Lavender: A Natural Solution to Insomnia, Restlessness, & Sleep Disturbances

Today, many of us are leading overly busy lives, struggling to fit all of our obligations into our days, whether it’s our jobs, our kids’ needs, or our commitments made to friends, neighbors, family, or community. Or, all of the above. Whew! Busyness has even become a status symbol for some. When there aren’t enough hours left, what’s likely to suffer? Very often, it’s sleep.

Even if we put ourselves to bed at a reasonable time, we still may not get a good night’s sleep. Our brains replay conversations and moments—or start making tomorrow’s list of to-dos. Or, our bodies keep us awake from too much stimulation, whether its coffee or wine or screen time. For women, hormones could come in to play, making their own mid-night mischief. The barriers to a restful sleep are countless, and the solutions are often nebulous. But, does losing a few winks really matter? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”     

Until recently, the consequences of sleep deprivation weren’t really known—other than the obvious irritability that we, and everyone else around us, experience. What we’re learning now is that alienating those closest to us is the least of our concerns. Lack of sleep can affect brain function, dull memory, and impair judgement. It can make us gain weight and can age our skin. And, it can cause serious health problems.

That should wake us up, shouldn’t it?! But, now what?

We can start by trying to live a softer, simpler life.  We can look for ways to reduce busyness rather than glorify it. And, we can seek out natural remedies to promote sleep. That’s where lavender comes in.

Lavender is a fragrant herb that’s been used for centuries to treat anxiety and depression, restlessness and insomnia, headaches, and more—with studies to support those results.

According to Michael J. Breus, PhD, DABSM, known as “The Sleep Doctor™,” taken orally or inhaled through aromatherapy, lavender has both sedative and anti-anxiety properties that can bring on a sense of relaxation. Working with the neurotransmitter GABA, it can calm the nervous system and decrease restlessness and agitation.

Sounds promising, doesn’t it? The best part is that lavender is easily accessible and even easier to incorporate into your nightly activities. Try these ideas:

• Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath. Paired with Epsom or magnesium salts, it can send you to dreamland faster.

• Use a diffuser to spread lavender’s calming aroma throughout your home and bedroom.  

• Spray your linens, a soothing eye pillow, or heat-able neck wrap with Lavender FOG mist—a tranquil blend of lavender, palmarosa, eucalyptus, and rose.

• Steep some culinary lavender and sweeten it with lavender-infused honey for a delicious, serenity-inducing tea.

• Soften your skin and your mood by smoothing Lavender CREAM on your hands, feet, and neck just before you pull back the sheets.  

Are you, or is someone you love, in need of some Zzzzs? A better slumber awaits—with quality lavender products from Lavender Life.