C R Y S T A L S
FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP
Sleep plays SUCH an important part in all our lives, and it is key to good mental, physical and spiritual health. However, with the recent pandemic and other significant events occurring around the world, it is all too easy to begin to feel bogged down and overloaded… not exactly a recipe for a wonderful night’s sleep!
And it’s not just these things that can impact your sleep. Whether you’re experiencing a big life change such as a new or increasingly busy job or moving house, or if you’re just feeling stressed out, sleep is often one of the first things to deteriorate, which of course only adds to the struggle!
This is why more people than ever are turning to crystals to help aid and improve their sleep and general wellbeing: although crystals have actually been used for this very purpose for many thousands of years, there has definitely been a surge in the number of people realising the wonderful benefits of these gorgeous stones!
Whether you’ve used crystals before or are just beginning to venture into the wonderful world of crystals, there are SO many ways you can use your beautiful stones to settle and calm, setting you up for a better night’s sleep, with some crystals being particularly wonderful sleep tools. From simply holding your favourite gem in the palm of your hand just before bed to meditating and practicing yoga while holding the stone,
So, here we go…these are Team Alyssa’s very favourite, tried and tested crystals for aiding and supporting sleep!
TEAM ALYSSA’S TOP PICKS: CRYSTALS FOR SLEEP!
Amethyst
A popular gemstone with soothing, calming properties, Amethyst is often referred to as a ‘dream stone’. With a high vibrational energy and a strong connection to the subconscious mind, there’s really no wonder this one’s right at the top of our list!
A natural stone of protection, Amethyst is also thought to be a wonderful tool for protecting those who posses it from nightmares. The relaxing properties of this stunning purple stone help create the perfect, calming environment to get you ready for sleep.
Whether you wear a piece of Amethyst on a pendant, bracelet or ring throughout the day or pop a tumble stone on your bedside table, it is a wonderful stone for your sleep toolkit!
SMOKEY QUARTZ
A wonderful stone for grounding after a busy or stressful day, this unusual little stone is also used to protect against nightmares and reduce the severity of headaches caused by stress. Many people wear Smokey Quartz or place a small piece under their mattresses to reduce back pain and stiffness, which can result from high levels of stress and tension!
Wearing Smokey Quartz throughout the day is a wonderful way to keep yourself calm and level-headed all throughout your day…as we all know, prevention is always better than cure, so it’s important we maintain our peace all day long wherever possible, not JUST before bed!
LABRADORITE
If you’re looking for a stone that clears worries and fears that can lead to broken or disrupted sleep, look no further than Labradorite! Labradorite is incredibly helpful for reaching a state of deep sleep and relaxation, supporting your sleep pattern throughout the night and reducing how frequently you wake in the night and early morning.
The stunning colours and hues of these stone make it an incredible wearable gem or gorgeous decoration in the home, too!
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz calms busy, anxious feelings and emotions that can get in the way of a good night’s sleep, as well as reducing tension and stress by increasing feelings of happiness and positivity. Perfect for a much-needed self-esteem and self-worth boost! Rose Quartz is an easy stone to get your hands on, so you should be able to find a piece no matter where you are, and it is a wonderful stone for individuals with insomnia.
For anyone who has grieved before or may be grieving currently, you will likely know just how much your sleep can be disturbed, or hardly exist at all for a while. When going through incredibly difficult or traumatic experiences, as the stone of love, Rose Quartz is a wonderful stone to keep next to your bed while you sleep, especially if you have difficulty drifting off.
At time of stress, upset and anxiety, I always sleep with a Rose Quartz heart in mind hand. Knowing it is there brings me great comfort and I can almost feel the magic working as my heartbeat starts to slow. I have always found there is something really magical about a Rose Quartz and if there was one stone I simply wouldn’t be without, it’s one of these. They have helped me through so many years of my life and I hope they can bring comfort to others too.
Other handy little ‘sleep aids', as favoured by us!
Although crystals can have a brilliant positive impact on the length and quality of your sleep, crystals alone shouldn’t always be relied upon, so it can be hugely beneficial to also adjust your bedtime routine alongside using crystals if you’d like to see the most dramatic improvement. Here are some top tips for improving your bedtime routine!
Lose the Blue Light
Yes, this does mean losing the screens for a while! More information is coming out all the time about the real effects of our devices on our sleep and cutting back on how much time you’re scrolling in the evenings can have a drastically positive impact. Social media can really become an addiction, so even just setting small targets in the beginning, such as no screens 30 minutes before bed, can get you well on your way to blue light freedom!
Switch Off From Work at a Decent Time
We know just how tricky this one can be, especially if you’re self-employed or running your own business, but it is SO important! It’s all too easy to get into the habit of saying “I’ll just check one more email!”, but that one email can quickly turn into hours and hours of extra work into the evening (or even morning!).
Do More Things You Love!
We know this is easier said than done for all the busy bees out there, but we find that we have a much better night’s sleep after a day (or even a couple of hours) of doing something we’re passionate about. Whether it’s art like Team Alyssa’s Sonia or horse riding like Team Alyssa’s Troye, a day at the weekend fully immersing yourself in your favourite things can help you clear your head and feel a lot more peaceful!
Make Time to Get Outside
As we move closer and closer to the glorious spring and summer months, this one is only going to get easier and easier for all of us! There is so much evidence pointing to how important it is to get outside and get some fresh air each day: it improves fitness, supports anyone experiencing stress and depression and helps you to see the world around you in a very different way. If you have a furry friend or two, this tip will be a piece of cake, but if not, consider taking time for a walk or even just spending a little more time in your garden!
Make Your Bedroom Somewhere You Want to Be
Whether you have a busy (or dare we say it…messy!) bedroom or find yourself taking work into your sleep space more often than you would like, it may be time for a change! Ensuring that your bed remains a place for sleep and not work, and that your room is kept uncluttered and organised, will mean you can just jump straight into bed at the end of the day without your mind racing off about all the things you need to tidy!
“I always use a lovely lavender pillow spray before I get into bed, plus a bag of dried lavender next to my bed to help me unwind and calm my mind after a busy day. I even take these things on holiday with me as I find them really comforting when I am in a strange place.“ – Alyssa
Although many people find that crystals benefit their routines, PLEASE remember that crystals are a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, and if difficulties with sleep are affecting your quality of life, please do seek support from a medical professional.
We hope you have enjoyed reading our tips and tricks for better sleep and how crystals can have a positive impact on your sleeping experience! We adore hearing from our lovely sparkly community and would just LOVE to know what your favourite crystals, tips and tricks are for unwinding before sleep.
In the meantime, we hope you all enjoy some amazing night’s sleep…and now time to switch off those screens!