Here’s how a lack of sleep will affect your weight loss efforts:

1.- More cravings
Physical and emotional stress is directly associated with higher levels of cortisol (also called the ’stress hormone’) in the blood. This hormone interferes with the satiety center in the brain and makes you feel hungry even after you’ve had a meal. So the next time you reach out for some comfort food, you know what to blame.

2.- Slow metabolism
Fewer hours of deep sleep can also result in lower levels of the growth hormone – the one that develops muscle mass and metabolizes fatty tissue. It doesn’t take a nuclear scientist to figure out where that will take you. Also, a tired body is ill-equipped to metabolize carbohydrates and tends to store them as fats. Slow metabolism increases blood sugar which may lead to insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.

3.- Low energy levels
Lack of sleep can restrict your performance and productivity in all areas of life. A fatigued body responds dully to fitness plans and makes you less alert, focused and sharp. Doesn’t that give you enough reasons to grab some zzzz ?

Here are some of my favorite essential oils with natural sedative properties:

If you have been dealing with a sleep disorder or just plain old stress, here are some aromatherapy solutions that can help you get some sweet slumber.  For best results use a combination of 2 or more of the above mentioned oils:

1)      Put a drop or 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and tuck it under your pillow case.
2)      Add 10 drops of essential oils  to a ¼ cup of Epsom salts and mix it in your bath water. Think relaxing thoughts and feel all your worries just melt away.
3)      Mix 1 oz of Carrier Oil with a total  15 drops of sedative essential oils. Take  ¼ teaspoon of this body oil blend and massage onto your solar plexus area, the area where all your worries and negative feelings reside. As you massage that area, you will free yourself from all stress and negative emotions.

Good night and sleep tight!

Aromandina recommends: Sereno Sleep Time products, a perfect combination of sedative oils: Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Petitgrain, Sandalwood and Palo Santo.

© AROMANDINA – All rights reserved
This information on this blog is based on traditional use of aromatherapy and it does not intend to diagnose or treat any condition. This information should not be used as a substitute for medical counseling with a health care professional. No part of this blog may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit written permission of Aromandina.