Why do we need sleep?
In order for our bodies to function properly, we need to sleep! Alongside such necessities as eating, drinking water and breathing, without sleep our bodies and health will suffer. There are many theories about why we need sleep including needing to conserve energy, brain development and body restoration. Research has shown that while we sleep our body temperature and caloric demand drops● helping our body to restore its energy levels and regenerate. In early development as babies, sleep is particularly important as studies have discovered a correlation between REM sleep and brain development.
What happens if we don’t get enough sleep?
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, 18% of adults regularly sleep less than six hours per night, while 20% suffer from chronically poor sleep●●. Disrupted sleep patterns have both short and long term physical and emotional side effects. Short term sleep disorders can cause mood swings, increase our risk of accidents and impair our judgment and ability to retain information.1 If you are suffering from a sleep related disorder in the long term, then you may be at a higher risk of developing health issues such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease●. Going without sleep for a prolonged period of time can even shorten our life span!
Sleep supplements and teas to help you sleep
- Edible Beauty Tea No. 3 Sleeping Beauty Tea
One of my very favourite natural sleep remedies is a warm cup of tea before bed. This Edible Beauty Sleeping Beauty Tea is caffeine free and made with a beautiful blend of Passionflower, Chamomile and Skullcap to aid relaxation and ease tension in the body. Each of these ingredients are known for their calming properties, which makes this tea an ideal option before bedtime.
- WelleCo Sleep Welle Tea
Created with Passionflower, Skullcap and Valerian (nature's Valium) traditionally used to promote good sleep, the WelleCo Sleep Welle is a delicious tea that helps ease you into slumber faster. It also comes in the most beautiful refillable container and gift box!
Bedroom products for the best night’s sleep
- ettitude Sateen Pillowcase Set
Sateen is a great vegan alternative to silk pillowcases. There are so many benefits to sleeping on sateen, which can range from keeping hair frizz-free to keeping skin smooth and moisturised, and even reducing hot flushes by keeping your face cooler! Breathable sateen helps keep you cool and minimises irritating allergens. The the ettitude Sateen Pillowcase Set in Rose are made with ettitude's exclusive, sustainable CleanBamboo™ fabric. ettitude is Eco Certified, PETA Certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan.
- Manta Sleep Eye Mask
Made famous by Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast At Tiffany's', I always thought eye masks were just a fashion accessory. I could not be more wrong! Manta Sleep Eye Mask is a 100% blackout eye mask with adjustable eyecups so no pressure on your eyes or eyelashes! The Manta sleep mask is made from soft, breathable materials that are machine washable. Plus, it comes with premium quality earplugs and a convenient storage case that doubles as a wash bag. It's also a travel essential for those sleepless flights!
- 100% Bamboo Sheets
Did you know that there are sheets that help you sleep?! Bamboo is one of the most environmentally friendly resources and bamboo sheets are the softest, most comfortable sheets you'll sleep on. They are also hypoallergenic and help to regulate your body temperature while you sleep by keeping you cooler in summer and warmer on winter nights. For a comfortable sleep try our Life Basics Eco Bamboo Sheet & Pillow Set. Available in 5 colours.
- Black Chicken Remedies Pyramedial
A calming addition to your bedside table, the Black Chicken Remedies Pyramedial is a pyramid-shaped scent bag filled with pure lavender flowers. Harnessing the benefits of aromatherapy, this scent bag contains Lavender, known for its calming properties. Place this bag by your bedside or between your pillows to help ease sleep conditions such as insomnia and promote restfulness and relaxation for a peaceful night's sleep.
Self care products for sleep
- Badger Sleep Balm
If you're a regular reader of my blog, then you'll know just how often I rave about the Badger Sleep Balm! It's just so good. This balm is completely natural and can be applied to any pulse points (like under the nose or on the temples) to help you relax. It's formulated using Balsam Fir and Bergamot which work to clear the mind, warm the body and help you to achieve calmness. There is even one for kids that may help get them into a deep sleep so they stop waking us up during the night! If you're interested to learn more about the Badger Sleep Balm, I've written a whole blog post which you can read here!
- Amazing Oils Organic Magnesium Bath Flakes
If you are magnesium deficient, it may be causing sleep difficulties. The Amazing Oils Organic Magnesium Bath Flakes can be added to your nightly bath to help give you a much needed magnesium boost! These Magnesium Flakes are easily absorbed and may help reduce muscle tension, making a Magnesium bath an ideal way to relax and prepare your body for rest. You can even add them to the kids' bath to help them sleep too! To find out more about why Magnesium is so important for your well-being, check out my blog post here!
How to get the most out of your new evening routine
As much as I love these natural sleep remedies, a truly restful night requires a couple of behavioural changes too- the big one being properly switching off and winding down before bed time. Don't forget to turn off your mobile phone, tablets, computers and wi-fi before you go to bed! The blue light emitted from electronic devices interferes with melatonin production (the sleep hormone), and we do not want all that radio-frequency energy buzzing around when we are trying to sleep. Limit electronics usage before bedtime, ideally ending use one hour before bedtime to allow your body to naturally start getting ready to fall asleep. This step is very important for growing kids too! Shop even more of our amazing products to aid sleep here!
Want to know more about the benefits of sleep? The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time by Arianna Huffington is an inspiring and thoroughly researched book that clearly explains the important role sleep plays in our lives and outlines simple strategies to help us form a regular sleep routine.
Sources: ●healthysleep.med.harvard.edu, ●●sleephealthfoundation.org.au,
