A Good Night’s Sleep
From the cover of the book, “Why we sleep” by Matthew Walker…
“Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer. It enhances your memory, makes you more attractive. It keeps you slim and lowers your food cravings. It protects you from cancer and dementia. It wards off colds and flu. It lowers your risk of heart attacks and stroke not to mention diabetes. You’ll even feel happier, less depressed and less anxious. Are you interested?”
What is this “miraculous treatment”?
Sleep – Sounds Amazing …. when it is put it like that, doesn’t it? For one who tries to fit in three days of tasks into one, feel I would definitely benefit from a reset too. Actually, whilst we sleep our brain and subconscious operate like a warehouse – receiving, sorting, filing, distributing pieces of information, unresolved experiences during the day – many aspects, including feelings and problem solving. This occurs as the thoughts and ideas of the day are directed to be in a “holding” area of the area of the brain which is more related to longer term memory. Meanwhile this creates more space in our hippocampus (related to more shorter-term memory) our pre-frontal cortex, responsible for logical and rational thought, switches off. The advantage of this is our brain is free to make connections and associations in a more creative way. This being the case, is why when we “sleep on something” we often wake with a beneficial solution. The creative aspect is more innovative than if we had been trying to resolve it from our logical, intellectual mind.
The not so good story with lack of sleep – well there are no positives at all … including mood disorders, depression, lack of concentration, misjudgement, decision making, compromised fat metabolism (which affects cardio-vascular disease), affected immune function (can increase possibility of infectious diseases including cancer), increased appetite along with low quality food choices, potentially leading to diabetes, “micro-sleeping” to name a few … Hmm…
It seems that studies show that less than half of the adult population has compromised quality sleep. For some alcohol or mainstream medications including “sleeping tablets” may be the substitute. Truth is however, neither bring resolve as alcohol may increase the start of sleep but it interferes with the quality of sleep especially in the second part of the night, bringing a myriad of negative side-effects. With the latter the medications suppress the neural activity that usually takes place in natural sleep, the use or misuse of these can be fatal.
Natural Therapies to the Rescue
Bach and Australian Bush Flower Remedies – there are so many choices here. Generally speaking, sleeplessness can often be connected with an unresolved decision eg. whether to leave/accept another work role/relationship situation, financial concerns, etc. To assist with revolving thought forms, Bach Flowers White Chestnut or Boronia in the Australian Bush Flower Remedies can be an excellent place to start.
The opportunity of clearing the underlying concern itself is going to open a much deeper resolution. Depending on the situation, if deciding between two options eg. purchasing a new home or staying in the existing – Scleranthus with Bach or Paw Paw for the Bush Flowers. To address fear, if it is a “known” cause, then Bach’s Mimulus or that “unknown”, Aspen are the most aligned. As for Bush Flowers, Dog Rose … for the terror of what is feared occurring again, Dog Rose of the Wild Forces… Endless options to be considered here click here to learn more.
As for Homeopathics, Coffea is an excellent Remedy generally, however, a Consultation may bring a more specific one/s. Similar to the iceberg effect. The lack of sleep situation being on the surface, however, it is what is underneath ..the “unseen” which is to be healed allowing the sleep to take place click here to learn more.
From the nutrients side of the natural direction, Magnesium. Herbal medicines in the way of nervines and relaxants including Chamomile, Passionflower, Skullcap, Kava kava, Hops, Valerian, Vervain, Lemon Balm, Californian Poppy, Oats.
In so much as physicality, best to avoid any form of exercise for at least 2 hours before sleep. For instance going for a walk before sleep reactivates the biochemistry and actually has the opposite effect.
Being away from technology whether computer, phone or work related information will also be best replaced by a footbath, a foot massage, listening to calm music (especially without lyrics..as the brain can start processing connections with the words), etc.
All just suggestions of course, would love to help you sleep well. Please contact today or arrange a *Free 20mins Consultation click here to learn more to see how the extraordinary Modalities I work with can bring balance to your Life.
Namaste
Chris x