The best natural sleep aid

This week I’m so excited to let you in on a sweet little secret, my favorite emergency natural sleep aid. Sunday night was one of those nights when I went to bed completely exhausted, yet couldn’t fall asleep. Normally I’m a stickler for my nighttime ritual, which helps me come down from the day in a way that feels calming and nurturing to me. I think it’s so important to complete your day with loving self-care and a bit of reflection, so you can release stresses from the current day, anxiety over the next, and drift into sleep feeling peaceful and clear.

Yet despite our best intentions, one can’t always adhere to strict routines. That would be boring. Sunday I had a lot of energy, spent the day on home improvements (I love drilling holes in walls!), went salsa dancing, then came home and felt compelled to continue working on my space. By the time I got into bed it was quite late (for me) and even though I felt totally spent, when I switched the light off, my energy was still high and sleep was nowhere to be found.

Thus commenced the tossing and turning, breathing exercises, writing, reading, you name it! Yet tic-tock went the clock and I could feel my anxiety increasing. Though I am a really great sleeper now, over a decade ago I had a terrible bout of insomnia that lasted a few months and left me terrified of nights when I feel it creeping back in, no matter how temporary.

Then it came to me! Somehow, despite my adoration of essential oils I had completely forgotten to employ them in that moment. Remembering the arsenal of nature’s cures I had on hand, I hopped out of bed excited at the prospect of a solution, found my favorite calming blend,  dabbed a few drops behind my neck, on my temples, and the soles of my feet, and voila!

In no time, the super effective insomnia relieving combination of lavender, marjoram, Roman chamomile, and Hawaiian sandalwood had me deeply immersed in the peaceful slumber I so desperately wanted. Just like that.

For most nights I suggest taking at least 30 minutes before bed to completely wind down. Do something that feels nurturing for you and gives you pleasure. Some suggestions include a nice shower followed up by your favorite skin care products, or a soothing bath with a couple drops of lavender oil. A cup of chamomile tea is great with your favorite book

and/or some writing in your journal. Then have an emergency back-up plan for when things just don’t go down that way. Natural is best, essential oils are powerful and effective, and having some on hand is always a good idea.

Take action now:
1) In the comments below, please share what you do on those nights when you just can’t fall asleep.
2) If you find yourself in this predicament more often than you like, or simply want an incredibly helpful (and delicious smelling) natural sleep aid, CONTACT ME HERE to talk about essential oils.

I will leave you with this powerful blurb from The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.

Essential oils are one of the great untapped resources of the world. Here we have a system of natural help that is far more than a system of medicine that can prevent illness and alleviate symptoms. These extremely complex precious liquids are extracted from very specific species of plant life and are in harmony with people and plant alike. By taking essential oils into our lives we find a way to provide our family and home with the protection and pleasure they need without polluting ourselves or our environment with chemicals. ~Valerie Ann Worwood

Yours in natural wellness,
Sasha