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How to Get to Sleep Faster with These Amazing Natural Remedies
Sleeping beauty meets holistic snooze routine.
When it’s time to sleep, there’s nothing worse than staring at the ceiling with a million thoughts running through your mind:
That upcoming work deadline.
Those hypothetical future embarrassments involving you and *that* dreamy barista at your local cafe.
That long list of chores you have to do before your in-laws arrive next weekend.
The overdue bills, kiddie play dates and parent-teacher conferences.
It seems like the list is never-ending, right? Well, you may not be alone!
Australia’s sleep deprivation problem
A recent study, published by the Sleep Health Foundation, shows that sleep deprivation is becoming a national epidemic. More Australians than ever before are having difficulty sleeping at least a few times a week or more, and are also suffering from sleep-related issues throughout the day such as fatigue and irritability.
Sound familiar?
Nearly half of all adults in the study reported having two or more sleep-related issues, such as difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, and daytime sleepiness or fatigue. According to the survey participants, much of this is due to competing demands on their time. A quarter of them said their usual routine doesn’t allow them to get enough sleep.
Did you know?
Between 33-45% of Aussies have poor sleep patterns that lead to fatigue and irritability that's putting them at risk of low productivity, damage to their mental health and unsafe behaviours?
(Sleep Health Foundation)
Why is lack of sleep so bad for your health?
Along with less than stellar energy levels, a lack of sleep can make you more prone to serious medical conditions, like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and shortened life expectancy.
Most people need around 8 hours of good-quality sleep a night to function properly. Without optimal and regular sleep, you can experience:
- A disrupted immune system
- Weight gain
- Long-term mood disorders like depression and anxiety
But the best solution for falling asleep faster and enjoying a deep slumber can actually be found in your pantry and natural medicine cabinet. Next time you need some support surrendering to dreamland, reach for one of these simple and affordable natural remedies to set the right bedroom vibes and send you straight to snooze town.
1. Essential Oils
Say buh-bye to your racing thoughts and chronic insomnia with essential oils. These magical, plant-based compounds will float you away to cloudland with just a few drops. Try misting this tranquillity blend on your pillow, rolling Mt Retour’s Cosy Sleep blend on your pulse points, or rubbing Dream Drops into your hair. If you own a diffuser, you could also try Tisserand’s Sweet Dreams blend for the ultimate deep sleep.
2. Lunar Latte
Who doesn’t enjoy cozying up in bed with a warm mug of tea or hot chocolate? It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day! But, there’s a new nighttime drink in town and snap-happy foodies and bloggers are going crazy for it on Instagram. Moon Milk is an ancient Ayurvedic drink that’s said to help you nod off faster and relieve stress and insomnia. The best part? It’s super pretty! Nutra Organics have a heavenly lavender-coloured Lunar Latte blend, which we definitely recommend trying for a restful sleep!
3. Magnesium
Struggling to let your body relax at night? Clenching your jaw? Holding tension in your neck? Magnesium could be the all-natural sleep remedy you need in your life. Studies show that taking a daily magnesium supplement can improve your likelihood of falling and staying asleep by helping you to relax your parasympathetic nervous system and loosen your muscles. Magnesium bath flakes are also said to assist with relieving sore muscles and promoting a better sleep.
4. Bath Milk
Treat yourself to a soak in the tub right before bed with Weleda’s Lavender Bath Milk. A hot bath with no loud kids (or husbands!) is one of the best natural remedies to recharge after a busy day and slow down before you slip into your PJs. A nightly bathtime routine can be soothing and calming for the soul. You could even light a few candles, grab a book or pop on some relaxing tunes.
5. Sleepy Tea
From chamomile to valerian root, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower and magnolia bark, there are plenty of herbal tea options that will tuck you into a peaceful slumber. We recommend Love Tea Organic’s Sleep blend, Relaxation Tea by Tea Tonic, Soothing Caramel Bedtime by Yogi, or The Big Sleep by Ministry of Tea.
Still counting sheep? Try our carefully curated sleep bundle with all of our favourite, tried-and-tested natural sleep products. It makes for the perfect Christmas gift for new parents or friends and family members who are seriously sleep deprived.