If you can’t sleep at night, you’re not alone. Over 30% of adults report experiencing a lack of sleep, or insomnia, which can cause (or worsen) such unsavory symptoms as depression, anxiety, and irritability. Most people either suffer through sleepless nights or reach for sleeping pills or OTC medicine. But there’s a better method to put you on the fast track to slumber – a sleep massage. Sleep massage can help you get the rest you need on a regular basis – and there’s no need to resort to taking a slug of Nyquil.
What causes insomnia?
Some common causes for insomnia include:
- Stress
- Illness
- Pain (especially back pain and neck pain)
- Life changes
- Aging
Can a massage relieve insomnia?
Sleep is influenced by your hormones, especially melatonin. Melatonin causes sleepiness and relaxation. Serotonin, the “feel good” hormone, is necessary to the body’s production of melatonin. Massage has been proven to raise levels of serotonin and reduce muscle stress – thus helping you get to sleep.
Massage also relieves pain that can keep you awake at night – massage for back pain and neck pain is especially helpful.
How is sleep massage different?
All massage helps with sleep to some extent, but our sleep massage, the Thrive Massage by Zeel (inspired by Arianna Huffington’s book The Sleep Revolution), is specially designed to promote deep and restorative sleep. The massage includes a combination of gentle pressure, rocking, scalp massage, hand massage, and foot reflexology massage, along with the optional application of lavender oil.
Does lavender oil help insomnia?
Lavender oil, when coupled with massages or even on its own, is a proven insomnia remedy. Studies have shown that a lavender aroma helps relax muscles and promotes deep sleep. Plus, it smells great too. (If you’re looking for more specifics on other essential oils that can help you fall sleep, read further here.)
