Sleep is something we all need, and good sleep allows us to work, function and play better. Over the years I have dipped into sleeping pills and various things to help me get my zzzz’s and since about a year ago I have had more bouts of anxiety and troubles with unwinding, letting the angst go, and in particular…..sleeping. The pills do work , yes, but not a long term solution as they can knock you out so hard that you wake up feeling you’ve just come out of a coma and I feel super groggy in the morning.
I’ve found various methods and treatments that help me to sleep in a more natural way, so if you have problems unwinding, getting to sleep and staying asleep then maybe more aromatherapy-type things will also help you.
My Tips for Unwinding before Bed:
1. Have a bath.
Use Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax. This was the first thing I discovered that really worked to help me sleep. Literally the first time you use it you will be amazing I promise. I have used this for maybe 3 years now, and it’s one of few products that I will never be without. Once I’m running low, I will re-purchase before I run out. It has first pressed oils of Vetivert, Camomile & Sandalwood which once put into the bath make your whole house smell like a beautiful spa. If you immerse yourself in the bath for at least 20mins, then these oils actually hit the bloodstream and go to work with their aromatic unwinding properties.
2. Put the phone down.
…and all computer-type things. The one major thing that seems to trigger my thought and sometimes anxiety is being caught up in the whirlwind of social networks. This can really effect your thought process, so try and leave the social network checking until the morning, or you may find yourself in bed, on Instagram, looking at photos 48 weeks deep of people you don’t even know. We’ve all been there.
3. Have a warm drink.
Mmmmmmm Horlicks. My husband always says I remind him of an old lady when I have my Horlicks, but it’s very comforting and something similar or some kind of unwinding herbal tea can help you relax before bed. Just don’t have tea or coffee with caffeine in!
4. Dim the lights.
Or light an aromatic candle in the bedroom. I find it very soothing and it gently unwinds you and relaxes you. Only try to sleep when you are actually ready, otherwise it will be the continuous tossing and turning and getting more and more wound up which is a viscous circle. A bedside read can always help to start the unwinding process.
5. Pillow spray & oils.
The last thing I do is to spritz some of the This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray on my pillow & rub a dab of Tata Harper Aromatic Bedtime Treatment on the inside of both wrists. The pillow spray is fantastic…I was blown away at the effect and how well it made me sleep. I have used this every night since I first got it and will be re-purchasing it ASAP as I am running very low. THIS WORKS!
If you end up sleeping really well and deeply you can awake feeling a little too tired and I have been recently getting a bit puffy-eyed in the AM, plus this could be down to the pollen-count. I have been using these cucumber patches from Dirty Works on the mornings I am feeling the struggle as they soothe and cool so much. I honestly keep them by my bed and lay them over my eyes as my snooze button is going off.
Do you ever have trouble with unwinding in the PM or sleeping? What are your methods to help you relax?
