The Importance of Deep Sleep

How many of us can actually say that we sleep as well today as we did a few years ago?
Most people that I know can only reminisce about the days where they got deep and restful sleep and woke up feeling refreshed enough to start their day…and I’ve got news for us–this is very unfortunate for both our emotional and physical health.  Deep sleep is actually essential to the function of the immune system and regenerates it. Without good, deep sleep, the immune system becomes weakened, and the body more vulnerable to infection and disease ( and hey, who wants to have to go running to the pharmacy for sleeping pills just to get a decent night’s sleep?)

The time you’re asleep is when your neurons are repaired, and when many hormones are released during sleep or right before sleep (such as growth hormones and other hormones, essential for a post-partum mom), key for muscle repair, too.

So how can we maximize deep sleep?
First, make sure your sleep environment is as comfortable as possible and minimize any outside noise. I find that a calming scent in the room, such as essential oil of lavender calms me right down as I ease into a snooze.  Calcium and magnesium supplements can also help to relax muscles if you’re feeling edgy and make for an easier entry into deeper sleep.  Try adding a Cal-Mag tablet about 30 minutes before bed for great sleep.
Sleeping a little more in the morning will also let you get in some extra REM cycles, which are much needed for us to feel rested, so if you can, start your day 30 minutes-1 hour later than usual.  Herbs are also great for inducing the relaxation that many people need to into a deep sleep and stay sleep.

Some top herbal relaxation classics include: chamomile, lavender, passionflower and oatstraw.  Try them as a cup of tea or in a bath before bed.  And yet another great way to enjoy a relaxing herbal bath is with essential oils; just add 4-5 drops of the essential oil of your choice to your warm bath after the water has been turned off.  Try oils of chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, vetiver, and ylang-ylang—also great for kids.  You can also add Epsom salts to your bath for an extra soothing bedtime experience. And hey, when all else fails, thre’s always Ambien.