There’s no doubt that adequate sleep is vital for today’s stressful life. Deadlines, errands, and financial struggle clog worrisome minds late at night. However, lack of sleep long-term leads to chronic issues including heart disease and stress-related illnesses. Instead of popping pills and medication, try a natural remedy to ensure a comfortable and quality night of sleep.
Valerian Root
Valerian is an herb that has long treated insomnia. This herb is not addictive and does not cause grogginess. The herb is available in capsule or tea form. Consult a physician before using if currently taking medications.
Aromatherapy
The fresh smell of lavender calms the mind and the senses. Sniff or apply lavender essential oil or place a lavender sachet under your pillow for a fresh, sleepy scent of zzz’s. If sleeping with lavender is not your thing, place droplets of lavender oil or Epsom salt in a warm bath before bad.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient modality to increase blood circulation and promote hormone secretion. During a session, this allows the nervous system to relax, which in turn assists individuals who struggle with sleeping. Patients notice the best sleep on the night following the treatment.
Sleep Sounds
Even when asleep, the brain is searching for noise. Try a sleep app or play a rainforest CD to instill peaceful sounds while your mind and body rest. Music therapy is known to keep people to sleep for longer periods and decrease nightly awakenings.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an herb that derives from the daisy family. Known to help with various health problems, chamomile allows individuals to relax and promote healthy sleep. Best if drank 30 to 45 minutes before bed, to reduce anxious nerves and insomniac minds.
Meditation
Meditation is not for “woo woo” yogis, but is a universal method to relax our mental, physical and emotional states. Meditation enhances breathing, which in turn increases better circulation and blood flow. Allowing the mind to relax in meditation translates to better sleep to focus on sleeping instead of everyday stressors.
Feng Shui
The ancient philosophy derived from Taoism instructs how to arrange furniture and rooms to maximize energy flow throughout each room. The bedroom follows specific principles to keep positive energy and abundance flowing. Clutter, beds below windows and stuck in a corner can hinder the flow of positive energy.
Exercise
Stimulate your body during the day and get better sleep at night. Exercise gets the “juices flowing” and relieves the body from stiff, sedentary positions. This allows people relax better at night as the body needs to rest and repair itself from exercise. Walking, yoga, Pilates and cardio exercise are beneficial for those looking for a restful sleep.
