Me? I Don’t Need to Sleep.

No.. seriously. I don’t need to sleep like other people. I can give it my all at work and with my family, but that takes so much time. You just don’t understand the amount of responsibilities I have. By the time the kids get to bed, I still have hours of things I need to accomplish. Even when I get to bed, half the time I’m still working and I won’t fall asleep immediately.

I hear this ALL. THE. TIME. I’m sorry to tell you, that if you don’t figure out how to balance your time differently, maybe even ask for a little help and prioritize your own rest, there could be significant impact to your long-term health.

According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1/3 of all adults are not meeting the recommended amount of sleep on a regular basis.

They claim, “Not getting enough sleep is linked with many chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression—that threaten our nation’s health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to motor vehicle crashes and mistakes at work, which cause a lot of injury and disability each year. Getting enough sleep is not a luxury—it is something people need for good health. Sleep disorders can also increase a person’s risk of health problems.”

The CDC also reports that “Adults who were short sleepers (less than 7 hours per 24-hour period) were more likely to report 10 chronic health conditions compared to those who got enough sleep (7 or more hours per 24-hour period).” These includes asthma, heart attack, arthritis, and COPD.

How can we retrain ourselves to prioritize sleep? First, we need to set good sleep hygiene routines in the evening. Read more about that here. 

What if I’ve done that and I STILL can’t seem to actually fall asleep? Instead of reaching into the medicine cabinet, let’s consider some natural solutions to support the body’s natural sleep cycle to try first.

1. Diffusing or applying calming essential oils before bed can help support that natural sleep cycle. Essential oils such as lavender, frankincense and petigrain are just a few suggestions that support relaxation. (Wait, you’re telling me, a drop or two of this oil could actually support my sleep… YES! I’m for real. It can be that easy.)
2. doTERRA’s Serenity Complex Softgels can provide a soothing and refreshing night of sleep without feelings of grogginess the next day. They improve the quality of your sleep, as well as the ease with which you can fall asleep. These little babies are the real deal.
3. Taking a warm bath before bed using calming essential oils such as Serenity or Peace blend. 1/2 cup of epsom salts, 1/2 cup of baking soda and about 5-10 drops of your essential oil.

There is some experimentation when it comes to finding what works best with your family’s needs. However, it is worth the small amount of time and effort when we consider the alternatives we may face otherwise. Learn more about how to get these natural solutions into your home today. 

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s the best gift you can give to those you love.

Go Be Brave, Friends! And sleep a little more 🙂