Ah, Sleep. It's Wonderful!

   Guest post by: Stacy McDonald.

Is Sleep Really Overrated?

JULY 7, 2012

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2

You may have heard the seemingly humorous statement, “Sleep is overrated.” Yet, we all know the truth: Sleep is crucial! Even Scripture tells us that sleep is a gift from God.

Sleep provides needed rest and physical and mental restoration. Through it, we set aside stress and our energy is renewed for the coming day. When we have sufficient sleep, we are better prepared for what God has for us to do.

Sleep helps us to recover from the impact the daily pressures of life have on our bodies—pressures that sometimes result in excessive cortisol and norepinephrine production. Left unchecked, these imbalances can cause all sorts of physical and emotional health problems. A lack of sleep may lower the immune system, bring about illness, cause anxiety, and even exacerbate the aging process. Perhaps that is why some say they need their “beauty sleep.”

As much as we try to avoid stress, the pressures and responsibilities of life often continue to increase, resulting in less sleep. Sleep deprivation is epidemic in our society. It is estimated that 65% of Americans get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep each night.

And, for many, when they do finally roll into bed, their minds are still going. Some people literally just can’t get to sleep.

The consequences of sleep deprivation may include decreased concentration and cloudy memories; irritability and depression; slow reaction time and trouble communicating; weight gain (or loss) and tremors; adrenal fatigue and even hormone imbalance. Long term sleep deprivation can also lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

So, what can you do to find release—to finally find sleep? If you are proactive, there are ways to make sleep more likely.

Sweet Sleep and Sacred Rest

Eat healthy and drink plenty of water during the day. My husband loves to put a drop or two of therapeutic grade peppermint essential oil in his water each day. This gives him clarity as he works on his sermons, and it has helped him cut down on his caffeine intake considerably! I believe it has also helped his allergies to subside.

Find time to walk or exercise during the day. A morning and/or evening walk is a good way to get your blood circulating, and a healthy way to wind down at the end of the day. Daily exercise helps prepare your body for action, and also for a good night’s rest.

Don’t eat anything heavy before going to bed. You want your body at rest, not busy digesting food. If you crave a meal late at night, consider drinking a glass of water with a drop of therapeutic grade lemon essential oil in it to help alkalize your stomach. Or try a cup of Slique Tea.

Stay away from coffee or chocolate later in the day. Caffeine will not help you rest. Turn off your television and pick up a book. Consider using a diffuser with a restful oil blend. Sacred Mountain blend, Lavender, Frankincense, or Harmony blend are some great choices. By the way, Young Living has introduced a new home diffuser! You can check it out HERE.

Take time for a warm, relaxing bath. Add a few drops of Lavender or Sensation essential oil blend to a handful of Epsom salts and release into the warm water. Have your spouse give you a shoulder massage with Valor or Sensation. Massage a few drops into your feet as well. This is a great natural sleep aid.

Peace and Calming on the feet is a great choice as well, especially for children. Also, consider having some Sleep Essence on hand. Sleep Essence (gel caps) is a natural sleep aid that contains four therapeutic grade essential oils: Lavender, Valerian, Vetiver, Mandarin, and Rue. Each of these oils are known for promoting a restful night’s sleep.  Sleep Essence also contains melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone known to promote sleep.

Another great sleep promoting blend is Rutavala (contains Lavender, Valerian, and Ruta). It also comes in a handy roll on, which is great for travel!

Sleep is not overrated; it is required for the maintenance of our bodies and minds. We can do so much more when we have sufficient rest.

As I’ve said many times, God has given us the gift of essential oils for our use. He is a good God who cares for His people. So, give Him thanks as you use the good gifts that He has given you!

By the way, if you are interested in these powerful oils, consider becoming a wholesale customer, so you can get the best value possible! CLICK HERE to find out how!

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health or medical needs you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.

The essential oils referenced in this article are therapeutic grade and labeled as supplements. Please do not use cheaper brands of essential oils internally, as some are toxic.