Trouble sleeping

[JenniferM]

Hi.

Hoping someone on here can help me. I'm having terrible problems sleeping at the moment. It takes me ages to get to sleep and then I wake up throughout the night. A couple of days ago I didn't get to sleep till gone 2am. I woke up just after 4am and didn't get back to sleep until gone 5am. Was then up at 7am. That's probably the worst night I've had, but I have trouble getting to sleep every night.

I'm currently on Prozac, but I have had trouble sleeping for years and I've only been on the pills for three months, so I'm not sure if it's connected or not.

I don't really want to take any more pills and I remembered that about 15 years ago or so, my mum got me some oil from an aromatherapist friend of hers to put in my bath before I went to bed. It had high altitude levender oil in it and I can't remember what else, but it worked a treat. She's no longer in touch with the friend and I don't know any aromatherapists.

So, can anyone recommend anything that might help me sleep? Please let me know if you need more details.

Thank you in tired anticipation!!!

 

[Bobby Cowboy Man]

I keep a blend by the bed which is 100mls grapeseed oil, with 12 drops lavender, 12 drops neroli, 12 drops ylang ylang and 12 drops clary sage.

It's not recommended for pregnant ladies and you shouldn't drink alcohol before using it, but it's great for helping with sleep, especially in times of anxiety.

 

[Sun Hwa-Kwon]

Hiya

You may like to experiment with these oils - I can't use one of them because it gives me vivid dreams, but it doesn't happen to everyone!

In 25 ml of grapeseed oil, add:
3 drops valerian oil
5 drops marjoram oil
5 drops lavender oil (high alpine if you can get it)
3 drops clary sage oil

If you can't find the valerian oil don't worry: substitute neroli oil as has been suggested.

Don't drink alcohol after taking this. It's better to try it at the weekend just in case it works too well and you over sleep!

 

[Spirits Alive]

Beware of putting lavender direct on to the pillow as some people suggest - I developed a rash on my face recently (waking up with a swollen eye that made me look like I'd been in a boxing match) and a consultant dermatologist I was seeing about something else said he often sees people with rashes who have put lavender on their pillows. I don't - but my wife sometimes does and she admitted swapping pillows with me when she was ill...

 

[annaajane]

...and don't use too much lavender - two or three drops are adequate. Any more can have the opposite effect and keep you awake.

 

[Blood Python Fanatic]

My favourite sleep remedies are drink a cup of Chamomile Tea, put some lavender oil on your pillow - have a wind down period at night nothing too stimulating. Maybe have a nice candlelit bath with essential oils in the bath any of the previously mentioned oils are great (vetivert and sandalwood also do the trick).

Above all if there is something on your mind you need to talk about it - start opening up. We're here and would be happy to help you so some more details may be appropriate.

Luv Binah
x

 

[iloveTheSimpsons!]

Aw. That's sweet of you. The reason for the Prozac was due to a breatkdown in my relationship, being unhappy at work and having money issues. It all came to a head at the same time and I spent the whole time in tears. I just couldn't sort anything out.

Taking pills really was the last resort, but it has actually done the trick. It enabled me to sort things out in my head without bursting into tears the whole time. My relationship is on the mend and it doesn't stress me anymore. Work is better too. The only issue I have is lack of money, but even that's not too awful. I have enough to pay the bills and a bit left over.

So I'm not sure that worry and stress is the problem as far as my sleep is concerned.

Although, typing this out, I've just realised that I am a bit worried about my wrist. I've had a pain in my wrist for years. I've been told it's RSI, it's tendonitis, it's this, it's that. I've always been fobbed off with anti inflammatory pain killers. A few months ago, I finally got the doctor to send me for an x-ray. It showed up what they believe to be a cyst (possibly a ganglion) nestled in amongst my carples. So, I've been referred to a surgeon who's sending me for an MRI on Tuesday, with a view to operating and cutting it out.

I'm not worried about the operation, if I have to have it, what I'm worried about is having to take time out of my massage work and letting my team down.

But again, I don't think that's stopping me from sleeping.

 

[Kristine]

Hi Nefra,

It sounds like you have had a really tough time of it. It's bad enough having one thing to deal with, but when they pile up it can be miserable. Glad to hear that you relationship is now getting better.

What occurred to me is are you having regular massage treatments yourself. There are also lots of self help techniques for unwinding and destressing that you can use, in combination with using essential oils.
Do you do any yoga - i nearly always fall asleep during the relaxation sequence. My yoga teacher uses a Yoga Nidra technique which is incredibly effective at relaxing the body. Also if your mind is overactive take some White Chestnut (Bach flower remedy).

Don't worry about being off whilst your hand is healing, these things cannot be avoided - your first responsibility is to yourself. So take good care of yourself.

Luv Binah
xx

 

[Tina J]

Haven't had a chance to go oil shopping yet, but I'm hoping to pick some up tomorrow. I've already got lavender and ylang ylang, so thought I'd give Aromababe's concoction a go. Wish me luck!!

 

[Hello There]

Rub it into your chest, so that you can smell it when you're in bed and keep the bottle by the bed.

 

[DevinL]

Thanks. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[Rishi raj Rai]

Well, last night I tried Aromababe's concoction and I am pleased to report that it was probably the best nights sleep I've had in a long time. I had a rather bizarre dream, but I slept all the way through, didn't wake up once!

I'm also now considering doing the VCTC aromatherapy course at my local college. So, thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

[Dannuele]

So pleased it worked for you.

Aromatherapy's brill, innit?

 

[TurfUnduddy]

It would seem so! I absolutely love the sports and remedial stuff I do and it's definitly where I want to be, but I'd really like to do a bit of aromatherapy too. Gonna start saving my pennies so I can do the course.

It was really nice drifting off to sleep smelling the oils as i did. Usually, trying to get to sleep is a major issue, but last night it was practically effortless. I'm actually looking forward to going to bed tonight rather than dreading it. So, once again, thank you.

 

[Scorpio]

Valerian, clarysage, patchouli and neroli I would say.

Never been keen on lavander or ylang ylang, but thats just me.

Patchouli

 

[audilky]

I have to say that I rarely use ylang ylang - it gives me a headache. But in the blend mentioned above, it doesn't hit you and just becomes part of the synergy.

 

[xiafsxaa]

It's done the trick for me. I didn't use it the night before last and I had a terrible night again. But last night, back to sleeping the whole night through again.

 

[nirmal]

One thing you have to remember is to change the oils from time to time - you have been given a wide range of sedative/relaxing oils to choose from.
Also what occurred to me regarding your wrist injury is it related to your work as a massage therapist, and are you worrying about that aspect?
If so you may want to do a No Hands Massage type course. Enjoy the oils, I am still having a love affair with them 22 years on.

Love and Light
Binah
x

 

[McSween]

Hi. No, the wrist isn't related to massage. I've had problems with it for years, long before I started massaging. I mainly do sports and remedial massage so use my forearms and elbows a lot anyway. Because of the pain I'm very careful about protecting my wrist. What bothers me about it is having to take time out for the operation (if I need it) mid season and not being able to look after my boys properly.

I'm completely amazed at how well the oils have worked for me. I actually have to be careful when I use them. If I want to read in bed, I can't use them because I'll be asleep in minutes.

It's absolutely incredible.