Wright - A Bedside Guide to Complementary and Alternative Solutions for Better Sleep

When followed carefully and regularly, the advice and instructions in The Natural Sleeper can have a beneficial effect on sleep. Ideally progress slowly, implementing one change at a time and observe any results before safely proceeding to the next one. If you notice undesirable side effects, discomfort, pain, difficulties, or any adverse reactions, please stop immediately and consult with your professional health provider or doctor.

You are encouraged to first discuss any new treatment, therapy, or practice with your healthcare provider (medical doctor or primary care physician) before following the suggested advice, especially anything you ingest, such as foods, herbal remedies, supplements, or nutrients; anything you inhale, such as essential oils; any form of physical practice, such as exercise and movement; any form of psychological practice or therapy; or any electric or electronic devices, such as gadgets and artificial light. This is because, while unlikely, there is a possibility these may have a negative effect on your physical or mental health and have harmful or neutralizing interactions with other medicine you are taking.

Seek medical advice, especially if you have any existing health conditions and allergies, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are under the age of 18, or if you are already taking any medication, supplements, or herbal remedies. You should also seek medical help if your sleep issue has been going on for longer than a few months.

Following the advice and instructions from this book is the readers decision and responsibility. Its author and publisher are not liable for any errors or omissions. By reading and following instructions and advice in this book, the reader indemnifies the author from any results or consequences, even if negative or harmful. The Natural Sleeper is not a substitute for medical advice.

Welcome to The Natural Sleeper: A Bedside Guide to Complementary and Alternative Solutions for Better Sleep. This book starts with an easy-to-understand introduction to sleep, followed by a wide range of natural solutions, therapies, techniques, habits, and tips to help improve your sleep. Before I introduce myself, allow me to first give you some context and perspective on this essential human need.

Public awareness about the impact of sleep deprivation and insomnia is at an all-time high. Sleep medicine and psychological support for sleep are finally at the forefront of the physical and mental health debate. Is it because an increasing number of us experience difficulties falling or staying asleep? Is it because more medical studies are emerging showing a correlation between sleep deprivation and serious medical conditions? Is it because the media is now much more focused on sleep as an aspect of wellness?

In recent years, it seems as if sleep is finally being recognized as a supporting pillar for health, rather than being viewed as a time-consuming inconvenience. Sleep has been identified as a key factor in the prevention and cure of many mental and physical illnesses, and as a foundation for our happiness, balance, and natural functioning. Glorifying the need for only a short amount of sleep is no longer fashionable, nor a proof of being a superhuman.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis

Sleeping is meant to be as easy as breathing. We should not have to work hard at it because it is a natural built-in process. Our physiology as humans has not fundamentally been altered, so what has changed? Scientists and psychologists report a range of factors:

• An increasing amount of artificial lighting confusing our brains as to when it is time to be asleep or awake.
• Increasing stimulation levels in an always-on connected environment and an accelerating pace of change, with growing pressure and expectations.
• Fewer environmental threats (think saber-toothed tigers), but perhaps more complex problems to solve and more ongoing threatening psychological events generating stress and fear.
• Being on a journey of constant learning and adaptation due to the fast-paced technological advancements we have to keep up with. It is likely that we are processing more data and information today requiring more brain power and management.
• Our irregular and demanding lifestyles making it hard to honor routines over performance.

As a sleep educator and ambassador, I founded WeSleep with the mission to help people live better lives by improving their sleep naturally. My motto is: Sleep, and your dreams will come true. I work with sleep scientists and therapists to deliver learning sessions, experiential workshops, talks, webinars, and one-to-one consultations. Whether in a private setting or at the workplace, we preach sleep through education and practical exercises, taster sessions and demonstrations, actionable tips, and product recommendations.

I see myself as an enabler and a passionate messenger, connecting people who struggle with sleep with people who can help them. While academics and scientists share their knowledge often as observers, my point of view combines practical experience and experimentation as a former insomniac, who still goes through sleepless phases from time to time.

Sleep seems to be a much more complex process compared to losing weight or building strength and endurance. As a sleep practitioner, I want to take you on a journey of discovery, education, inspiration, and healing because I know too well about the negative impact of sleep deprivation, having battled with sleep issues myself. I have researched the subject for 8 years, surrounding myself with long-standing academic expertssomething I still do every day. I embarked on a journey filled with learning, extensive research, and therapeutic experimentation, which I would like to share in this book. Armed with theoretical knowledge, it was important to me to try, test, and experiment with a wide array of natural solutions, therapies, medicinal systems, and techniques to find better sleep.