Sleep Stress

Do you have sleep stress? Can’t fall asleep; can’t stay asleep? Here are some simple natural solutions and easy-to-follow suggestions.

Especially since you probably already know sleeping pills have long-term harmful side effects. So what to do? 

How to Fall Asleep

It is good to have a going to bed ritual/process. Relaxing and slowing down for an hour or two before sleeping is a helpful habit to cultivate. Use whatever works for you, even if it is TV or reading. I like to meditate/quiet reflective time but I must be careful because sometimes this overstimulates my nervous system. Explore what relaxes you. If you find your nervous system hard to wind down, CranioSacral Therapy for nervous system and sleep support can be a wonderful next step.

Natural Supplements to Ease Sleep Stress

You can try melatonin capsules or Valerian tea before bed. Or you might take magnesium and Ashwagandha. Your body is your laboratory. Are your everyday stresses affecting your sleep? Are You Stress?

I will say what worked or did not work for you when you were younger, may work for you now. As we get older sleep may elude you, so try new options!

How Sleep Stress Affects You at Every Age

Stress at any age can disrupt your sleep. Over-thinking especially at 11 pm can be particularly bothersome. The gallbladder, according to Chinese Medicine, is super active at that time. Do not encourage it.  Relax and do not attempt major decisions before sleeping.

Remember when your mom kissed you ‘good night and pleasant dreams’. Give yourself some pleasant thoughts. Prayers and just thinking of those you love and who love you, can all be a big help.

Natural Solutions to Fall Asleep Faster Tonight

Here’s a new solution I discovered to ease you into sleep. Put your hand or even a finger slightly below your nose and feel your breath as you breath out. Do this for four or five breaths. You will notice you feel more relaxed and sleep will come easily. Do this when you are lying down and want to sleep. This simple breath focus works in part through vagus nerve activation for deeper rest, calming your nervous system from the inside out.

Alternatively, you can gently stroke downwards from the back of your ears. Or tap your third eye 30 x. I prefer the breathing solution.

You can even have a warm drink of water or herb tea with some powdered clove added. A little bit of clove powder goes a long way, and it is relaxing and antiseptic! Do not do this while lying down, but just before you get into bed.

If you are really stuck come for a CranioSacral Session to regulate your Vegas Nerve and put you in touch with the parasympathetic, rest and digest, cranial rhythm. Calming your nervous system is what I do. And a relaxed mind is a happy mind.

Don’t forget regular exercise is so helpful for sleep issues. Check out this article by Harvard Medical sharing about dance, yoga and Tai Chi

Waking Up at Night? How to Stop Sleep Disruptions

Are you waking up at all hours? Unless you are making passionate love to your partner…you might want to make sure you don’t step on cold floors. Do not fully wake yourself up. No turning on lights.

If you are constantly getting up to pee. You might want to try pelvic floor exercises during the day. A good one to tone your pelvic floor is to rise up on your tippy toes 10x, three times a day and squeeze your butt. Basically bring your sit bones towards each other or the tail bone towards the pubic bone. I know you can do this! Or as a woman, Kegel exercises may help!

Men, it might be your prostate. Do see your doctor. Women, it is time to work out the base of your torso! And come for a Body Being & Heart session or take basic healing course!

Having a basic healing course as part of sleep tool kit can be invaluable. Do download the information of Reiki in the above paragraph and let me know a weekend you would like discover the healing powers of Reiki Bring a Friend for an On-line or in-person course. Contact me to Connect!

Is Your Bed Causing Sleep Stress and Body Pain?

Is your bed the source of your sleep stress? Is it too hard. Get a memory foam pad. Is it too soft. Get a new bed or put boards beneath it.

Many years ago a young woman came to me with back pain. She responded so well to my sessions I continued without charging her. Months later she told me about her lumpy, bumpy bed. Finally, she got a new mattress.

Did she ever repay for the free sessions? Yes! She cleaned up my apartment and helped me pack for one of the many moves I have made. I used to move at least once every five years. I have settled down since.

Sleep Positioning: How 8 Hours in Bed Affects Your Body

I always say positioning is nine-tenths of the solution with injuries, tension or just plain pain. Find out what is wrong with your position, your posture, what are you doing which is creating or supporting discomfort. And then STOP. Easier said than done, but doable!

You spend something like eight or more hours in bed each day. Is your mattress comfortable? Do wake with pain in your back or neck? If so you may need to add the appropriate pillows!

Finding the right pillow for your neck is an art form. You will have to experiment. Feather pillows you can scrunch into shape are my favorite, if you are not allergic to feathers. Some memory foam pillows are too hard, or too soft. Are you beginning to feel like Little Red Riding Hood?

Do you need a pillow under or between your knees to protect your lower back? Or if you sleep on your side, do you need a pillow under your top arm? If sleep on your back and your upper back hurts, put a pillow under you hips.

The Worst Sleep Position for Back Pain

The worst position to sleep in is on your belly. This I assure you will give you lower back pain. There is only one complete cure. You must retrain your body by beginning with putting a pillow under your belly and gradually move towards sleeping on your side.

                                                                     Repattern Your Body

Repattern your body and your sleep stress to insure health and well-being. Stay healthy! Come for tune ups and deep relaxation with a Body Being & Heart Session!

Want to know…about the science go here!

Sending Light & Love,

Kyra, Your Practical and Magical Healer

P.S. Jealous of people who only need four or five hours of sleep? Don’t be, they usually crash and have an illness or depression when they burn up their ancestral chi/energy. I have seen this repeatedly…until they repattern their sleep habits.

P.S.S. Fuji loves to sleep!