Had a bad night?
Have you ever experienced that the full moon is influencing your sleep? For some of you it might be something you are not aware of at this moment, but it could explain why you have a bad night once a month without any other explanation.
What I remember from my days working as a lawyer is that everyone (including myself) came in on the same day complaining about a bad night’s sleep. The moment I found out that it had something to do with the full moon I kept an eye on it. After a few months I got my facts straight: not only I but also others are affected by the moon.
Not just because the full moon affects our biological rhythm by lighting up the nights, but also because we as humans (with bodies full of fluids) are affected by the gravitational attraction of the moon which is the same power behind the ocean tides.
With our bodies full of fluids the full moon's gravitational pull will influence us humans
Reason enough for me to write this article with some Ayurvedic tips you can follow to promote a sound sleep even when the moon is playing with you.
Here is a list with some advices. See what works for you:
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Drink a cup of strong soothing valerian tea during the evening. There are also some brands that make special blends for a sound sleep. Most of them contain valerian root and are really good. Find your own favorite one.
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Give yourself 10 minutes before going to bed to rest in the most calming posture there is: Legs up the Wall. How does it work? You just place a soft blanket on the floor close to the wall. Now come and lay down with your back and head on the blanket. Bring your legs up against the wall and wiggle with your sit bones as much as possible towards the wall. From here extend your legs and let them rest against the wall. Now close your eyes and enjoy the relaxation as you are tapping into the rest and digest mode of your nervous system.
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Avoid exciting movies or series on Netflix as this unconsciously makes your mind restless which is the opposite of what we need when we want to fall asleep.
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Do not stay awake too long, but go to bed in time. According to Ayurveda going to bed by 10 p.m. is the best. Because when we stay up after 10 p.m. your mind might go into “doing-mode” which may cause difficulties for you to fall asleep.
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Nurture yourself with a warm cup of spiced milk before going to bed. For this you just put a pan on the stove and pour some full cow’s milk (or almond milk if you do not do cow’s) in the pan. Warm it up and add some calming spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron while stirring. Pour yourself a cup and drink when warm.
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Oil your feet with warm sesame oil – which is nourishing, thick, heavy and warm in quality – and put on your socks. You can either do this 20 minutes before going to bed or you can keep your socks on while sleeping.
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Eat nourishing and grounding moon foods like basmati rice, pumpkin, ghee, eggs and coconut milk for diner.
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Take ½ tsp. Ashwagandha (3x a day) with either some lukewarm water or warm almond milk. Ashwagandha is considered one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurveda and is prescribed as a nerve tonic and natural medicine to help your body adapting to stress. My own experience with this herb is that it instantly quiets my mind and makes my body heavy. Exactly what I need when the full moon’s energy is keeping me awake.
Also in the mood for a nice snack that grounds you down? Try these heavy nurturing date balls.