There is a science to getting a good night sleep, that has very little to do with how good you are at envisioning the sheep you're supposed to be counting.
It's about a good bedtime routine, and the right environment. We're not subject matter experts in the former, but we have spent a lot of time understanding the way your senses are aroused and relaxed in different environments.
And we know that when it comes to sleeping no senses are more important than touch, and smell.
Here's how to make sure you're getting the setting right for maximum zzz's.
Touch: Check Your Bedding.
Your sheets and blankets are the first things that touch your body when you lie down every night, so it's worth investing in bedding that delivers nothing but comfort.
Like with clothing, organic fibres are kinder and softer to both your skin and the environment; in both their production, and over a lifetime of washing. The payoff for investing in great bedding? You're not distracted by scratchy synthetic fibres, artificial dyes (or scents) coming between you and your dreams.
Try: Sheet Society’s GOTS Certified organic cotton and naturally-dyed Botanicals range.
You can use the code DIRT20 to get $20 off any orders over $200.
Smell: Get the Right Essential Oils.
Much of our new product development focuses on the scent of our products, and over five years of making new laundry products, we’ve learned so much about scents highly influential role in our lives.
Did you know? Scent travels directly to the brain from your nose and impacts the amygdala (brain's emotional centre). For anyone with a ‘busy’ mind that seems to switch into overdrive when the lights go out, there’s no better way to directly influence and change your mind’s mood than by using scent.
So equally important to consider is the laundry detergent you use (and the lingering scent it may leave.) Opting for an intentionally low-scented laundry product will let you rest instead of flooding your senses with strong (and sometimes stimulating) smells.
Try: Original Laundry Detergent
There are six essential oils in our Original Laundry Detergent that do a double-duty of beautifully scenting our detergent (without being overwhelming), as well as being essential oils that are beneficial to a sweet slumber.
So if you’re looking to bolster your sleep hygiene, add an essential oil diffuser in your bedroom, or a few drops of these essential oils onto your bedding, or body (where safe). It can be a game-changer in any sleep routine:
Try one, or a blend of our original laundry detergent scents that support sleep:
One: Eucalyptus
The sharp scent of eucalyptus, when inhaled can open up congested airways, which can be especially helpful for anyone with a cold or sleep apnoea.
Two: Lavender
Is a relaxation powerhouse - anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and sedating all in one.
Three: Sweet Orange
A double agent, sweet orange hold both uplifting and calming properties. Balancing in its nature, it can help relieve tension in both the mind and body, helping to relieve stress and improve your quality of sleep.
Four: Geranium
It’s sweet and floral rose-like fragrance has a gently relaxing effect on mood and a calming effect on the body.
Five: Patchouli
Contains sedative compounds to physically relax the body, to assist in a deeper sleep.
Six: Cedarwood
Prompts the release of serotonin in the brain which converts to melatonin, the hormone that helps with the regulation of our circadian rhythm and is often taken as a sleep-supporting supplement.
Sweet dreams.