In our fast-paced world full of endless to-do lists, sleep is usually the first essential to life that suffers. We know sleep is important, but if we truly understood just how important it is, we’d probably be more inclined to put it near the top of our to-do list.
Let me give you a quick rundown on why sleep is a vital part of your life:
Sleep Boosts Your Immunity
Your body needs the opportunity to rest and refresh. Without it, your immune system is weakened and you become more susceptible to common illnesses. And if you do fall prey to sickness, rest is doctor’s orders!
Sleep May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
As well as kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. While you sleep, your miraculous body works to heal and repair your heart and blood vessels. Give your body the chance to do its thing by getting quality sleep.
Sleep Works Against Obesity
Without the habit of healthy sleep, your hormones can get all out of balance. This results in feeling hungrier during the day. Besides the fact that we all tend to make less than excellent decisions when we’re extra tired (cake for breakfast?), who wants to exercise when you’re always tired? Studies are constantly finding that poor sleep = larger waistline.
Sleep is Good for Your Brain
While you sleep, your brain prepares for when you wake up. It creates new pathways all prepped for learning and remembering new things. A well-rested brain is a creative, attentive, and wise-choice-making brain. Sleep deprivation is risky behavior because it literally alters your brain activity leading to poor decisions, lack of problem-solving skills, and the inability to deal well with what the day throws at you.
Sleep Manages Your Emotions
Lack of sleep contributes to moodiness. We can all attest to that. Being unmotivated, having a short temper, and acting with risky impulsiveness are also symptoms of a poor night’s sleep. But if sleep deprivation becomes the norm, it could lead to serious depression and even suicide.
Sleep-Promoting Tips
If sleep doesn’t come easily for you, there’s plenty of things you can do to train your body to sleep, such as:
- Stick to a regular bedtime and wake time.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine and screens in the evenings.
- Nap sparingly or not at all.
- Eat well and exercise.
- Get regular chiropractic adjustments.
Essential Oils to the Rescue
Now that you’ve got sleep higher up on your to-do list, give your sleep a healthy boost with essential oils. The beauty of essential oils (besides their pleasant aroma) is the fact that they’re all natural and free of the nasty side effects that accompany sleeping pills.
Essentail oils can be applied in three different ways: aromatically, topically, and internally. Contact us to learn more!
Keep in mind that some EOs are adaptogens which means they adapt to you and may affect you differently than someone else. If you try out Vetiver, for example, and find that you’re feeling more alert rather than settling in for rest, move on to Lavender instead. Then grab for the Vetiver in the morning!
Here’s a list of a few of our favorite EOs that may help enhance your whole sleeping experience:
Lavender
This essential oil must-have is known for its calming powers. It can relieve tension and ease anxiety, promoting precious sleep.
Vetiver
This rich and unique scented EO has a way of grounding your emotions, leaving you calm and ready for a restful night.
Cedarwood
Sometimes all we need for a good night’s sleep is a calm and quiet mind. Cedarwood is a promoter of that kind of relaxation.
Frankincense
This “king of oils” has a way of promoting a sense of peace leading to relaxation.
Ylang Ylang
If the stress of the day is keeping you awake, Ylang Ylang could be just the ticket to calm your mind for sleep.
If you’re new to essential oils or are looking for the very best oils to use, Dr. Hendricks has answers for you. Let us help you get regular, restful, life-promoting sleep through chiropractic adjustments and the use of quality essential oils!