“Bedtime.”
“No.”
“No, bedtime. Me not tired.”
I’m a stay-at-home, now work-at-home, mom. By the time the sun starts to reside, I am so ready for that nightly ritual called “bedtime”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. I love spending time with them. But, I really look forward to a couple hours to sit down over a warm cup of my favorite tea, chit-chat with Dustin, fold laundry, read a good book, and blog.
Those couple hours rejuvenate me!
My children have never been the best sleepers. They have lots of energy and a zeal for life and exploring. Bedtime has not been an easy practice. We have a set bedtime schedule: bath, a little play with daddy while putting on jammies, books, and bed. It’s a beautiful routine, until we hit the last b word–bed.
Every night we lay down with our children until they are asleep. I love these quiet moments laying next to them, stroking their hairs, and whispering prayers in their ear. Recently our beautiful moments of quiet bedtime have turned into an hour, two hours– oh dear, will they ever go to sleep? I start drifting in my mind to the millions of dishes downstairs, the warm tea I want to sip, the laundry I’d love to fold, and the husband I want to talk to.
Help!
A couple months ago, I heard Katie from Wellness Mama give a presentation. Her talk was about keeping a family healthy mainly with real food, but she touched on Epsom Salt and magnesium. She discussed their importance for children and promoting sleep. I’ve used magnesium lotion for a couple years now for everything from sore muscles to headaches, but the idea of magnesium for children intrigued me.
This mother got to work and here’s what I found:
1. Epsom Salt helps kids (& Adults) sleep:
Through the stresses of life, magnesium is drained from the body. The average person is already deficient in magnesium, so this draining removes even the small amount a person has in store. Magnesium helps to produce that calming effect we get from seretonian. The result of bathing in Epsom Salt and absorbing the magnesium are: improved sleep, concentration, and relaxed muscles. A recipe for peaceful sleep!
2. Espom salt boosts the immune system:
‘Tis the season for coughs, colds, and the flu. Besides Cod Liver Oil, a healthy diet, and homemade elderberry syrup, Epsom Salt help boost the immune system. To get technical again, bathing in Epsom Salt helps to stimulate the lymph system and circulate oxygen throughout the body. The salt bath helps keep toxins at bay in the body which can naturally drain the body and decrease immunity.
Pretty awesome, right?
Of course, I immediately bought a bag of this special (inexpensive) salt. I mixed up a special, simple formula I now call the “Sleepy Time Bath Salts” and each night have been putting a 1/3 cup in the kids’ bath.
I was skeptical, as I tend to be, but I have been amazed at the improvement in their sleep. Suddenly, bedtime isn’t taking hours, just a few minutes. The kids are now relaxed, peaceful, and ready to sleep.
I’ve also started rubbing some of this calming homemade moisturizer on the bottom of their feet after the relaxing bath.
So, here it is. The “Sleepy Time Bath Salts” formula. It’s not complicated, just simple ingredients that come together to create the ultimate calming, immune-boosting bath. I love this bath formula so much, I’ve even made a few jars to give away to family members.
What you will need:
- 1 cup Epsom Salt (where to buy)
- 1/2 cup Real Salt or a high-quality mineral-rich salt (where to buy)
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 1/4 cup crushed lavender (where to buy), optional (helps give the calming lavender smell and effect)
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (where to buy), this is not mixed in the salt formula, but added at time of bath
How To:
If using dried lavender, simply crush it. I use the same mortar and pestle I use for crushing spices.
In a storage container (I use these), add the Epsom Salt, Real Salt, and crushed dried lavender. Mix the ingredients together. I simply shake the container once sealed.
Once combined, add the lavender essential oil. Mix the oil throughout the salts.
Seal the container and use 1/2 cup per bath. While the warm water is drawn, I also add 1 Tablespoon coconut oil. You can also add apple cider vinegar to help with immune-boosting, particularly while fighting a cold.
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