It was almost ten years before I found the solution to my sleeping problems. I spent years laying awake night after night, my mind racing and my body unable to relax into a deep sleep. Even when I was finally able to fall asleep, it wouldn’t be for very long, I would wake up at least 2 times a night, usually more! I tried every over the counter medicine before I finally caved and took the sleeping pills my doctor subscribed to me. 

I was finally sleeping but something just didn’t feel right about taking such a heavy medicine and waking up groggy. 

I was determined to find another solution and that’s when I met Laura, a holistic wellness coach. Laura helped me create a foolproof bedtime routine and I’ve been sleeping like a baby ever since!

I’ll admit, I was certainly skeptical of Laura’s ways when we first started working together, but I was desperate for a natural solution that actually worked. She’s a young happy looking yoga teacher and I’m, well, not quite so young and can hardly touch my toes. 

The first thing Laura introduced me to was the power of essential oils. She gave me Infused Essence’s Fast Asleep blend and explained to me all the ways this combination of oils would calm my nervous system and allow my body to relax enough in order to fall asleep. She told me it might take a few days to start kicking in, since my sleeping problems were, at that point, chronic and built up over many years. 

I started diffusing and applying the blend topically to the bottoms of my feet and wrists, and after a few days

Laura explained to me that wellness isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of thing, and that there’s usually not one magical cure that will solve someone’s insomnia. 

See, my mind was always racing and my body felt restless, I just didn’t know what to do about it. I was constantly worrying about money and work and what would happen tomorrow and next year and anything thing else that popped into my active mind. 

Laura next suggested making sure not to drink caffeinated beverages at least 5 hours before bed, and to avoid candy or sugary drinks at least 3 hours before bed. I hadn’t really thought about this before, but it made sense once I heard it. Caffeine stays in the body for an average of 5 hours, so try to time out your coffee consumption or even soda drinking for earlier in the day. 

Instead, try tea or water for the later part of the day. 

The 3rd recommendation was to be sure to walk or exercise at least 3 days a week! With my fibromyalgia I didn’t think this would work for me, but I decided to trust my new teacher and started walking twice a week! It started with 10 minute walks around the neighborhood and now I’m up to almost an hour! 

Laura, being a yoga teacher, was very enthusiastic about me trying a yoga class. I don’t live near a studio and I’m pretty uncomfortable with the idea of being around a bunch of flexible 20-something millennials, so she directed me to Youtube where I could try some basic yoga moves on my own in the comfort of my home. 

Something I was really resistant to was when she told me no TV or electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. I thought she’d really lost it at this point. But what was I supposed to do for 30 minutes then? Laura’s suggestion: put on a calming music playlist and journal or read a book while diffusing Fast Asleep oil in my bedroom. 

I reluctantly tried this next approach, starting with 10 minutes before bed, and eventually worked my way up to 30 minutes before bed without any TV or aimlessly browsing my phone. 

Since incorporating all of Laura’s advice and creating a bedtime routine, I’ve been sleeping like a log! I fall asleep quicker, and stay asleep throughout the night! I feel less stressed and my quality of life is so much better! 

• Infused Essence Fast Asleep Oil - diffused and used topically
• No caffeine 5 hours before bed
• Exercising/walking 3 times a week
• 10-20 minutes of yoga 2 times a week
• No TV or Social Media 30 minutes before bed
• Put on calming music to journal or read a book 30 minutes before bed (usually while diffusing my Fast Asleep oil!). 

You don’t have to use all of her tips, though the Fast Asleep essential oil is non negotiable for me at this point!  I’ve had friends try just a few and are already sleeping better. Experiment for yourself and see what works best for you.

Sweet Dreams!