LAVENDER & HOPS PILLOW FOR BETTER SLEEP

LAVENDER AND HOPS SLEEP PILLOW

Sleeplessness - difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep - can affect us all from time to time! Sometimes my head hits the pillow and I've still got thoughts spiralling through my head.  This year I've really been trying to get my 8 hours as I find I perform so much better and have so much more energy after a good rest.  Here's a few things I've learnt about getting good sleep: 

• Darkness signals the body to start producing melatonin, the sleep hormone. Our ancestors didn't have lights and devices blaring inside their houses right up until midnight. So keeping the lights very dim once the sun has gone down is a great way to prep your body into sleep mode. I love to light a few candles after dark and turn off the main lights. I naturally start winding down and am ready to hit the hay at about 9.30pm.
• Keep computers and devices out of the bedroom

• Having a small dinner before 7pm is a good idea, so that you don't go to bed with a full and digesting stomach
• If you are an active thinker, meditation is an incredible tool to calm your mind before bed. Or, rug up and head outside to star gaze - it does wonders for a busy or anxious mind. 
• This turmeric tea recipe is lovely just before bed

In my reading I've also come across an amazing herbal remedy which I had to try out. It turns out hops flowers contain bitter acids and volatile oils which work together to calm the nerves and promote relaxation. Lavender has long been known for its calming effect and honestly, it smells delicious (hops not so much) so it's nice to have a balance of the two! I've definitely noticed a difference having this pillow in my bed - I wake up after a full uninterrupted nights sleep feeling fresh and energised. Plus, I've been remembering all my dreams! Here's the recipe:

1 pillow case (I used a zip laundry bag and placed it inside another bag)
4 handfuls dried hops flowers
6 handfuls dried lavender

To dry your own hops & lavender, tie in bunches and hang upside down out of direct sunlight for about 2 weeks. 
Place the hops and lavender inside your pillow case and seal. 

Place the pillow under or beside your head to induce sleep :)


Have you tried lavender and hops to improve your sleep? What did you think? Let me know if it works for you !