Sleep & Relaxation using essential oils. Free ebook available!
As we sleep, our brains and bodies go through important processes that are necessary for growth, learning and memory, and recuperation of the body’s systems. While we sleep, our brain processes information, stimuli, and memories from throughout the day. As the brain sorts through important information and memories, it clears away waste and excess information in order to refresh the mind—allowing the brain to start fresh in the morning.
I personally find if I have something going on …. I need to brain dump and often using a notebook to drop those thoughts down helps to unload so that I don't stew on things and keep the mind active. I am a huge believer in not having phones in the room….. and if you do need to - put it on airplane mode! Even switching off wifi in the home at night could be an option - disregarding all those electromagnetic fields.
We know that relaxed, deep sleep allows the body to rest and recuperate by rejuvenating the body’s cells while relaxing the muscles and taking slow, deep breaths. Just as our minds must process information while we sleep, giving the body a break will help major systems function properly.
During the night, we experience several levels of sleep that allow the brain and the body to rest and recover. When we cut those processes short, our minds and bodies haven’t had time to properly process and recuperate, which can cause problems in the long run.
In addition to exercise, healthy diet, good sleeping environment and avoiding stimulants (so staying away from phones and screens at least 30mins before bed is a must - coffee etc…. Even certain tea?), there are dozens of remedies, products, and approaches that claim to help promote sleep. However, each person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another - this I am totally aware of so this leads us to Essential oils which we know have been used for thousands of years for their calming and soothing properties that can help relax the body and mind.
The unique chemical properties found in certain essential oils make them useful for promoting an environment that is conducive for sleep. Because there is such a wide variety of essential oils, and because each oil has its own set of benefits, individuals can find an oil that works best for them. No two people will have the exact same reaction to a single oil, which means that each person can experiment to find the best essential oil for their needs. I understand that each person’s needs and rituals are a little bit different when it comes to sleeping, which makes essential oils a useful agent for creating a quality sleeping environment. A person can tailor each oil to fit their needs, and hopefully find their way to better sleep. So what oils work best?
There are a number of essential oils you can use to support sleep and relaxation. Below are four of the popular oils people use: Lavender One of the most commonly suggested oils for sleep and relaxation. There are many studies that point to Lavender's effectiveness in supporting sleep; improving sleep quality, increasing sleep amounts, and elevating daytime alertness. (Use Lavender in an Epsom salt bath) So a cup of Epsom salts and 4-5 drops of lavender - mix and then let it dissolve in the bath) Balance The warm, woody aroma of doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend helps create a sense of calm and relaxation. The aroma evokes feelings of tranquility and balance. Love using this on my feet. Cedarwood Reminiscent of its size and strength, Cedarwood has a grounding aroma that evokes feelings of spiritual and emotional wellbeing. ( something to look at in the future) Vetiver Due to Vetiver’s calming, grounding effect on the emotions, it is an ideal oil to use in massage therapy and rubbed on the feet before bedtime to promote a sense of relaxation (mother natures sleeping pill) Copaiba soft gels When taken internally, Copaiba essential oil may be calming, soothing, and supportive to the nervous system. Antioxidant support of Copaiba essential oil promotes healthy immune function and response, while supporting cellular health and function.
Want to further explore essential oils and sleep? Download my FREE ebook to help guide you!
Remember that a good nights sleep is important for our overall wellness!
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