Healthy Gift Ideas for the Sleep Deprived
- Dec 5, 2016
- 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 considering it can take over one’s life! 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: Good quality sleep is nothing to take for granted, and if you know an on-the-go person, or you are one yourself, you understand there isn’t time for an energy lull during the day.
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. With over 100 million Americans reporting occasional sleep problems, the gift of better sleep is sure to be well received.
Boiron Quietude: This natural, homeopathic remedy works for temporary relief of occasional sleeplessness or restless sleep associated with nervousness, worries, or exhaustion. Unlike other sleep aids, Quietude is 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.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion with Melatonin is a topical magnesium lotion with melatonin. This is no ordinary lotion. Topical application of magnesium allows the mineral to be absorbed through the skin to be 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.
Seeking Health Optimal Sleep is a blend of vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens that naturally promote relaxation. It's melatonin-free, for those who prefer non-hormonal sleep support.
Dragon Herbs Lights Out is an effective and safe herbal formula intended for occasional sleeplessness. The combination of safe herbs help calm emotions like worry, fear, and anxiety, and melts away all your tension.
To Promote Relaxation and Comfort
Medi-Rub Foot Massager: If you want to change someone’s life, this is the perfect gift! This foot massager is wonderful for anyone on their feet all day, athletes, “week-end warriors,” people with fibromyalgia, diabetes, or plaguing injuries, or frankly, anyone who wants to relax the tension in their body. The foot massager is designed to increases circulation and stimulate blood flow in the feet and calves. This gift will be like a never-ending spa treatment for the person who receives it!
Cuddle Ewe Underquilt and Free Pillow: This is a top gift for him or her! The underquilt is placed between your mattress and fitted sheet. It’s made from soft, supportive wool batting wrapped in a breathable cotton cover. As a bonus, the underquilt comes with a cuddle ewe pillow. The combo of the two is certain to transform any bed into a rejuvenating sleep retreat!
Naturepedic Organic Pillowtop: Delight your loved one with comfort and luxury that will be appreciated for years. This 3” pillow top is made of organic cotton, and is ideal for older kids and adults. With its “plush” feel and full body contouring comfort, you’ll definitely give the gift of a great night sleep every night!
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!
Bath soaks, magnesium therapy, a sleep-promoting mask, luxurious bedding, and even a top of the line foot massager-- 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 Live Superfoods