Some say that gleams of a remoter world
Visit the soul in sleep – that death is slumber,
And that its shapes the busy thoughts outnumber
Of those who wake and live.
Mont Blanc ( 1816)
It is said that in sleep, the body leaves momentarily to commune with a more remote world, and the soul is fed during this passage. You return from sleep replenished or reborn, ready to meet the challenges of the new day. During sleep, you are a cosmic traveler, but if you don’t get enough sleep, you may not reach your destinations. Hurrying back to the waking world, you may arise tired and unprepared for the challenges ahead. From an anthroposophic standpoint, it is at night that you review your day’s activities and karmic meetings. It is this process that helps revitalize your life forces.
From a holistic standpoint, sleep is regarded as necessary to health as food and water.
Yet in America, over 70 million people suffer from one or more sleeping disorders, the most common being insomnia. Experts tell us we need at least 8 hours of sleep a night, but only 39% of adults sleep that much. The average American sleeps 6 hours and 58 minutes during the workweek.
Everything that can grow in the body does so at night – your hair, your skin and your bones . The interruption of sleep compromises these restorative processes.
There is no substitute for sleep.
When you don’t get the sleep you need, your body builds up a sleep-debt. The only way to repay this debt is with sleep. Maintaining good sleep habits, such as a regular sleep schedule and avoiding the use of stimulants or depressants before bedtime, has been known to improve the quality of sleep.
Paying attention to your circadian rhythms is also important. Light and dark cycles set these rhythms.
Before the advent of electricity, the majority of the world’s population went to bed when the sun went down and awakened at dawn. There was a rhythmic quality to their sleep patterns, and the sun directed it. Today we live in a world where there is light available at any time during the day or night.
However, you can find a rhythm that works for you and your sleep if you recognize and accept the subtle and not-so- subtle changes that occur in nature, such as during the changing seasons. Pay attention to the routines of your daily life and notice how they affect your rhythms and become sensitive to the physical rhythms of your body.
There are many theories, practices and products that have demonstrated success in helping people with their sleep.
Here are some Dr. Hauschka products that can help:
Stress is probably the number one cause for insomnia. Dr. Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence calms nervous tension. To help overcome restlessness, place a bowl of warm water with a few drops of this essence next to your bed.
If stress from work is the issue, apply Moor Lavender Calming Body Oil by Dr. Hauschka. Used in the morning, this oil offers protection and a sense of well-being against negative energy or stress.
For intellectual strain, immerse your feet in a bath of Sage Purifying Bath Essence from Dr. Hauschka. Tension is drawn away from your head and you relax into deeper breathing.
Being anxious about the prospect of not getting enough sleep can exacerbate and create exhaustion and sleeplessness. Rose Nurturing Body Oil from Dr. Hauschka has a calming quality and is especially soothing during these problem periods.
In the event that you do not get a good night’s sleep, perhaps I can help bring more harmony to your life. See for yourself by booking a nurturing Dr. Hauschka treatment today. Let me help you unwind and relax.
Sweet dreams to you my friend.
