Not Sleeping Well? Go to the Spa!
Did you know that getting the right amount of sleep and getting good quality sleep is important for us to function properly? We’ve all experienced difficulty concentrating or irritability that comes after a night spent tossing and turning. Why is that?
When we sleep, our brains are actually busy doing things like processing events and emotions, problem-solving, and detoxing. Without a chance to reset, we often feel groggy and cranky. Even worse, chronic lack of sleep is linked to some serious issues, from depression and reduced immune function, to heart problems and even stroke.
So, we know that sleeping well is an important part of being well. Yet, getting a good night’s rest can be so elusive! Studies have shown that one in three people suffer from poor sleep, and that this number increased to half of us during the pandemic! What can we do to help us sleep better?
Spas and Sleep
That’s where spa comes into the picture! The benefits we get from visiting a spa also happen to support better sleep. Everything from the music and lighting, to the treatments and installations, encourage your mind and body to slow down and rest.
From the moment you enter a spa, your senses are receiving signals to relax. The soothing scents, sounds and lighting were carefully chosen to create the feeling of entering a sanctuary. Many spas request that you turn off your phone, which further helps us to disconnect from our daily stresses.
Treatments and installations further increase your body’s relaxation response and decrease stress response. Touch, from massage and other treatments or jets, and heat from steam or dry saunas and hot tubs, are the main elements that relieve tension and pain and allow space for rest and relaxation. These experiences, combined with the right environmental settings mentioned above, like aromatherapy and sound, work together to calm your mind, increase relaxation and promote restful sleep.
Spa Sleep Programming
Our hyper-connected lives, coupled with the collective trauma of the pandemic, means we need more sleep help than ever before. Spas have recognized this need and are doubling down on their role as sleep facilitators.
Although spas are already helpful for improving sleep, many spas are creating focused sleep programming using new and old techniques. You may notice ingredients like CBD and melatonin being used, either in drinks or treatments. Ever-improving technology is helping to track sleep and control the sleep environment. Other spas are tweaking traditional services to make them even more sleep-friendly. For example, by incorporating lavender or camomile essential oils, or by including guided breathing exercises, during a massage treatment.
Creating Your Own Sleep Sanctuary
At näkki, we’re all about accessible spa practices. We couldn’t end this post without giving you some simple, takeaway tips based on spa strategies to help you get more restful sleep at home:
- Taking a warm bath one or two hours before your bedtime can help prepare your body for sleep. Warm water soothes your muscles and joints and relaxes your mind. It also supports our body’s natural process of getting ready for sleep.
- The ancient practice of aromatherapy is also backed by science! Essential oils like lavender, ylang ylang, vanilla and jasmine can have a sedative effect or reduce stress, helping you get restful sleep. The scents can be used in a diffuser, as a pillow or room spray, or diluted in a carrier oil and applied to your hands, chest or neck.
- Meditation is an accessible way to improve sleep, especially for those of us that just can’t seem to “turn our brains off” after we’ve turned the lights off. Meditation encourages sleep by relaxing your body and mind. There are lots of books, videos, or apps (some are even free!) that can help you get started.
- There are plenty of interesting sleep products available these days. You may want to try out weighted blankets, new sheets or pillows, or even a new mattress, or blackout curtains.
Sleep health is a pillar of wellness, like exercise and nutrition. Poor sleep impacts us outside of the bedroom, leading to serious health issues. Even though so many of us suffer from poor sleep, we may not know what we can do to get better rest. Luckily, spas can be a great partner in your journey to getting more Zzzs.
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