I'm with Beth in admitting that sometimes it can be difficult to turn my brain off and just fall asleep. Even with the best of intentions (exercised, no clutter in the bedroom, no tv, bath and tea before bed, etc) I can still find myself awake way past bedtime with panicked thoughts about how little sleep I'm getting keeping me from getting any rest. But recently my boyfriend's mom gave me something that's been helping:
The Power of Scents To Help You Fall Asleep
She gave me this pillow mist and roll-on aromatherapy from Bath and Bodyworks. I know, I was a little skeptical too. But again, desperation helps me try out new ideas. Of course aromatherapy wasn't a new concept to me, I had tried lavender in the bath and soothing candles. But there has been something really comforting about the ritual of rolling on the scent of lavender and chamomile onto my wrists, taking deep breaths of it and then misting the pillows with the scent of warm milk and honey (which smells way better than it sounds). It's probably the deep breathing that's really helping, but I'm not messing with a good thing, here.
You don't have to stick with these products, any Health Food store or Whole Foods has essential oils. The best ones to help foster relaxation and sleep are Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. Normally you dab a bit on your wrists, rub them together and take a bunch of deep breaths, or you can add them to your bath or release the scent by buying candles with those oils.
To make your own pillow mist, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of witch hazel and 4-5 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle and shake it up. Then just spray a mist over your pillows before bed. Via Wikihow.
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That sounds lovely! My alarm clock lights up and has a spot to put in scent beads or a felt ring with a few drops of a scented oil. It works wonders for falling asleep AND for waking up too!
http://www.hammacher.com/publish/70460.asp?promo=homepage
view designedtoteach's profile
I like the warm milk and honey lotion.
view Marbargarbo's profile
I got the bath and body works lavender pillow spray a while ago. I never would have bought it, but I had a coupon and got it for free. I've never been one for having an overly-fragrant house, but getting into bed and feeling surrounded by the fragrance felt so luxurious, like in a hotel. it's never something I'll do all the time, but it's a nice little addition now and then when I want to treat myself, like a long, hot bath.
view foodefafa's profile
Meh. I go for the Natrol Melatonin tablets you can get at mothernature.com. Help fall asleep in 20-30 min and your brain wakes when daylight breaks...very helpful to me :), I wish smelling things did the trick.
view jennafura's profile
Thank you for the great suggestion regarding the lavender pillow spray! I've been using the Aura Cacia Bergamot and also the Orange Pomander gift set lately for relaxation. I've also enjoyed the Bach Rescue line as well. These are truly fantastic and necessary treats to start the new year off in the best way.
view urbanbydesign's profile
I started using lavender lotion in high school to help with insommnia. That, with a mug of tea before bed really did the trick. I still do use lavender lotion or pillow spray. I also keep lavender sachets in my clean pjs. I am sure the ritual is half of why it works, but I still love it.
And a side note, the newer bottle they have for the pillow spray is sooo pretty. It's still a blue bottle, but the label has little purple stars and touches of silver and gold on it.
view stellato's profile
I generally have chamomile mint tea at bedtime and lavendar pillow spray (I make my own). I do notice a difference in getting to sleep when I do not do this.
Citrus products keep me awake.
view GoddessDomesticated's profile
Just a note about Melatonin... while it has been known to help people sleep, it also can have a side effect of creating/ worsening depression symptoms. We tried it for a while and though did sleep better, both just felt so sad & kind of lifeless... side effects went away once we stopped the Melatonin. Some people have lots of luck with it, but just a reminder that you should listen to your body when taking any kind of supplement! :)
view NicoleMc's profile