Sleep has long been accepted as one of the most important steps toward supporting health. The first thing I usually do when I feel like I might be coming down with something is to take a long Epsom Salt bath and then sleep as much as I can (or as much as a mother of five can!).

Lately I’ve felt that the majority of my slight colds or feeling “off” is due more to lack of sleep than anything else.

Studies have shown that lack of sleep or disrupted circadian rhythms can impact the amount of fatty acid in the liver, which then impact health. Symptoms of high fatty acid can be headaches, allergy or sinus problems, sluggishness and fatigue, weight gain, nausea, food allergies, depression, and anxiety.

I am a classic example of the effects of shift work; working overnight changed my body, and then I had children which further messed up my sleep schedule. I’ve had to work to retrain my body to cooperate with a circadian rhythm that wants to be asleep at night.

I have noticed the benefits of sleep on my own health: fewer colds, the ability to lose weight and keep it off, more energy and less depression. It’s amazing how simply encouraging healthy sleep patterns can help your overall health.

Here are a few tools I’ve utilized to rebuild optimal sleep patterns and get my body (and health!) back on track.

1. Epsom Salt baths. At least twice a week, I take a long evening soak in a warm salty bath. I add a tablespoon or two of carrier oil (such as Jojoba) to the salt, and then drip in either Lavender, Cedarwood, Catnip, Chamomile, Bergamot, or Marjoram and mix it all up before adding the salt blend to my bath.

2. Magnesium. I’ll either supplement orally or use Magnesium Oil externally before bed to help calm and relax.

3. Catch-a-Dream Herbal Tea. Mmm… there are few more delicious ways for me to drift to sleep than after sipping a nice honey-sweetened cup of herbal tea.

4. Dreamland Awaits Essential Oil Blend. Apply this ready-to-use rollerball to your feet, spine, back of the neck and shoulders to help support restful sleep. The oils are specifically chosen to work together well to help encourage you to both fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Diffuse your Favorite Sleep-Encouraging Oils. Lavender, Cedarwood, Catnip, Chamomile, Bergamot, or Marjoram are all known to promote relaxation and support sleep. Diffusing these in the evening can help the body find calm and wind down in time to get started on your eight hours.

Who do you know who could benefit from a better night’s sleep? Share this information with them!

What are your favorite ways to get a good night’s sleep, naturally? We’d love to know your tips, so please share your ideas in the comments below or on our Facebook page.