Without understanding why, I began to have trouble falling asleep. On many nights during the week, I would toss and turn, with various thoughts racing through my head. I tried several natural sleeping aids to solve my sleeping issue.
I tried listening to soothing music on a timer that would turn off automatically. I tried reading before bed. I also tried a variety of sleeping aid teas like Chamomile tea. I even tried counting each breath starting at one and going to 100 (occasionally I tried counting sheep too!).
All of these natural sleeping aids had some beneficial effect, but none seemed to really “solve” my problem of getting to sleep and sleeping deeply. The other issue was that occasionally if I did fall asleep, I would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep.
Of course, it goes without saying that I refuse to use any kind of pharmaceutical sleeping aid. I simply don’t trust anything created by Big Pharma, all of which are totally unnatural and will probably result in me becoming addicted to the drug in order to sleep, and thus making me forever dependent on that drug for one of the most basic things we need as a human being – sleep! Here is a link to an article that explains the danger of becoming addicted to sleeping pills.
Anyway, one day I went to a high end tea shop to… you guessed it… look for another sleeping aid type of tea. I selected a variety of teas and then, at the checkout, the clerk asked me if I knew about their special deal that included a vial of essential oil designed to help one sleep at a super amazing discount. Normally I immediately get defensive against any kind of pushy sales approach, but it was a good deal and it was designed for sleep, which I desperately needed, so I added it to my purchase.
Long story short, this stuff works. I now use it every night and have shared it with family members who also swear by it. It costs about $12 per vial and I am guessing that is about a two months’ supply.
The label on this natural sleeping aid is a mix of the following ingredients: lavender, ylang ylang, spearmint, clary sage and carrier oil. I use it liberally, on my temples, sternum and wrists about 20 – 30 mins before I am ready for bed. It also smells good, and boy has it helped me sleep!
Check out my blog as I strive for the Zen Master Lifestyle, a new approach to an ancient model designed for a healthy body, clear mind, and connected spirit.