Sleep can be a challenge; but getting a good night’s sleep is important to your overall health and stress levels. If we sleep badly, our coping skills simply don’t work well nor does our body. So what’s the secret? For many it’s a combination of various things. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sleep tactics.
Chapter Overview
1. FUEL
Avoiding stimulants like sugar, caffeine and late eating before bed can improve your chances of falling asleep more effectively and for longer.
2. SOUND
Try listening to a soothing sound track. The reason this helps is that once you are lying in bed, it gives your mind something else to think about, rather than your busy day, aching back or everyday stresses. So the more relaxing the music, the easier it will be to fall asleep.
3. SMELL
Essential oils are a terrific companion to a good sleep preparation routine. Our resident aromatherapist Ben Phillips, Brand Manager, Buckley and Phillips Aromatics, says ‘Essential oils are renowned for their ability to lift your mood and improve your outlook on life. Physiologically, when an aroma is inhaled though the nose, the molecules enter and are registered by our olfactory nerve cells. These molecules pass the information to the limbic brain. Our limbic system deals with emotions, memories and stimulation. This explains why certain scents have the ability to trigger memories and influence our moods.’.
There are several essential oils that are ideal for calming the mind and relaxing the body before bed. They are perfect for vaporising in the bedroom, or, for a really relaxing treat, can be added to a carrier oil and massaged into the back, chest, wrists or temples.
Ben’s best oils for sleep are Lavender combined with other oils like Sweet Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Marjoram, Valerian, Clary Sage and others. Buckley and Phillips make their own Sleep Soundly blend which incorporates most of these oils.
Ben offers this advice: ‘For those who have never tried aromatherapy before and a are bit daunted by the choice, I recommend starting with a ready-made blend. Buckley and Phillips Aromatics pulse point roll-ons are a great way to incorporate essential oils into your sleep routine, reduce the impact of stress and headaches or balance your mood.’.