of your sleep. Wean yourself off the night light and you will wake more rested.
10pm-2am are the hours for getting the best quality sleep. Make adjustments. Put the kids to bed later if they are waking you up between 10 and 2. Put the cat in the utility room. Avoid being disturbed during those magic hours.
A diffuser on your night stand may help improve your sleep. The gentle sound is soothing and the Essential Oils you choose to put in it will complete your snooze package.
Keep a notepad on your night stand. Why? Those things that go rushing through your brain can be “put to bed” if you write them down and commit to take care of that list tomorrow. There are Essential Oils known to help put those thoughts on hold.
Add a Mother-in- law’s Tongue plant (Sansevieria) to your night stand (I know it is getting full!). It will increase the air quality of your bedroom. This plant absorbs Carbon Dioxide (what you breathe out) and releases Oxygen (what you breathe in) at night (most plants do this during the day).
Many of these tips come from a great book I’ve just finished reading, called “Sleep Smarter” by Shawn Stevenson.
Do you have questions or comments about this blog? Would you like to find out more about purchasing essential oils for yourself? Click here or complete the form on the right side of this page and I’d be happy to help you!
*These claims have not be evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have serious health concerns, consult a doctor- and bring your oils with you! You never know which doctors will be willing to help you take a more natural approach to health care!
