Herbs to help you doze off!
Sleep is a state of natural unconsciousness. There are two states of sleep. 1. REM or rapid eye movement when most dreams take place and 2. Deep sleeps also known as nonREM which is when the body repairs itself. The amount of sleep needed to feel really rested differs for everyone. Babies sleep much more than they are awake, children’s needs range from 12 hours decreasing as they get older, while most adults between 20 and 50 need 6 to 8 hours and those older will often boast getting by on just 5 hours a night. A lack of sleep will make most people irritable and unable to function properly. Stress can cause sleeplessness and also be a side effect. Sleep problems may range from not being able to go to sleep, waking up in the early hours and not being able to go back to sleep and waking up often during the sleep period. How to get a good night’s sleep. Try to identify the possible reasons for lack of sleep. As mentioned stress may be the culprit. Stop thinking about any problems which may be causing the stress. Don’t do any work that may cause the mind to over react for at least two hours before retiring. Read a book, listen to music or even watch a movie, anything to get the mind away from the cause of the stress. A relaxing bath with some essential oils and mood music works wonders. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bedtime. Try some sleepy time drinks before going to bed. Warm milk often helps, and there are many herb tea concoctions which enhance relaxation.
Try to arrange a regular routine, by going to bed at the same time each night. Do some simple yoga exercises and meditation with calming music 10-15 mins before hopping into bed.
Soft mood music in bed with lights off will help relax the mind and body. Don’t eat too soon or too much before retiring, but don’t go to bed hungry. The bedroom needs to be a calming place where you feel comfortable. Make sure it is warm and preferably uncluttered. ********************************************* Patrick O'Brien, HH Dip (MH) has just released his new book about Natural Sleeping.
Click below to read how to throw the sleeping pills in the rubbish bin, and drop off to sleep easily and naturally! Taking part in an exercise routine during the day will often prepare the body and the mind for a good night’s sleep. Avoid any type of exercise in the evening if you have trouble sleeping, although making love is said to be an exercise that will often benefit a goodnight’s sleep! If you can’t get to sleep after trying some of these ideas, try not to stress about it. Turn on the light and read a book or listen to music until ‘A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP’ comes to you. Herbs can provide a safe and gentle solution to insomnia. Sedative herbs are relaxing, and are more effective if taken at night. These herbs include Chamomile, lime, lavender, passionflower and hops. Make a tea, and drink before going to bed. You can also sip during the night if you waken.
Aniseed, mullein, primrose, woodruff, elderflower, lemon balm, and bergamot tea are also useful to drink at night before bed. A sachet of hops under the pillow is useful. Other herbs for stuffing sachets are woodruff, lemon verbena, or a combination of sleep inducing herbs. Our
Sweet Dreams herbal tea can be found here. Jump here to subscribe to our newsletter, for more info about herbs for sleeping and herbal health!
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