Holiday Gift Ideas for the Sleep-Deprived

Dec 10, 2018
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Fact: everyone benefits from a good night sleep! If you’re holiday shopping for a night owl or someone whose sleep is disrupted by shift work, insomnia, jet lag, or children, you’re guaranteed to find some gift ideas here. The gift of better sleep is priceless because even just minimal sleep loss takes a toll on your mood, energy, hunger hormones, and ability to handle stress. A combination of any two or more gifts would make a great gift basket, which I personally love receiving!

To Promote Sleep

Sweet Dreams Melatonin Products: For the traveler experiencing jet lag or the loved one who just changed work shifts, melatonin is such a simple remedy for sleep deprivation! Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body that helps control sleep and wake cycles. It helps reset our internal clock, and may promote sleepiness, lessen the time it takes to fall asleep, and lengthen sleep duration. This product comes in liquid or capsule form.

Dr. Mercola Sleep Mask with Lavender: This 100% cotton mask combines the benefits of light elimination with the aromatherapy of lavender and chamomile. Wearing a sleep mask at night blocks light from clocks, electronics, and outside lights, helping the body get the uninterrupted, rejuvenating rest it needs. The scent of lavender promotes a sounder, more restful sleep.

Hyland's Kali Phos #6: This natural, homeopathic remedy works for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness or restless sleep associated with nervousness, worries, or exhaustion. Unlike other sleep aids, cell salts are non-habit forming without any grogginess. It would make a great stocking stuffer for adults and children ages 12 and up.

Hyland’s Calms Forte 4 Adults: This homeopathic sleep remedy is used for the temporary relief of simple nervous tension and sleeplessness. Homeopathy is great because it’s natural, non-habit forming, and you won’t wake up with a foggy, groggy feeling in the morning.

Dragon Herbs Lights Out: An effective and safe herbal formula intended for occasional sleeplessness. The combination of herbs help calm emotions like worry and fear, and melts away all your tension.

To Promote Relaxation and Comfort

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion with Melatonin: This is no ordinary lotion. Topical application of magnesium allows the mineral to be absorbed through the skin and quickly transported to cells in the body. Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps to relax muscles and nerves, and aids in the production and regulation of sleep inducing hormones. Follow a relaxing bath with an application of this lotion and you’re certain to head off into a deep, restorative night of slumber.

Buddha Teas Lavender Tea: Spend your evening relaxing with one of the most well-known herbal teas. Made from dried flowers, lavender tea is a fragrant and smooth herbal tea that's relaxing both by it's floral fragrance and warm, pleasant flavor.

Pacific Herbs Relax Herb Pack: This herbal concoction has been used for over 500 years continuously to help manage normal stress and promote a calming effect. Simple add 1/2 teaspoon to hot water and sip.

To Rejuvenate After an Exhausting Day

Chi’s Enterprise Bath Detox: Eastern alternative medicine meets western science. This all-herbal, salt-free rejuvenating detox extracts waste and toxins through the skin, and all you do is relax in the tub for 20-30 minutes! Sounds like a cool gift to me!

Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes: If your loved one likes taking a bath, adding magnesium bath flakes will take the bathing experience to another level! Not only does it restore levels of this important mineral, magnesium promotes better relaxation and stress management.

So many relaxation and sleep-promoting options -- these gifts are sure to bring rest, relaxation, and restoration to anyone on your holiday list.

Happy Holidays!

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods