There’s really nothing worse than laying in bed awake all night. Maybe you can’t get comfy, or maybe you’ve got a whole load of horrible, nagging negative thoughts running through your mind causing your heart to race and making you stress.
The good news is that there are several natural products on the market to try and help you relax in order to achieve a good night’s sleep. This week, I’ve rounded up five products which I believe are useful for helping you to unwind and feel that little bit calmer.
Neal’s Yard Stress and Sleep Herbal Relief, £14.00
This fantastic concoction by Neal’s Yard is a great remedy to take just before bed to help aid sleep if you’re suffering from stress and mild anxiety. To use, simply take one 5ml teaspoonful and mix with water and drink a short while before you head to sleep. It’s suitable for both vegans and vegetarians and is a natural, safe and ethical product that’s definitely worth a try.
Please be aware that it is suggested you consult your doctor before use of this product if you are currently using any medication. This product is not suitable for those who are under 18, if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the product, if you’re pregnant and breast feeding or if you’re already taking medication for anxiety or depression.
Sleepy Body Lotion by Lush, £7.95 for 95g or £13.49 for 215g
Sleepy is a beautiful body lotion created by the good people at Lush, which smells absolutely gorgeous! It’s made from a gentle oatmeal infusion, calming lavender flower and comforting sweet tonka absolute.
This product is perfect for application just after a relaxing bath and is ideal for helping you unwind, de-stress and feel sleepy. It’s a lovely rich body cream that will make your skin feel nice and smooth whilst helping you chill. We say there’s nothing better than throwing on a comfy pair of PJs, before getting all snugly under the covers!
Bach Rescue Night Dropper, Boots, £7.99 for 10ml
If you’re familiar with Bach’s rescue remedy, then you may be interested to give this product a go if you’re suffering from stress that’s preventing you from sleeping! Comprised of a unique combination of the flower essences Rock Rose, Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum (Rescue™) with White Chestnut, this product is recommended to help you switch off from those unwanted, repetitive negative thoughts that like to stop you sleeping!
It’s really easy to use – simply use four drops on your tongue or alternatively add four drops to water and sip at intervals. This product is currently on offer at Boots for £7.99, so it’s certainly worth a dry to see if it helps you ditch that pesky insomnia!
Hootie Brown Heatable Owl, Amazon, £11.28
We say you’re never too old for a sleeping buddy and Hootie really fits the bill! Not only is Hootie nice to snuggle into when you’re feeling anxious and stressed, but when you heat him up in the microwave for a couple of minutes, you’ll be able to inhale the comforting aroma of gentle lavender which will help you relax and drift off to sleep – we reckon everyone should own a Hootie!
Aveda Comforting Tea, £15.00 for 140g
I really love the taste of this comforting tea – it’s a naturally sweet herbal infusion that consists of liquorice root and peppermint which helps ease away those nagging feelings of stress and tension. I drink this tea regularly and must admit that it does help me feel a little more relaxed – it’s perfect for enjoying after a long bubble bath just before bed!
Although this tea is available in tea bag form, I definitely think that it’s way better value to go for the loose tea which will provide you with many more cups of tea than the box of tea bags which costs £10.00 for 20. This tea may not be suitable for those who take medication for blood pressure, so it’s worth reading the packaging, or consulting your GP for further advice if unsure.
