With a massage of course! You’ll Get the Best Night’s Sleep of Your Life!
In a previous post, I mentioned that heavy loads of stress can rob people of good sleep. I’m here to save the day (or in this case, night). I’m gonna knock you out – with MASSAGE, of course!
I had an oversized male client approach my treatment room and table, saying I should apply as much pressure as possible on him and not to be afraid of hurting him. He was a MMA champion. I could tell that he probably spent eight or more hours training and zero stretching, because no matter how much pressure I applied, his muscles didn’t give. A couple hours after his session, he was still dozing and dazing in the lounge.
It became common for me to only sleep two hours at a time. It’s possible the anxiety and loneliness stemming from the pandemic lockdown had a lot to do with it, but returning to work didn’t help. My inability to get restful sleep lasted several months. I had to create a bedtime ritual.
As a point of comparison, the National Sleep Foundation ran a poll and found that only 19% of the teen population gets an “A” in sleep quality, leaving 81% with suboptimal sleep habits.
The number one thing that puts me to sleep is a massage. There’s no question, but getting one every single night isn’t practical. Luckily there are several things that can pave the way to deep sleep.
- Ditch the digital
Electronic devices emit blue light, which can suppress the body’s production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Blue light tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime, so it’s harder to fall asleep. Also using digital devices keeps the brain alert, because we’re engaging with stimulating content. Cell phones, computers, and tablets have their place and time. Bedtime is not it. Turn them off at least an hour leading up to bedtime.
- Calming, caffeine-free teas
Lavender and chamomile teas have soothing properties and are perfect for bedtime. While peppermint improves alertness, in tea form, it soothes the digestive system, which can help promote relaxation before bedtime. Valerian root tea has traditionally been used for insomnia, because of its sedative properties. Lemon balm tea is known for its calming effects and may help reduce anxiety. Also, good for reducing anxiety is passionflower tea. Try experimenting with herbal tea for a week or so to see which works best. If you’re under a doctor’s care for certain medical conditions, don’t hesitate to ask him/her for guidance and do your research.
Get a free goodie pouch with your massage. I include an individually wrapped teabag from Endless Life Teas. (While supplies last.)
- 20-minute hot soak in epsom salts
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) work magic for sore muscles. When dissolved in warm water, magnesium from the salts can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium ions help to relax muscle fibers and reduce cramps. The sulfate ions can also be absorbed through the skin, and they’re believed to flush toxins and lactic acid buildup. Add in lavender essential oil, and you’ll be dozing through the night.
Try ROSE Bath Salts – available for purchase at Joyful Rising for only $2.49.
- Bedtime Yoga
There are bedtime yoga rituals available for free on YouTube. My favorite is a 10-minute Bedtime Yoga video on the Yoga with Adriene channel.
- Reading paper books
Sorry, but the e-reader gives off EMF, which is stimulating. A printed book is best, and I highly recommend something light or dull. Personally, Katherine Center’s writing style is easy-breezy, her characters are likable, and her stories just flow. I recently started reading How to Walk Away, and it got me by the heartstrings before Chapter One led into Chapter Two.
The flip side is to read something so dense and incomprehensible (think the Dismal Science of economics) that it bores you to sleep.
Here’s to the best sleep of your life and reclaiming your rest! If you’re ready to snooze, book a massage. For the day-to-day, take matters into your own hands. Nothing boosts daytime productivity like a good night’s sleep.
(https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-nature-sleep-aid/)
(https://www.amtamassage.org/about/position-statements/massage-therapy-can-help-improve-sleep/)
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