Natural Sleep (tips for a night of slumber)
A good night’s sleep can be the solution to many things, from better physical health to feeling more relaxed to sleeping on problems, to knowing what to do the next day. Many of the world’s worst disasters (from oil spills to plane crashes to space shuttle disasters) have all been caused due to lack of sleep.
The average cat sleeps 15 hours a day (kittens up to 20 hours). Like lions, this is due to ancestors reserving energy for dawn/dusk hunting (a reason to keep them inside during this time, when birds are feeding). Avoid wood-based tables, as cats can claw up them.
Tips for Better Quality Sleep
Set a regular schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time, this helps to settle into a rhythm, so like animals, you start to sleep and wake up at the same time, as your body clock adjusts.
Create a bedroom heaven. Use blackout curtains and avoid noise like TV, and ensure the bedroom is cool enough, but not too warm or cold. Invest in a quality mattress and nice cotton or linen sheets.
Never use aromatherapy oils (including diffusers) if pregnant/nursing, nor if pets sleep on beds (cats can’t break down essential oils in their livers). If used, air rooms before allowing them back in.
Don’t eat too late or drink caffeine/alcohol. Although booze helps you sleep, it’s not ‘proper sleep’ and you’re likely to wake up very early. A small banana contains the same ingredients as sleeping pills.
Don’t read horror novels or watch horror films. If you want to read or watch TV, choose something relaxing. Or don’t do either, and have a relaxing bath instead.
Get some daylight exercise. Going for a walk or workout earlier in the day, will help to tire your body enough for sleep, in the evening.
If you work shifts, take naps when possible, and minimise exposure to light after finishing evening shifts. If it really affects you, look for a daytime job.
If screaming babies are keeping you awake, The Baby Sleep Guide offers 100 simple tips by a maternity nanny and sleep consultant. Read more on safe natural nurseries.
Tart cherry juice an hour or two before bed. This helps the body increase production of melatonin, so is like a ‘natural sleeping pill’.
Some people should avoid cherry juice (or talk to your GP first) – diabetes, kidney disease, IBS and acid reflux, allergies or on certain medications. Only drink pasteurised juice for pregnancy/nursing, children and weak immunity.
Sleep Supplements in Sustainable Packaging
Feel Magnesium & Calcium is mostly for bone health, but an add-on benefit is relaxation and sleep, as calcium and magnesium deficiency can cause anxiety issues, including restless leg syndrome. It’s also vegan, not tested on animals and sold in plastic-free packaging.
Use code partner20 for 20% discount (not bundles or subscriptions). If you do subscribe, sign up for an account to earn discount rewards.
Check with GP before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or on medication (esp. for liver disease or depression) or other supplements. Keep away from children and pets.
Just take 3 capsules per day. One pack lasts a month. The supplements are made from tapioca-food-grade capsules. These are genuine customer reviews from the company website:
Sleep has improved, and ankle pain has reduced.
No more post-gym cramps, and I started sleeping like a log.
After only a couple of days, my restless leg syndrome had improved and after a month, had totally gone.
Vegan Nights is another quality supplement with valerian root to calm the mind, chamomile to ease anxiety and lemon balm to settle nerves. Along with magnesium to relax muscles.
Take 30 minutes before bed with a glass of water, most users find benefits within two weeks.
