Top Three Ways to Get Better Sleep, Naturally

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that sleep is important, this is common knowledge. Still, there are so many of us who are struggling with our sleep. Personally, I am a very light sleeper, and have even joked that a pin dropping in my kitchen would wake me. This makes staying asleep a nightmare (literally), and having a small child definitely does not help this problem.

According to statistics provided by Sleep Med of Santa Barbara, “20-40% of all adults have insomnia in the course of any year, 1 out of 3 people have insomnia at some point in their lives, over 70 million Americans suffer from disorders of sleep and wakefulness, and of those, 60% have a chronic disorder.”

Being sleep deprived is a grueling feeling, and can cause hallucinations, temporary psychosis, and a long list of other potentially serious health problems.

So putting focus on getting good sleep, and taking the steps necessary to do so is extremely important. Here are my top 3 ways to get a better night’s sleep.

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Something that I have found to be extremely useful for myself and my daughter is lavender essential oil. I have found ways to incorporate it into our bedtime routines, either by applying it topically mixed with coconut oil, taking a lavender bath, or putting it in the diffuser when it’s time to wind down.

The calming effects of the aroma are noticeable to say the least, and really sets the mood and helps us to relax. According to an article titled “Using Lavender Oil for Insomnia” published by Everything Lavender, “Lavender’s oil contains compounds that help to slow brain waves which helps relieve anxiety, and depresses the central nervous system.”

2. Magnesium

Another useful way to make sure you’re making the most of your sleep is to ensure you don’t have a magnesium deficiency. Common side-effects of magnesium deficiency include “muscle cramps and insomnia,” according to an article titled “How To Sleep Better Naturally” published by DIY Natural. An easy, and relaxing way to make sure you’re getting enough is to take a bath with Epsom salt, which contains a lot of magnesium.

For a great alternative to soda, try fizzy magnesium.

3. Cold Therapy

The last, and most odd (in my opinion) way to help your body get more sleep is cold therapy. “Research shows that it could help with a host of problems like Chronic Fatigue, heart issues, and even possibly cancer/tumors. From what I’ve read, full immersion in a cool bath (below 60 degrees) is most effective, though even a cold ice back on the front and back of the neck (as suggested by Tim Ferriss) can be helpful for improving sleep and weight loss,” says an article titled “How to Improve Sleep Naturally” published by Wellness Mama.

Sources:

How to Improve Your Sleep Naturally | Wellness Mama. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://wellnessmama.com/4936/improve-sleep-naturally/

How To Sleep Better. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diynatural.com/how-to-sleep-better-naturally/

SleepMed – Santa Barbara, California – Sleep Disorders – Sleep Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sleepmedsite.com/page/sb/sleep_disorders/sleep_statistics

USING LAVENDER OIL FOR INSOMNIA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://everything-lavender.com/using-lavender-oil-for-insomnia.html