The Importance of a Restful Sleep
This week I had the pleasure of being part of a tea ceremony held at the fabulous Zenstation in Surry Hills which was hosted by Dr Karina Stewart, co-founder of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary in Koh Samui Thailand.
The event helped to launch Kamalaya’s Sleep Enhancement Wellness Program and Dr Karina spoke about how depriving our selves from quality sleep could have a huge impact to our health and how we can all get a better nights sleep naturally.
Stress has a lot to do with people not getting enough quality sleep and learning how to prepare and nurture your body into a restful state is one of the keys you can use to get a good nights sleep. Chronic stress can keep cortisol levels in the blood elevated for longer, which in turn can affect metabolism, suppress thyroid function and increase abdominal fat. Research show that people who don’t get enough sleep have a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome), which can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
The highlight of the event was my discovery of an amazing tea called GABA OOLONG – grown at high altitude and named for it’s high levels of the amino acid Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), which helps to calm and relax the body. I was excited to create some of my yummy tea time treats that were rich in omega 3 to help nourish the mind as well as tryptophan (found in protein rich foods) to help stimulate production of serotonin, the feel good hormone.
KAMALAYA’S NATURAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR GETTING A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP:
1 Get enough down time for yourself, turn off the computer, turn off the television and learn to relax.
2 Go to bed earlier (Karina suggests no later than 9.30 -10 pm) and try to get into the habit of getting 8 – 9 hours of quality sleep.
3 Keep your bedroom calm + peaceful and at the right temperature so it’s conducive to wanting to sleep.
4 Give yourself a foot massage or soak your feet in warm water with lavender essential oils.
5 A magnesium supplement may help to calm the nervous system and get a better quality sleep
6 Eat your dinner at least 3 hours before going to bed so that your digestion will not interfere with your sleep.
7 Using elements such as eye shades or blinds can block out any light in the room.
8 Herbal teas such as camomile, mulberry, roobos, Gaba oolong, has a gentle calming effect on the nervous system and the mind.
9 No coffee or caffeinated beverages – find your own balance to how late you can consume caffeine without it effecting your sleep.
10 Reduce your alcohol consumption as it is a natural depressant that effects the quality of your sleep.
11 Holistic treatments like acupuncture can rebalance the nervous system and help you get a better nights sleep.
12 Reading a book before bed may also help.
SOME OF MY YUMMY TEA TIME TREATS AT ZENSTATION:
RAW CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH WALNUTS AND GOJI BERRY
VANILLA + MACADAMIA NUT SHORTBREAD
ORANGE, ALMOND AND COCONUT TRUFFLES
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Yum yum yummo…the orange almond coconut truffles are so pretty!!!!
Too true. I find my body needs the rest (and sleeping before 10 is just wonderful even for someone in their early twenties) or else it just doesn’t function properly. Thanks for the reminder!!
Can’t wait to try these recipes. Will you be publishing them?
In good time yes I will
xx
OH TERESA PLEASE UPLOAD THE RAW CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE RECIPE!
It is my birthday in two weeks, and my family keeps asking me for a ‘dessert’ and I cannot imagine serving anything unhealthy! This is exactly what I need!! Please please please please please please
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So true, I don’t always get enough sleep and can definitely feel he difference when i do! Oh those tea time treats look amazing!!! Would definitely love the recipes if possible! xo
me too!!! would love the recipes – mmmmm!!!
Where can you get the tea from?
Google zenstation – surry Hills you’ll find the tea on the site. T:)
what a lovely afternoon it was at Zensation and thankyou for the great treats, any chance of the recipe for the shortbread?
Nice to meet you too Pollyanna ! Thanks for coming all the way from Melbourne !
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teresa, thank you for being so generous in sharing all the goodies and info with us.it is really appreciated and, i like so many others cannot wait for these yummy recipes. warmest regards.
Oops, reading this at 10.15pm … must get off computer, must get off computer, must get off computer…
All this info is so true. There is nothing better than a good nights sleep and all your recipes. Great combination sleep and healthy food. Would love to get the recipe for the truffles. XXXX
Hi Teresa, is the Healthy Chef ‘Pure Native WPI Chocolate’ part of the new range coming or is it available already?
Hey Robyn – WOW you are very observant ! YES is the answer ! my NEW range of 4 high protein functional food supps will be launching shortly. Finally a protein supplement that’s all natural and PURELY DELICIOUS. Developed by me to be the best and the first of it’s kind in Australia.
Thanks Teresa. Love you website…have tried everything posted…has turned my life around ..many thanks
Oh how delicious they all look, especially those Raw chocolate cupcakes…
I too have been going to bed early and find if I dont I pay for it dearly the next day. Taking magnesium before bed too has helped immensely…
Will be keeping a close eye out for those recipes Teresa…I am spreading the word about your site too…..
Thanks Jane !
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Well I just went onto Zensation’s website and ordered a couple of teas I cant wait for them to arrive!!
Teresa I am new to herbal teas, so I am assuming that these will need to be brewed in a pot? I have to admit I just use t-bags….
You will love their teas Jane. My fave is the milk oolong xx
Those look freaking ridiculously amazing. I know people hate the raw chocolate but I really do believe it’s one of the best things for the body.