It is the time of year where I tend to burn the candle at both ends. Between caring for everyone, my much loved career and preparing for holidays and travel, I go to bed late and wake up early. I have a million things to do and that is all I can think about when my head hits the pillow. Much to my dismay, I’ve discovered I have a natural bed time where I go to bed and sleep like our hibernating black bears. Miss that time and I catch my second wind and sleep evades me. It seems like many of my friends have the same issue so I thought I’d share some of the things that work for us. Everyone’s chemistry is a little different so you might have to experiment a little and see what works for you. Just remember the key is that we are trying to get ourselves in a good place where we welcome sleep before we try and fall asleep. All work best before your head hits the pillow.
For me, all it takes is a drop of Lavender on the bottom of my feet and on my wrist inhaled and I’m set.
For little ones I like to take a spray bottle, add a drop of vodka and 15 drops of Serenity and spray their pillow. If you have one like mine that we call our busy child, add a drop or two of Vetiver.
Vetiver often works well alone, just a drop on the big toe.
Clary Sage seems to help especially for those who are in going through the change.
One of my best friends finds that the Quiet Mind recipe that I created works for her. Recipe here: https://alaskahealer.com/quietmind/
I created the Sleepytime Blend for another friend who uses it for her whole family.
It is super easy, 15 drops Balance and 15 drops Lavender and finish with Fractionated Coconut Oil in a 1/3 ounce roller ball.
Hibernation Blend
15 drops each
Bergamot
Frankincense
Vetiver
Roman Chamomile
Finish with Fractionated Coconut Oil in a 1/3 ounce roller ball.
Wake up in the middle of the night? Often Balance will help.
Some words of caution…
Some people find Slim & Sassy or Citrus Bliss on the bottom of their feet works for them. This is one that is kind of contradictory since citrus oils are usually stimulating. I don’t suggest this until you’ve run out of other options.
I know there are quite a few other blends out there that you might wonder why they didn’t make the cut. Generally, if the recipe calls for a blend mixed with a blend, you won’t see me recommend it. Blends are designed to work by themselves or with an oil or two added carefully be someone who does a lot of what I like to call ‘getting my apothecary on’. So if you are tempted by some of the recipes with Serenity and Balance switch it out to Balance and Lavender or Serenity and Frankincense.
Remember just a drop will work. More is not better. In fact, Lavender can be a stimulant if used in large amounts.
