We invite you to dive into the complex world of sleep, where the much-desired rest is sometimes difficult to achieve.
Sleep is a crucial part of our overall well-being, but for much of the world's population, getting to sleep can be anything but restful. During the day, professional life, full of stress and agitation, plunges us into an incessant whirlwind that disrupts our natural sleep rhythm. Our evenings are often swallowed up by omnipresent electronic screens, emitting hypnotic blue light that tricks our brains, inhibiting the production of melatonin (the sleep hormone). As for the night itself, in this urban jungle the sirens, horns and roaring motorcycles have difficulty completely stopping disturbing our peace. Yes, the quest for sleep can become a challenge.
Added to all this are a good handful of other factors such as uncomfortable bedding, an unsuitable room temperature, an inappropriate room color, of course our hormonal fluctuations, or even the disruptive effects of the lunar phases on our cycles. sleep. Faced with this array of disturbing factors, the simple task of falling asleep becomes a mountain to climb every early night, leaving many of us struggling in the darkness of the bedroom.
First of all, it is important to create an environment conducive to sleep, in order to calm the mind and prepare the body for rest. The space around us plays an essential role in the quality of our sleep. Some people unfortunately don't have this luxury, but ideally it's a specific room: the bedroom! Its size doesn't matter, its layout does. A well-appointed bedroom, cleared and uncluttered of anything that can distract or disrupt, can become a haven of peace where sleep naturally envelops us. Things like temperature (neither too high nor too low), good darkness, soft colors, bed position, mattress and pillow choice all influence our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout. of the night. According to Feng Shui, the bed must have a headboard firmly positioned against a wall, ideally be oriented to the north or east, as far as possible from the door (if possible at an angle to it) , nothing should be stored under the bed and sharp objects and corners of furniture should not be pointed towards it. Obviously, no television in the bedroom.
However, even in an ideal environment, our minds can still be agitated by the challenges of the previous day and the worries of the next day. This is where relaxing before bed comes in. Activities such as some abdominal breathing exercises, meditation, gentle yoga, or reading a book can help calm swirling thoughts, change your state of mind and thus dissipate the stress accumulated over time. daytime. Taking melatonin has quite remarkable effectiveness, it can be taken as food supplements in the form of gummies for example, the Humasana site has a wide choice. Although we recommend only resorting to it if other methods fail. But in truth, everything is good to avoid resorting to the ultimate “sledgehammer” solution: the absorption of sleeping pills, addictive chemicals, extremely disruptive for our brain and pollutants for our entire body!
Among all these natural practices that aim to relax, there is one that we would like to focus on, because it is too often neglected, and yet remarkably effective: the use of calming medicinal plants. Their presentation in the form of capsules or ampoules can certainly prove very effective, but are swallowed “quickly”. Far from all our recommendations which aim to change the pace. In herbal tea form, it's very different. We prepare it, we taste it, we take time for ourselves.
There is a timeless magic with herbal teas (or infusions, it makes it more modern). The tradition of consuming it transcends borders and eras. Throughout the world, since time immemorial, infusions have been used by all peoples for their relaxing properties and their ability to promote restful sleep. From ancient civilizations to nomadic tribes, from peaceful monasteries to family homes, herbal teas have found their place in the daily lives of millions of people throughout the ages.
Among a wide range of sedative plants, some stand out for their reputation. Their benefits on sleep are so proven that their use is passed down from generation to generation. Having demonstrated centuries-old use in our regions, let us cite in bulk: valerian, passionflower, hawthorn, hops, chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and escholtzia.
Beyond these well-known examples, many other plants are used throughout the world for their beneficial effects on sleep. It is absolutely worth looking into it, because each of us reacts more or less intensely to each plant and therefore must find the one that suits us best.
Thus, in Ayurvedic medicine (originally from India), ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Just like shankhpushpi, gotu kola or brahmi are known for their calming effects on the nervous system. In South American cultures, passionflower is often used for its calming effects on the nervous system, while kava kava, native to the Pacific Islands, is renowned for its relaxing and anxiolytic potential. Among the Yukaghirs (people of northeastern Siberia), St. John's wort and marjoram are good friends to combat the lack of sun in winter, which is both depressing and stressful. As for the Turks (indigenous people of the Altai Mountains ), they use the roots of rhodiola rosea and maral (both adaptogenic plants) to fight against stress and regulate their mood in the face of difficult living conditions.
Whatever their origin, infusions embody a deep connection between humanity and the plant kingdom, an invitation to slow down, relax and reconnect with nature. In each sip, we find a moment of calm, a benevolent break in the tumult of life, capable of preparing us for sleep. And while we savor these infusions, we also honor ancient traditions, the knowledge passed down from generation to generation, a sort of celebration of plants and their benefits on our body!
When it comes to daytime consumption, infusions can also be a valuable tool for dealing with stress and anxiety. The same herbs that promote sleep can also be beneficial when consumed throughout the day, to help relieve stress and promote relaxation. For example, a cup of herbal tea made from fermented willow herb (commonly known as “ Ivan Chai ”) and lavender can be an effective way to take a break and relax during a busy day.
To get the most out of your infusions, here are some useful tips:
- Choose a high quality, natural infusion, without added aromas, to guarantee optimal soothing properties and authentic tastes.
- Avoid drinks containing theine or caffeine, or other stimulants, in the evening, as they can disrupt your sleep.
- Try to drink your infusion about an hour before going to bed, to allow its effects to be felt.
- Create a relaxing ritual around your herbal tea by taking the time to steep it for a long time, then sit comfortably, savor each sip and leave your worries of the day behind you, chatting quietly, or reading a book.
In conclusion, herbal teas offer a natural and calming route to restful sleep and may have beneficial effects on overall health. Their ability to promote relaxation and relieve stress make them a valuable ally in improving the quality of sleep and promoting emotional well-being.