Wednesday, September 16, 2015

I Can't Get No Sleep... | My Natural Sleep Saviours ♥

As of late I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping. I toss and turn, can't get comfortable, I'll get to sleep for about twenty minutes and then will wake up suddenly feeling as if I haven't even been asleep at all. I don't know if it's because I just can't relax or switch off or if it's because I'm developing something more serious such as insomnia - seriously, being away at half two in the morning when you need to drop your child to pre-school in the morning is just not good.

I've gone in search of some natural sleep saviours, things which will effect my mood and mindset rather than my body, if you get me. I don't want to take sleeping tablets or anything like that, I want to unwind, get ready for bed and fall asleep by using natural methods and remedies. I'm sharing some things which have worked for me, things which I actually already had around my home and hopefully this post will be of some help to other poor souls out there who also can't get no sleep...

I now try to get my bedroom 'sleep ready' and as relaxing as I possibly can before bedtime. I think that candles are one of the most relaxing elements you can have in a room and I've been burning my Lavender Yankee Candle* before bed - lavender being a scent that is proven to help you relax. The scent of lovely lavender filling the room really does give such a relaxing atmosphere and one that helps me drift off to sleep. I used to burn the Lemon Lavender Yankee Candle wax tart melt for Tyler Lee to help him drift off to sleep and it really worked, this is what inspired me to get my own lavender candle lighting and I'm so glad I did.

Keeping with the lavender theme, I actually invested in a lavender filled bag when I visited Jersey Lavender Farm and this was one of the best things I could have bought for my sleep troubles. I keep the bag under my pillow during the day and by the time I get to bed the scent has infused within my pillows. I also rest the bag on my face for a couple of minutes so that I can get the scent of lavender before I fall asleep, it really is so relaxing. I also have a little lavender pillow, which I also bought in Jersey Lavender Farm, which I place under Tyler Lee's sheet in his cot, it helps him to drift off to sleep too.

I find that one of the most relaxing things I can do at bedtime and which actually does tire me out is reading a book. Even better when I'm reading my book by candlelight. Right now I'm reading Lorna Byrne's book Stairway to Heaven, I'm working my way through all her books and have just one left after this one. Nothing like reading about angels to make you have sweet dreams!

We were sent the lovely Lullaby Star Cube for Tyler Lee a few months back and we use it every night to help him get to sleep but I've also begun using it too. It's such a lovely product and I find that the sea sounds help me drift off to sleep, it seems to have a pattern within the sound which just relaxes me and makes me super sleepy. As well as the sounds it also projects colour-changing stars onto the ceiling which creates a lovely, relaxing ambiance for bedtime too.

I also sprinkle lavender oil on my bed sheets a few times a week. I have to be careful not to put too much as it can be quite overpowering but it's lovely to have the sheets fragranced with lavender. I also sprinkle the lavender oil on Tyler Lee's sheet and blanket and tell him it's 'magic' he actually giggles as I'm sprinkling it, so sweet. I also add the lavender oil to a hot bath if I'm having one before bedtime, it really does put you to sleep instantly!

Finally, one beauty product which has worked wonders for me, not only when it comes to my skin but for helping me get to sleep too is Lisa Heeney Soft and Smooth Face Cream with Apricot Kernel, Rose and Neroli. This is a bespoke product which was made especially for my skin and the aromatherapy oils within it have worked so well in helping me relax and drift off to sleep. It's a fabulous night-time moisturiser and I'd be lost without it. You can read my review on my bespoke Lisa Heeney products and information on where to buy them here.

These are my natural sleep saviours. All are things which I had around the house and it just goes to show that even us adults need a little bit of a bedtime routine. Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you have any other natural sleep saviours which you can recommend to me?
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15 comments

  1. A nice lavender bath before bed might help too.I like to read or crochet before bed, turning off all electrical items an hour before bed.Have you tried exercise or a walk?

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    1. Hi Aly, thanks for your comment! Yeah I said above that I add the lavender oil to a nice hot bath before bedtime if I'm having one - not always possible to find the time :) I think a nice, evening walk may do me some good too, thank you for the suggestion.

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  2. I'm currently struggling with sleep with a 7 month old and 2 year old that wake constantly through the night, sleep deprivation is torture. I bought Neom room spray for my pillow which helps relax me, been trying it for the boys as well but so far nothing seems to help them. Might try the lavender

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    1. I'm sorry to hear that Sarah, not getting as much sleep as you need is indeed torture as you say :( I hope the lavender works for you all.

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  3. I never think I like the smell of lavender - it reminds me of old ladies! But if it gets you & your little one to drift off to sleeply-byes so easily I really ought to give it a try. :)

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  4. I don't have any issues with sleep at all once I'm asleep thats it, however my other half Doug does. He is just like you tosses and turns all night and sometimes is awake from 0500 in the morning. Then what annoys him even more is when all he wants to do is sleep and I'm sound asleep next to him he he (not my fault) My nan always sleeps with a lavender bag in her bedroom as she says it soothes you to sleep if you have trouble sleeping. xx

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  5. Such a clever idea for a post. I can struggle with falling asleep a lot. I definitely find reading sends me to sleep. xx

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  6. This is a really useful post, thanks for sharing.
    I picked a bunch of lavender from my friend's garden recently and have been meaning to find a use for it. I might make a my own lavender filled bag and place it under my pillow. Great tips.

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  7. The only time I have issues with sleep are when I'm stressed or have something on my mind and then if that's the case literally nothing works until my body is exhausted. I've recently started a little diet/fitness thing and have found that I'm sleeping much better on a night, I think it's probably because my poor limbs feel like they're ready to drop off!

    I've never understood why lavender is good for sleeping. I think it smells like old ladies.

    I hope you manage to get some sleep soon, maybe a massage would help too

    Cat x

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  8. I know that lavender is the go to scent for aiding sleep - but it is also a scent that really gives me a headache :( I'm loving that lullaby cube though, and the thought of falling asleep to the sound of the sea, seems like heaven to me x

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  9. I always find a bath before bed and reading tends to help me unwind and relax before bed.

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  10. oh god im finding it impossible to switch off at night, so thanks for tips, I do love lavender, i use to put a drop on a tissue and leave it beside my pillow, I think the mobile phone is shocking too, and i am a nightmare for being on it in bed and just doesn't help with relaxing the mind before sleep

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  11. What is it about lavender that aids sleep. I've not seen the Yankee candle before, so I'll be looking out for that to help me through my pregnancy insomnia!

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  12. I am loving all that lavender Fi! I couldn’t agree more about the reading, it really helps me to drop off and I am talking a book not blogs lol!! I am terrible for not switching off technology enough time before I go to bed. I need me some sleep!! x

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  13. To sleep I try to use or should I say drink tea, because I'm allergic to scents. So I try also to keep the same routine during the week and in the weekend of sleep and really relax my mind.

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