THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
According to the World Health Organisation, we are in the midst of a sleep loss epidemic, with two thirds of adults in the UK not getting the recommended 8 hours per night.
Research shows NHS spending on sleeping pills has trebled in the last 10 years. And a recent Consumer Reports survey of 1,767 adults revealed that nearly one-third of people who complained of sleep issues had used a sleep drug in the previous year.
The impact on our health cannot be underestimated, with research linking insomnia with a higher risk of heart attack, cancer, obesity, depression and more. So, what solutions are available that don’t involve popping a pill?
Emma Burwash, Seed’s Naturopath, said: “The issue with sleeping drugs is that they can lead to dependency and lose their effectiveness over time. I always recommend my clients explore more natural solutions.”
Emma’s Top 3 Tips:
- Find ways to unwind before sleep such as exercising or having a massage.
- Remove electronic devices from the bedroom and do not use for at least one hour before bed.
- Relaxation – have a bath with essential oils, listen to relaxing music or ‘download’ your thoughts / feelings in a journal
CHILDREN & SLEEP
Children are in the midst of a sleep loss epidemic of their own. In fact, NHS data showed hospital attendances for kids under 14 with sleep disorders tripled in the past decade, with ten times more sleep medications prescribed such as melatonin.
Health risks include increased obesity, lower immunity, mental health issues, lack of emotional control and poor school performance.
Emily Guiver, Seed’s Baby & Child Sleep Coach, said, “Many aspects of modern living can interfere with children’s sleep and the impact can be huge”.
Emily’s Top 3 Tips:
- Stick to a consistent, predictable bedtime routine
- Keep things calm and quiet with lights low and screens off for at least one hour before bed
- Bedrooms should be totally dark so use blackout blinds in the summer months
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR SLEEP
Seed’s Essential Oils expert, Debbie Lawrence, says, “Good quality oils such as doTerra provide a powerful natural sleep aid.
Debbie’s Top 3 Tips:
- Use a diffuser with oils including Cedarwood, Vetiver, Wild Orange and Lavender.
- If you wake up feeling tired, try breathing in / diffusing a drop of peppermint for a morning energy boost.
- For children, dilute the oils with a carrier oil or lotion and rub into the soles of their feet.
If you, your baby or child struggles with sleep issues and need support, contact info@seedwellness.co.uk
