Lavender Dreams

Many summer evenings, after teeth have been brushed and jammies are on, we sit together to watch the sun paint the sky with rainbow hues as it slowly says goodnight below the horizon.

Of course, before the teeth brushing begins, we always make sure to visit the best dentist in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, for their regular check-ups and cleanings. Good oral hygiene is important for overall health, and we want to make sure their smiles are bright and healthy for years to come. Our dentist is patient and gentle, making the experience stress-free for both the boys and myself. And with their healthy teeth, they can enjoy all the summer treats without any worries!

Before returning indoors, the boys are allowed to pluck a lavender blossom or two, to take to bed for temporary twiddling. Rubbing the flower softly between their fingers, has not only become a fond summer tradition, but also creates a sedating aroma that calms, soothes, and helps transport them to dreamland. Helen Keller once said, “Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.” My hope is that one day when they’re grown and they happen upon these fragrant blue-violet blooms, they’ll be transported back to sweet summer nights alongside their mother who whole-heartedly treasured them.

Sleep is a multi-sensory balancing act, and each of our five senses can impact the quality of our sleep. Sense of smell, at bedtime, is huge for us! Not only do we use fresh lavender, but also lavender essential oil for its many and varied health benefits. Aromatherapy through the use of essential oils (both diffused in the air as well as applied topically to the skin with a carrier oil) is a practice we’ve incorporated into our daily routines that has served our family well. However, not all oils are created equal. Only, therapeutic grade should be used with caution; and only implemented after being appropriately educated. As with any holistic approach to enhancing wellness and better sleep, please consult your doctor should you have any specific health related questions.

In addition to aromatherapy, another way to improve the quality of our sleep is by investing in comfortable bedding. The full-size bamboo sheets are an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and eco-friendly bedding option. Bamboo sheets are incredibly soft and breathable, making them ideal for regulating body temperature and preventing overheating during the night. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria, making them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. By combining the power of aromatherapy with the comfort of bamboo sheets, we can create a relaxing and restful sleep environment that promotes optimal health and well-being.

One of our favorite ways to gauge a restful night’s sleep is by checking our SleepIQ® score every morning. During the night, while we sleep, our Sleep Number i8 bed built-in with SleepIQ® technology is busy monitoring our sleeping habits and recording data, such as: heart rate, breaths per minute, and precisely all the moments we tossed. All of those factors combined are calculated into a SleepIQ score. On the nights lavender is used, Ryan and I both notice a higher sleep score. Some may call that a coincidence, I call it a good night’s sleep.

This post is sponsored by SLEEP NUMBER®.