Alight friends, we are talking about sleep for the next few weeks. We are going to discuss the reasons YOU need to make sure you are getting good sleep! We will talk about some basics for
sleep AND we will talk about the essential oils and supplements we carry that help with sleep!!! Comment on each post for a chance to win some Sleepy Oils!!
Let’s be honest, with the sun setting later and later it is hard to get to sleep early in the summer. Even harder on our kids. There is a reason why we have to fight to get those little ones to sleep when the sun is still up.
Sleep is so vital to every organ of the body. When the body is at rest, it repairs the body’s systems and generates new cells. When this is interrupted or the proper amount of sleep is inconsistent, the body begins to breakdown. How many times have you been clumsier or had a short temper after a night of too little sleep? I can’t even count how many times this used to be me!
Need a solution for getting to and staying asleep? Let me introduce you to my little friend: SleepEssence
SleepEssence combines Lavender, Vetiver, Valerian, and Ruta essential oils with the hormone melatonin—a well-known sleep aid—for a natural way to enable a full night's rest. Let’s break them down!!!
Lavender Essential Oil
Several studies show using lavender oil can improve sleep quality, including in people with occasional insomnia.
For those who have a hard time staying asleep, using lavender essential oil may also increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. That is HUGE!!!
In addition, lavender has been shown to help balance occasional anxiety, stress, and depression. You know the nights where you lay there thinking about all the things that could happen or making list of everything you need to do; lavender essential oil helps quiet the mind so you can get to sleep & wake up restored.
Vetiver Essential Oil
We do not talk about this beautiful oil enough! Vetiver is in the same plant family as lemongrass and citronella. That means it is great to use before going outside. AMAZING when applied topically to shoulders, knees and back after a stressful day.
Internally, like in our SleepEssence, it is very supportive to your brain and nervous system.
Helps you to focus on one thing at a time so it is beautiful for helping you quiet your thoughts.
This sweet oil calms and balances negative emotions allowing you to relax and restore.
Vetiver provides feelings of comfort, safety, wholeness, and relaxation as you rest.
Valerian Essential Oil
This is another oil that we do not chat about often, but it is a powerhouse!!!
Valerian smells awful. There, I said it!! It is important to remember the aroma is not the most important thing when it comes to an essential oil. We must look at all the parts and pieces in an essential oil. What are the constituents and what do they do??
Ready, that stinky oil helps create a tranquil feeling that helps create a restful environment conducive to sleep.
Valerian root oil is rich compounds such as alpha pinene, camphene, and isovaleric acid.
The constituents work with your brain’s neurotransmitters and allows GABA and melatonin to work more effectively.
Isovaleric acid is one of the constituents found naturally in valerian essential oil, it affects GABA receptors, a type of neurotransmitter in the brain. The effect on GABA receptors is at least partially how valerian helps balance & ease occasional anxiety & stress.
Valerian also impacts healthy serotonin receptors, which are involved in mood and sleep.
Ruta Essential Oil
Rue (Ruta) has calming properties and is also known as the herb of grace.
This is another stinky oil that your brain just LOVES!!!!
Tell yourself, “It is not about the smell, it’s what it does to the cell!!”
Ruta graveolens main constituents are bergaptene, butanone, nonanone, nonyl acetate, psoralen, undecanone, and xanthotoxin >>> these are powerful parts and pieces that support balance in your body.
Specifically great for digestive system, sleep and balancing your healthy gut flora.
OK, let's talk about melatonin:
Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep. Being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production.
I think most people get confused when it comes to melatonin. Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesn’t make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep.
Two of these beautiful SleepEssence Oil Capsules (serving size) contain 3.2mg melatonin. That my friends, is what I call a bibit of melatonin. Just enough to let your brain know it is time to start getting ready for bed.
Melatonin levels are supposed to naturally rise about two hours before bedtime.
Contrary to some very bad internet info, you cannot become addicted to melatonin. There are amazing studies on using MEGA high doses of Melatonin, like 50 mg twice a day for crazy things like lung damage and cancer. I am NOT suggesting anyone do that, but I wanted you to feel confident in using 1.6 mg per capsule in Sleep Essence.
Melatonin helps the immune system to maintain healthy levels of activity.
Melatonin also functions as a potent antioxidant with direct effects on the brain.
Science shows that as we sleep, the brain uses its own specialized detoxification system called the glymphatic system. Melatonin helps to support glymphatic detoxification.
Melatonin is neuroprotective
What can you do to help your body get into a normal healthy sleep pattern?
Create optimal conditions for it to do its job by keeping the lights low before bed.
Stop using your computer, smartphone or tablet—the blue and green light from these devices can neutralize melatonin’s effects.
If you watch television, be sure you’re at least six feet away from the screen.
Turn off bright overhead lights too.
You can help program your body to produce melatonin for sleep at the right time of day by getting exposure to daylight during the morning and afternoon. Take a walk outside or sit beside a sunny window.
Commentaires