This is a common issue for so many people. Without proper rest many people have difficulties handling stress, thinking clearly, managing simple tasks, and maintaining a healthy immune system. One of the most common things a doctor will tell us is we should get 8 hours of rest a night – If only we knew how? It’s not like I don’t want to get the rest – my brain just won’t shut down or I wake up after a few hours and just can’t fall back to sleep.
We need to get back to basics – Most parents will have a nighttime routine for their children but not for themselves. Our bodies desire those helpful clues that it is time to wind down.
Close the kitchen (no more snacking) and no vigorous exercise at least 2 hours before you plan on going to bed.
Shut off the devices – no TV, no phones, and computers – 30 minutes before lying down. These items stimulate our brains to believe it still needs to be alert. Try reading a book instead.
Begin relaxing the body with a warm bath. Add in Epson salt and a few drops of lavender essential oil to calm and soothe the body.
Yoga/Stretching/deep breathing – Dim the lights and put on some soft music and take about 10 minutes to relax your body.
Cooldown – yes having proper bedroom temperature is so beneficial – you can determine the temperature that is best for you.
Last but certainly not least your Essential oils – diffuse 5 drops of doTerra Serenity oil blend (or lavender if you do not have this wonderful blend yet) and 5 drops of doTerra Breathe oil blend. We also recommend placing a drop of doTerra Vetiver oil on your big toes.
Quick little side note – Adding Vetiver to their nighttime routine has really helped my mother-in-law. She suffers from Alzheimer’s and according to my father-in-law is restless during the night and if she doesn’t rest he doesn’t rest. He began applying the Vetiver oil to her big toes at night and she has been in his words “sleeping like a baby”. It has made such a big difference for him – he doesn’t’ have to worry so much about her getting up in the middle of the night.
We hope to add some if not all of the above that will help you sleep better! Wishing you the best night's rest possible. Let us know of any tricks you have found to help with a great night’s sleep!