WHY SLEEP MATTERS
Sleep is SO important for our overall well being. In the book Why We Sleep the author, Matthew Walker, explains that sleep helps us to consolidate memories, learn, and prepare our brain to function optimally for a day full of complex decisions, social interactions, and emotions.
In essence, sleep nourishes the mind!
Further, he explains:
Adequate sleep can help us maintain a slim figure, curb empty cravings, and, of course, increase energy during the day. Consistent, restful sleep can also decrease risk of disease including cancer, heart disease, and neurological degenerative diseases. Sleep also improves mood, encourages creativity, and helps us focus and learn more efficiently throughout the day.
So, if you can, soak it up! You deserve to feel healthy, happy, and function your very best each day!
TIPS FOR RESTFUL SLEEP
- Avoid caffeine after 2:00 pm: Many people overdue caffeine in the late afternoon to combat the afternoon slump we tend to feel post lunch. Residual caffeine at bedtime interrupts our natural stages of sleep and will only contribute to the cycle of sleepiness. If you feel sleepy around 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm, try avoiding a carb heavy lunch as it can cause this afternoon crash. Also, drink plenty of water, get up and move around or, if possible, take a short siesta. You can also keep energizing essential oils, like PEPPERMINT, EUCALYPTUS, or SWEET ORANGE on hand to inhale when you start to feel drowsy. Hydrating and aromatherapy do wonders for a tired body and an unfocused mind. We recommend reserving your highly caffeinated blends like PU ERH TEAS and YERBA MATÉ for the morning and switching to a CAFFEINE FREE option after lunch.
- Avoid screens and scrolling: It is easy to get into the habit of spending the evening scrolling on a cell phone or watching a thrilling new series on Netflix, but this type of light passes through the eyes and sends confusing wakeful messages to the brain. What you do right before bed also affects your dreams and memory formation. In Why We Sleep, the author expresses amazement at the fact that musicians often struggle to perfect a musical piece before bed but wake up to find they can play the same song with precision and elegance. This is because the learning process continues as our brain actively bridges the gaps between different regions of the brain and reaffirms what we've learned during the day. When we fall asleep watching a stressful TV show, it shouldn't surprise us that we may have more stress related dreams and consequently feel more anxious throughout the day. We recommend playing cards, reading an inspiring book, practicing yoga, playing music or meditating so that you can dive into sleep with a sweet and peaceful mindset.
- Avoid alcohol before bed: Alcohol might help us drift off quicker but it is disruptive to REM sleep which does important work while we recover from day to day. In an article by WINE SPECTATOR, the suggested compromise is to have one glass of wine at least 3 hours before getting into bed: this gives the body time to digest the alcohol so the metabolic process doesn't disturb our precious REM sleep. If you know our team and family, you know we LOVE craft cocktails and wine! If you enjoy a glass of something in the evening we recommend having your adult beverage with dinner and switching to an HERBAL TEA in the hours before bed to get your body prepared for restful and restorative sleep.
PRODUCTS WE LOVE TO USE BEFORE BEDTIME
Valerian root, honeybush tea, chamomile flowers, spearmint leaves, passion flower inclusion, lemon balm, lavender flowers, dried cherries, and blue corn flowers. Delicious and soothing. Serve hot before bed to promote restful, deep sleep.
Vanilla rooibos with cinnamon. In addition to all of the healthy benefits that all rooibos teas have, Horchata Rooibos is an awesome nighttime tea for sweet cravings! Dessert in a cup. This blend is our healthy interpretation of the classic Mexican rice milk drink, Horchata. Best served with honey and cream. Try blending with Coconut Black or Mocha Mate.
A soothing blend of peppermint leaves, chamomile flowers, vanilla rooibos, and lemongrass. This tea is great at relieving stress, pain, headaches, stomach pains and inflammation! Comfort in a cup. Delicious paired with honey and cream.
Green rooibos tea, marigold flowers, orange peels, mango pieces, and natural flavors. Rooibos is a South African herb that's good for digestion, pain and inflammation! Tropical, delicate, and slightly sweet. Delicious blended with Blueberry or Coconut Black, and served with honey and ice.
Dried chamomile flowers. Soothing and medicinal, this flower is great for inflammation, upset stomach, stress and relaxation, and insomnia. The classic comfort tea. Lovely paired with Hibiscus or Lemongrass.
Silky smooth and rich in flavor and color. This is a house favorite, and can be used for your teas and coffee, on top of pancakes, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
Very floral scent. Best used for: soothing pain; helping wounds heal faster; promotes deep, relaxing sleep; reduces anxious and tense feelings.
This oil has a herbaceous, slight fruity smell. Best used for: promotes relaxation and restful sleep; PMS and menopausal symptom relief; promotes healthy hair and scalp.
SOURCES:
Walker, Matthew. Why We Sleep: Unlock the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Penguin, 2018.
Health Topic: How Does Alcohol Affect Your Sleep?
Lexi Williams - https://www.winespectator.com/
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