We’ve all been there — tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, counting the hours left until an alarm signals the end of what should be a period of rest. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, sleep is often one of the first things we sacrifice in the name of productivity and, if we’re being honest, the temptation to scroll social media at 3 a.m.
But the importance of quality rest cannot be overstated. It’s a cornerstone of overall health and wellness. From boosting immune function to enhancing cognitive abilities, sleep is as essential to our wellbeing as exercising and eating a balanced diet. Stress, anxiety, and the glow of screens are just a few of the culprits that keep us up at night, and if counting sheep isn’t enough to calm racing thoughts, it may be time to revamp your nighttime routine.
In this blog, we’ll explore how natural remedies offered at The Still Point can support better sleep, offering a holistic approach to help you get the rest you deserve.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep isn’t just about resting your body. It’s a vital step in your daily recovery and healing. For one, sleep plays a key role in boosting immune function. During deep sleep, your body produces proteins that help fight off infections and inflammation, which is why getting enough rest can often mean the difference between fending off a cold or dealing with stuffy sinuses for days.
Sleep is also essential for heart health. Studies by the National Institutes of Health show a link between chronic sleep deprivation and an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. A good night’s rest allows your heart to recover, reduces inflammation, and helps keep your blood pressure in check.
In addition to improving physical conditions, sleep also has an impact on your mental health. During deep sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes emotions. This helps with focus, learning, and decision-making the next day. Without proper sleep, it becomes harder to retain information or regulate emotions, leading to irritability, stress, and even mood disorders like anxiety or depression. If you’ve ever started your day feeling cranky or found yourself snapping over minor inconveniences, it could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough quality sleep.
Natural Remedies for Smooth Snoozing
Acupuncture, massage therapy, infrared sauna, and plant-based supplements like CBD are becoming popular solutions for those looking to achieve a deeper, more restorative sleep. Let’s take a look at each:
Acupuncture can be a helpful treatment for insomnia as it helps to balance energy flow and promote relaxation. In traditional Chinese medicine, insomnia is often linked to imbalances in the body’s energy (or qi) and various organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Acupuncture relaxes the central nervous system, regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, books melatonin production, and reduces stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins. Whether you are coming in for sleep issues or not, a peaceful night is often times a side effect of acupuncture!
In clinical studies, acupuncture has shown effectiveness in improving sleep quality, reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, and increasing the duration of sleep. Because acupuncture helps with insomnia by addressing the underlying issues, a schedule of 4-6 weekly treatments is recommended.
Fun fact: our founder first tried acupuncture to address insomnia and is now a licensed acupuncturist with nearly 20 years of experience.
Massage Therapy involves using various techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Our therapists have a deep passion for healing, and they are experts in personalizing their approaches to ensure your massage targets your specific needs.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is another natural option for improving sleep. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis that can reduce anxiety, stress, and pain to calm the nervous system. It comes in various forms — like topical oils, edible gummies, and capsules. It’s typically best to take CBD orally 30-60 minutes before bedtime to help you unwind and prepare for sleep. The Still Point offers CBD oil as an enhancement to massage services. Applying CBD oil to the entire body helps systemically to relax the nervous system.
Infrared Sauna can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. The gentle heat from the sauna increases the body’s core temperature, which, after cooling down, triggers a natural relaxation response. This cooling process can signal to the body that it’s time to rest, helping to improve sleep onset. Moreover, the infrared heat in The Still Point’s Sunlighten sauna penetrates deeply into the muscles and joints, relieving tension and discomfort that might otherwise interfere with a good night’s sleep. Additionally, regular sauna use may help regulate the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for controlling sleep cycles, enhancing the ability to fall and stay asleep.
Quick Tips for Serene Sleep
In addition to treatments like acupuncture, massage, and infrared sauna, there are a few ways you can adjust your bedtime routine to more seamlessly fall asleep.
Try sipping chamomile tea for its calming properties. Using lavender essential oil in a diffuser or spritzing a bit on your pillow can provide extra relaxation due to its soothing scent.
The most effective change may also be the most difficult: avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Research shows that the blue light electronics emit can affect your body’s circadian rhythm, making it more difficult for you to doze off. Try reading a book or listening to a podcast set on a timer to give your eyes and brain time to relax.
Ready to Sleep Soundly?
Sleep is the foundation of self care. It affects everything from your mood to your immune system. Visit us at The Still Point and experience how our relaxing services help promote quality sleep that improves your mental and physical wellbeing.
Book your session today and meet with experts who can tailor a personalized wellness plan to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.
