How I Overcame Chronically Elusive Sleep...
I was exhausted, tired & wired. It was another night of menopausal
insomnia.
I longed to be asleep by 10pm, get 8 hours of restoring sleep, and be up by 6am ready for the day.
Night after night of insomnia had rolled into 4 years. In a constant state of exhaustion, I was dragging, unmotivated and had brain fog. I feared not being able to live my purpose. I had an unspoken fear my body would manifest a significant illness from going so long without dropping into the healthy rest and digest state of sleep where it heals and repairs itself.
After 4 years of chronic insomnia, unable to fall a sleep at night, even when I was exhausted, I was desperate. I had tried the quite bed time routine: soaking with Epsom salt and lavender essential oil, hot chamomile tea, no electronics 1-2 hours before bed, read and journal before bed, supplement with magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, and valerian root, to name a few. I no longer drink wine or other alcohol. I have my last meal 2+ hours before bed. I have used guided meditations for sleep and have a regular yoga practice. Some things did help, but without dependable results. In desperation I asked my health care provider for help and was prescribed muscle relaxers, but found no relief.
On February 27, 2024 in the throws of another night of insomnia, somewhere around 1AM, I was journaling and wrote: “I'm sure there is a solution. One I'm to uncover, discover, or create, to help other women struggling with chronic insomnia after menopause.”
After journaling to find a solution, I researched essential oils for insomnia and discovered I already had many of the oils listed. With nothing to loose, I gave them a try that night. With a dab of castor oil, I mixed equal amounts of Lavender, Valor, Peace, Lighten, Vetiver and Frankincense oils and applied them to the soles of my feet, toes and on the back of my neck. I put on a pair of socks and spent 20 minutes reading before feeling sleepy.
That night, and the next 12 nights straight I enjoyed 7-8 hours of peaceful and restorative sleep, including 8.5 hours the night of Daylight Saving and Spring Forward! Wow!
I am grateful to feel rested, have clear thoughts, more energy, and be able to move forward with my life purpose.
So how did I do this?
1. Journaling, I knew there had to be a natural solution.
My mental awareness sharpened and I knew the answer was right under my nose. I just didn't realize what it was yet.
2. I looked into natural solutions.
I discovered a list of essential oils known to help with insomnia and where to place them on my feet and body.
3. Deep, peaceful sleep.
Night after night, sleep comes readily and deeply. I wake up rested and energized.
If you are struggling with chronic insomnia after menopause, my Thriving After Menopause program can help you find the right natural solutions.
Contact me with “Me” in the subject line and I will be in touch.
