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Sleep Naturally
Author: Andrea Putting
Content tossing and turning all night? The clock is ticking over; minute after
minute, hour after hour, but you just can't sleep. The only thing worse, is the
feeling of being totally zonked the next day. Insomnia is a problem that affects
most people at some time during their lives. It has many different causes and
many different ways of being expressed. For some, it may be a case of a few
restless nights or a lifetime of poor sleep. Sleep is an important part of our
lives allowing us to regain strength, heal and grow. So when it is disturbed for
any reason it can seriously affect our lives.
There is a large variation in the amount of sleep needed. Some only need a few
hours sleep, while others may need up to 10 hours to feel refreshed. Insomnia is
the condition where a person feels as if they are not getting adequate sleep on
a regular basis. Their sleep is non-refreshing and their ability to function
normally on a daily basis is affected.
Sleep patterns are different with different people, as too is the patterns for
insomniacs. Some may fall asleep easily, but wake during the night and not be
able to return to sleep. Others may lay awake for hours before being able to
drift off to sleep. Some people wake hundreds of times during the night, without
realising it. It has been found through electrical monitoring of insomniacs,
while they sleep, that they don not change sleep stages very often. Normal sleep
requires many stages and insomniacs may not reach the deep sleep known as 'REM'.
If you are suffering from sleep problems, it could be related to many different
causes. A whole lifestyle check needs to be done. Are you eating right? Heavy
meals in the evening can certainly affect sleep. Are you getting enough exercise
and fresh air? One of the biggest issues with sleep problems is stress. What is
happening in your life that is playing on your mind?
Have a look through the following suggestions; there may be something that will
help you. Most importantly, try not to be worried about not sleeping. Go to bed
with the thoughts of a good nights rest, relax and sleep well
Suggestion to help you improve your sleep
* Try to get some regular exercise and fresh air.
* Allow time to relax before going to bed.
* Take up some form of meditation; if you find this difficult a class may help.
Deep breathing techniques can also be helpful.
* Try reading before bedtime. Stick to something light and easy, maybe even
boring, don’t read anything too exciting. Watching a stimulating television
program should also be avoided.
* Develop a regular bedtime relaxation routine. Try keeping your bedtime and
getting up time regular.
* Relaxing in a warm bath or even a warm shower can be helpful.
* Make sure your bed and pillow are comfortable for you, not too hard or soft.
* If light or noise is a problem, use earplugs or eye-mask.
* Make sure you are warm enough, but not too hot and that the room is well
ventilated.
* Try a warm drink before bed, such as a warm milk or chamomile tea.
* Keep a pen and paper beside your bed. If you have a lot of things on your
mind, write them all down, if they are preventing you from sleeping. Similarly
if you wake up and start to think about something, write it down and then you
can forget it, until a more suitable time.
* Try listening to relaxation music while preparing yourself for sleep.
* Put the clock out of sight, it doesn’t help to have a constant reminder of how
long you’ve been awake.
* When you go to bed try some relaxation techniques. Relax your muscles
individually and imagine yourself in a peaceful setting.
* Don’t take any stimulants in the evening. These include tea, coffee, cola and
chocolate drinks, smoking and alcohol.
* It is best not to eat too close to going to bed and allow at least three ours
to digest your evening meal before going to bed.
* If you are having difficulty sleeping, get up and do something relaxing for 20
minutes or until you feel tired again, rather than lie there worrying
*Before bed, let go of all your worries. Write them down of a piece of paper and
hand them over to God or the universe to take care of for the night. Place the
paper into a bible or under a crystal, whatever works for you. I've heard of a
story of a worry tree, where you place all your worries on a tree and allow them
to be taken care of. This could be the focus of your meditation. Knowing that
you can rest easy, while the tree takes care of your concerns.
* An herbal sleep satchel under the pillow will release the pleasant scent of
sleepfulness. Herbs such as Lavender, Lemon Balm, Chamomile and Cinnamon can be
used. (I have read that a cut raw onion placed under the pillow can help you
sleep, I think I'll stick to the herbs, personally I have cinnamon.)
* Colour is something that can help. Surrounding yourself with relaxing colours
of blues and greens.
* Honey is said to help induce sleep. Add to an herbal tea or a hot lemon drink.
From my daughter's witch files.
* Black satchels stuffed with marigold and a citrine crystal induces prophetic
dreams and repels nightmares.
* Pillows stuffed with hops or anise seeds aids restful sleep with no
nightmares.
* Clear quartz under the pillow can help.
* A sleeping spell: Hold crystal quartz in your hands saying this three times.
*I ask thou spirits of the West to help me seek the land of rest. Let me slumber
all through the night, only to wake whence it is light.
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