Essential Oils for Better Sleep

Sleep Better with Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is so common throughout our daily activities that some of us may not even think of extending their use to help us get a good night's sleep. Many herbs are productive as essential oils and their results won't take long for you to realize their benefits. Addressing lifestyle challenges, especially getting better sleep, is important to many of us and we want to share ways you will be able to do this naturally.

How Can Herbs Help Me Sleep Better?
Calming herbs can range in use from a hot cup of Chamomile tea to a soothing Lavender bath for the kids. Beyond the common herbs we have all heard of, many others have properties that reach depths we rarely consider that can help calm the mind, body, and spirit. Sometimes the answer to a good night's sleep involves calming all three and approaching better sleep with herbs and essential oils that can calm children as well as adults. Aromatherapy or diffusing oils are the most common applications for using herbs to achieve better sleep. Diffusing, topical application to certain areas of the body, basic inhalation, and even using oils internally are options of how to attain the benefits. For topical application place 2-3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand and choose key areas like the temples, neck, soles of the feet, over vital organs, on top of the head, or the stomach area to apply. Not all oils can be taken internally so note that Flower Essences are what you should look for if you are wishing to ingest the oils.

Which Essential Oils Promote Sleep?
One of the most common and calming oils, used in children's baths or lotions, is Lavender. Adults can benefit the same as children by diffusing this oil while preparing for bed to promote relaxation both physically and emotionally. (Rub a few drops on the soles of your feet if you don't have a diffuser.) Take a deep breath while the oils are airborne and feel the calming energy that comes over you. Passion flower, Chamomile, and Valerian are essential oils that can be used for relaxation as well. A few drops of Valerian root oil rubbed on the soles of your feet, or inhaling Chamomile oil will help you achieve calm and relaxation much like the use of Lavender. Diffusing Frankincense or rubbing a few drops on your temples or the back of the neck will help induce calmness and is often used to increase spiritual strength. There are even oils that will enhance dreams and stabilize emotions.

Essential Oils During the Day for Better Sleep at Night
Just as a good diet or exercise promotes a healthy day and sound sleep, essential oils have similar benefits to the body. Enhancing energy levels during the day will curb the body's need to drain the adrenal glands, thereby promoting a more relaxed approach to all the day's tasks. Many oil fans will tell you that they use at least one each day based on its appropriateness to that specific day. Maybe Orange oil for a more relaxed mood or Peppermint and Rosemary for mental alertness; choosing which oil will bring the most benefit to your challenges that day can help ensure you achieve better sleep.

Experimenting with oils and gaining some basic knowledge will allow you to further enjoy their benefits. Herbs and essential oils can play an important role in a healthy day and a great night's sleep. Essential oils and other natural choices for better sleep can be found in the Mind, Mood, and Sleep section of our website.

**Please note that essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin. If irritation occurs, immediately apply pure vegetable ail to the area to dilute. Please read label directions for each oil before using.**

The Hanna Kroeger Blog and Hanna's Herb Shop are two outlets for educating yourself on natural remedies for Mind, Body, and Soul. We believe in the message that our Founder Hanna Kroeger left behind to "Help One Another" and we strive to do this everyday through education and high quality products.
Connect to our blog here http://www.hannakroeger.com/
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Support Is the Essential Secret Ingredient

We all want to change. Whether it is changing your sleep habits, getting used to your CPAP or losing weight or adding a healthy sleep routine to your life. The problem many face is that if you are trying to change those who are closest to you may not be as supportive as you hope or need.

When you change the changes can be threatening to those who you life with. This is especially if you are changing something that they do not want to change themselves. People like what they know and what they are used to but when you change it makes it necessary for them to either change themselves or to keep you from changing.

If this is your issue than sitting down with the person and discussing this issue may help. If it does not than it might be best to look for support outside your immediate family. You should take advantage of the many resources at your disposal.

Internet- There are some great resources on the internet for support no matter what your goal is. You should not have to pay for it. For information and support on CPAP you can go to cpaptalk.com or sleepguide.com. For weight loss sparkpeople.com is a great resource for support with other people going through the same thing as you.
Sleep Professionals-There are people and blogs that will be happy to help you with your questions. Dr Steven Park has a webinar once a month on sleep issues and solutions for sleep apnea. It is so important that you look at credentials when you learn from these people. Make sure that the person who you are seeking advice from has experience in sleep or works in the field of sleep specifically.
Local Support Groups- A.W.A.K.E. Groups are throughout the country and can be a great place to meet other people who are trying to get used to CPAP therapy and may give you some ideas you never thought of.
Your Sleep Lab or Sleep Physician-These are the people who work with CPAPs every day and are there to help you be successful over the long term. Call them and ask your questions. If they do not have the answers they will know who does.
Your Medical Equipment Company-Again they work with the equipment every day and they understand when you are having problems and can give you advice on what to do next if you are having problems.

Support is essential to success in any goal you set. Look for and ask for help. You never know where you will get it if you do not ask. The final goal is for you to make a change with as little stress to you and your loved ones as possible.

Sleep is as important to health as healthy eating and exercise only easier. Sometimes it takes a sleep coach to help you sort though what you need to change to achieve a good night sleep. If you would like a 15 minute evaluation of your sleep routine or wish to sign up for out quarterly newsletter at http://www.bettersleepcoach.com/ or write bettersleepcoach@gmail.com

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