Alternative Sleep Ideas
Here at bedstar we are always looking for ways to help you get better and healthier sleep, so here are a few tips on alternative therapies which might help sooth you to sleep. Read on to see some natural sleep aids before you browse through our catalogue of beds and discounted mattress.
There’s growing evidence that alternative and complementary therapies can help improve sleep. But how do you know what will work for you and what’s just an old wives tale?
Unfortunately there is no hard and fast answer since everyone reacts differently to these therapies, but there are patterns so trial and error is the most likely way to help put your sleep right. It’s well worth trying a new bed too as being uncomfortable is one of the most common sleep stealers, so once you’ve had a read, check out our bargain beds!
Essential oils have been shown to relieve insomnia and sleep disorders and we’ve listed a few of the more common ones below:
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Sweet marjoram
• Ylang ylang
All of these are (generally) non-toxic and non-irritant, so a few drops in your bath before bed, or sprinkled under your pillow may aid your sleep. They are primarily useful in relaxation and reducing anxiety, which helps you drop off quicker and hopefully wake up less frequently. You might be amazed that just by making your bedroom smell differently you may be able to fall asleep more easily.
Massage is another good way of using aromatherapy oils and it has the added benefit of relaxing muscles. Alas, most of us can’t have a massage before bed every night, but if you are especially stressed or having bad problems sleeping, this technique may be worth a try.
Acupuncture is extremely popular in some parts of the world and becoming more common in the West as an alternative therapy. It involves inserting very fine needles into specific points of the skin and has a good reputation for helping insomnia.
Meditation involves focusing your attention on one thought or thing and is thought to be extremely effective at quieting the mind and relaxing the body. Meditation techniques can be learnt and are useful if worrying before bed or winding down is a problem.
The stretches and focus on breathing that yoga entails has benefits similar to meditation, it combines exercise and relaxation in a way that many people find improves their sleep.
Alternative therapies are mostly safe to try, and the worst that will happen is not seeing any result. Some people however may react to essential oils or it can affect other medication used, so always consult your GP before taking a new supplement or trying any of these treatments
Of course none of the above can make up for a bed that’s not right, so check out our bargain mattress prices and bed discounts. We make it easy to find the right bed that will let you have sweet dreams all night long.