Spa + Sleep = Pure Relaxation: Treatments to Help You Snooze

Lack of sleep can be one serious cause for stress. Sleep is so important to the healthy development of our emotional and physical wellbeing, and it is our body’s time to replenish itself, so we can awaken fresh, calm, and reenergized to start the day. If you’re in need of a good night’s rest, then head to the spa for some relaxation! Spas have woken up to the “sleep equals wellness” concept, and there are several treatments and programs designed to help you catch your Zzz’s (it beats counting sheep!).

Massage: Massage relaxes tense muscles and calms the nervous system, thus your body’s rhythm slows, blood pressure lowers, your heart rate settles, and your breathing becomes deeper. All combine to stimulate completion relaxation, which can help you rest. Read more here.

Hydrotherapy: Studies hint that soaking in warm waters can leave you physically and mentally relaxed, smoothing the transition into a deep sleep. Offerings like hydromassage, immersion in thermal or mineral springs, or dips in pools with jet massagers, which can enhance joint mobility and relieve muscle tension, are a particular plus to those who can’t sleep because they suffer from pain- or sports-related injuries. (Learn more benefits of taking the waters.) When not at the spa, a bath with a few drops of calming essential oils (look for scents such as lavender, chamomile, vetiver, ylang ylang, and sweet marjoram) a couple of hours prior to bedtime is another option.

Acupuncture: This ancient practice can improve sleep by restoring balance to the nervous system, reducing stress levels and hormones, and relaxing the senses.

Meditation: A calming routine such as meditation can put you in a relaxed mindset before slumber. Find a comfortable sitting position, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing for a few minutes at a time.

Yoga: A few basic, gentle yoga poses before bedtime can help calm mind and body, plus relieve stiff muscles developed during the day. (Remember that while regular exercise is a fabulous sleep aid, it’s suggested that an invigorating workout not take place a few hours before sleep.)

Watsu: This type of healing massage is experienced in a warm pool; the rhythmic, stretching, and pressure-point techniques are designed to leave you in a seriously euphoric state.

Click here to find a spa near you that offers sleep health consultations/programs.