| Did you realize that women are twice as likely as | | | | wake them up or make it difficult to fall asleep. |
| men to have sleep disorders? Women are known to | | | | The most common sleep complaint that women |
| have frequent sleep problems during their | | | | report is insomnia. Women have many reasons for |
| reproductive years. | | | | having insomnia (sleeplessness) including physical pain, |
| There are numerous factors which can influence a | | | | anxiety or worry, medical conditions that disrupt their |
| woman's ability to have normal sleep patterns. These | | | | sleep, and breathing disorders. |
| can include hormone levels, stress levels, lifestyle, | | | | Statistics also show that sleep apnea increases in |
| sleep environment and menstrual and pregnancy | | | | women who are over the age of 50. As women age |
| related issues. It's quite common for women to | | | | they are far more likely to have restless legs |
| experience premenstrual sleep disturbances during | | | | syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder or even |
| which they have difficulty falling asleep, may awake | | | | narcolepsy. |
| during the night, or have difficulty waking up. They | | | | There are some natural ways to combat insomnia |
| may experience daytime sleepiness or suffer from | | | | such as herbal teas, herbal baths and aromatherapy. |
| insomnia, which is sleeplessness, and is one of the | | | | Here are a few you can try to help you get a good |
| more common symptoms associated with | | | | night's sleep: |
| premenstrual syndrome (PMS). | | | | Sleep Easy Bath |
| Many women acquire unhealthy sleep patterns due to | | | | * 2 drops Ylang-Ylang essential oil |
| the demanding roles they face as mothers, wives | | | | * 3 drops Lavender essential oil |
| and career women. Women tend to choose to ignore | | | | Add to tub full of warm water and mix well. |
| fatigue and work long hours, both of which cut into | | | | This is a soothing, relaxing blend that helps ease |
| their sleep time. On top if these, women also | | | | away a day's stresses and strains. |
| frequently have their sleep interrupted by their | | | | Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend |
| responsibilities as mom. | | | | Ingredients: |
| Women older than 40 years of age report more | | | | 10 drops Roman Chamomile |
| sleep disturbances than do women in their 20s or | | | | 5 drops Clary Sage |
| 30s. Lack of sleep in perimenopausal women can | | | | 5 drops Bergamot |
| contribute to decreased job performance, decreased | | | | Directions: |
| ability to concentrate, a decline in social interaction | | | | Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. |
| and a lack of general well-being. | | | | Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place inside your pillow |
| Pregnancy can also be a major factor in sleep | | | | to aid you in falling asleep. |
| disturbance. The sheer demands of pregnancy on the | | | | If you prefer to make a Diffuser blend that you |
| body can make a woman feel sleepy during the day | | | | enjoy during the hour before bedtime, make a blend |
| and yet inhibit sleep at night - especially in the first | | | | with a ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop |
| trimester. The pregnant woman may receive better | | | | Clary Sage to 1 drop Bergamot and add to your |
| sleep in the second trimester, only to face sleep | | | | Diffuser. |
| issues again in the third trimester due to the size of | | | | Lavender can also help provide relaxation and |
| her abdomen and the aches and pains of pregnancy. | | | | drowsiness, but using more than 1-2 drops can have |
| Lack of sleep, or poor quality of sleep during | | | | the opposite effect. |
| pregnancy are often attributed to frequent urination, | | | | Sleepless Night Tea |
| heartburn, discomfort from bodily changes, fetal | | | | * 1 part Chamomile flowers |
| movement, low back pain, leg cramps, vivid | | | | * 1 part Catnip herb |
| nightmares, sleep apnea and snoring which can occur | | | | * 1 part Lemon Balm herb |
| or worsen during pregnancy. | | | | * 1 part Passion Flower |
| As women age other sleep disturbances tend plague | | | | Use a heaping teaspoon and steep 10 minutes in |
| them due to menopause. The causes of sleep | | | | boiling water. Sweeten with honey or molasses to |
| problems during this time of a woman's life can often | | | | taste. |
| be blamed on hot flashes and night sweats which | | | | |