a review on sleeping aids...

eversince i started working on a night shift (or sometimes on a midshift), my insomnia has gotten worse. there will be times that i won't be able to sleep at all for 2 straight days. and even if i would fall asleep, i'll wake up every two or so hours so i'll just end up more tired, more sleepy and with a terrible headache.

i've tried to self-medicate by buying OTC sleeping aids that contain melatonin. at first, they would work but after sometime, my body will get used to it that it will not be as effective as before...or worse, won't even have an effect at all. i even tried those pills which are known to have caused some people to become addicted to it. but nah, either it didn't work for me or i got scared with the effects even on the first time of using it.

so i decided to look for alternative ways. I've read that anything with chamomile or lavender will help you relax, and eventually induce sleepiness. I tried drinking chamomile tea before going home but i guess, since i tend to take a shower before going to sleep, i will again be awake and will just end up watching tv until late noon. it came to a point when i can no longer concentrate at work, i feel grouchy and short tempered and there were even times that i would fall asleep in the wrong place, at the wrong time (yeah, in the office!)

i need to do something...and fast! so in this post, i will be listing some of the known sleeping aids and will try to give a review as to how effective or not they are.

Badger Sleep Balm

A dreamy night balm rich with precious oils to calm, encourage, cheer and relax poetic badgers and other restless wanderers. Just rub a little balm under nose, on lips, on temples or other pulse points. Or use the oil for after-bath moisturizing or soothing massage. The aroma does the work. Rosemary is the traditional herb for clear thinking, confidence, and memory. Bergamot is mentally uplifting. Ginger is strengthening and confidence-inducing. Balsam Fir is refreshing, like a walk in the woods. Lavender is the traditional sleep herb; fresh and relaxing. But Sleep Balm doesn't make you sleepy! It helps quiet your thoughts, then you fall asleep naturally.

Ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Beeswax, Castor Oil, and Essential Oils of Bergamot, Ginger, Organic Rosemary, Lavender & Organic Balsam Fir.

I've been reading a lot of good reviews about this sleep balm and been wanting to give it a try for a long time but i haven't got the chance to get it in a trial size. I was checking out some items in Rustans Essences a few weeks ago when i saw this, they do have it in a smaller size but it's included in a set. Been so curious about this item for such a long time that i decided to grab the big size. Yeah, i am that impulsive at times! (or most of the times)

It smells good and the aroma is relaxing. I apply it on my temples, neck and under my nose...even on my lips. But the scent seems to vanish quickly. I had to put a lot and even put some on my pillow which i put on top of my face so the scent will stay longer...but being the praning person that i am, i got scared that the oils will cause me to breakout. It did help me relax and feel kinda sleepy but that's about it. If i could only find a way to make the scent stay longer...hmmm, maybe i could try putting it on some cotton balls and then put them inside my nose. hehehe, what do you think? LOL

PRICE: P325 for a 2 oz. tin can

RATING: 3 out of 5

Aromatherapy Linen and Room Fragrance in Calming from Zen Zest.

The relaxing and balancing aroma of Calming Room and Linen Fragrances' bouquet of floral essences ensure peaceful sleep. Spritz your rooms with Room Fragrance and spray Linen Fragrance on beds, pillows, curtains and carpets.

I got this during one of our Christmas shoppings last year in MOA. These two are packaged in a gift set and since I got to read the word "Calming," i decided to grab one for myself and a friend. I can say that it has almost the same scent as that of the Badger's but this one's stronger. I would use the Room Spray as an air freshener and the Linen spray on my bedsheets, pillows and stuffed toys. And just like the Badger Balm, the scent goes away quickly...but yeah, it does smell good. Geesh, i am beginning to wonder if something's wrong with my sense of smell that most of the scents i get to smell seem to go away quickly.

PRICE: more or less P300 for the set

RATING: 3 out of 5

Earth Therapeutics Anti-Stress Massage Lotion

Specially formulated for deep muscle work. Pure lavender, chamomile and essential mind-calming botanicals have been blended into a rich, greaseless base that enables hands to get a good grip on sore, knotted muscles. Soothing aroma-therapeutic scent loosens stress and tension. Mind and body achieve holistic peace and well-being. Also a great way to try this refreshing lotion if you've never had the pleasure.

I was again on a christmas gift shopping but this time at Beauty Bar Greenbelt 3, when i saw this one. This one's different since it is supposed to be used for massages. But the smell's so heavenly that i wasn't able to stop myself from getting a big tube. I know i would smell ridiculous if i am to use it as a body lotion, so what i would do is apply it on my neck, chest and hands. And yep...just a few minutes after, i was on my way to Dreamland. The scent stays on longer and it's really calming...soothing. it's like your senses are being massaged just by the mere smell of it, how much more if it's actually used as a massage lotion? I did try it with somebody and not long after i started massaging, i already heard the snores. tee-heee

I am planning to get this again (though i haven't used up my first tube) but this time, i'll get it in a set that comes with a soap, an anti-stress pillow and a gel eyemask. I believe they also have their own version of the Linen fragrance from Zen Zest...that i would have to get as well.

PRICE: P575 for a 5 fl. oz. tube

RATING: 3 out of 5