Sleep Like A Goddess by Sanndi Thompson

The Sleeping Goddess: Photograph by The Lost Gardens of Heligan

by Sanndi Thompson

The Mattress: Make sure you have a comfortable mattress but one that is not too terribly old.( No goddess should ever have to slumber upon a mattress that is lumpy and bumpy or the bed springs poke through!) Nor should you slide into the middle like a big sink hole is sucking you in. If you don't already have a decent mattress, you may want to consider investing in one at some point. After all, sleep time is the only time our bodies get to truly rest, so why not be good to our bodies? If you can't invest in a new mattress, consider getting one of those memory foam mattress toppers, which is a delightful cushy pad that fits over the top of your mattress. They can be anywhere from 2 inches to 4 inches in thickness. They offer comfort and the feel of luxury and aren't as expensive as investing in a new mattress.

The Bed Linens: Perhaps you are the kind of Goddess that likes to slip and slide around on satin sheets, or maybe you prefer the high thread count of Egyptian cotton sheets. Both of these are nice and feel marvelous against the skin! The idea here is to allow yourself to have a set of sheets that makes you and your body look forward to crawling into bed! Also there are cotton Jersey sheets that feel so light and airy soft, like a well worn beloved tee shirt which only become softer and softer the more they are washed. Of course I can't leave out flannel sheets, cozy, warm, and nurturing like a hug. Indulge yourself and let sleeping become an art!

Sleepwear: Buy yourself some sleep wear that makes you feel beautiful! A satin night gown or some silky pajamas always feel lovely against the skin and will surely appease your inner goddess.Not that type of glamour Goddess? Well then maybe go for light as air cotton, in a tank top or gown or tee shirt, paired with comfy boxers.(Siren School has an adorable little tank top by the way,hint- hint...) Soft as air cotton items can be just as enjoyable on the skin as satin. Or perhaps you are a sleep in the buff kind of Goddess, which is fine too. The idea is to feel an inner peace about yourself when you head for your royal bed chambers!

Background sounds: If you must have some kind of noise while you sleep, I would strongly suggest soft music or nature sounds or something of a serene nature. I personally do not suggest the television as background noise, only because it can be negative and who knows what your subconscious mind is absorbing from television while you slumber! So sounds of water, waves,or music that soothes your soul would be my advice.

Reading material: I would stay away from newspapers and even some women's magazines due to the negativity in content. Many women's magazine are loaded with messages to us that we aren't good enough, not skinny enough, not beautiful enough, diets, blah blah blah. So why subject our minds and hearts to that before we sleep?So read something that YOU find inspiring. Also writing in a journal is a great way to decompress the tangled thoughts in your head from the day, and is a good way to release some stress, thus inducing a better nights sleep.

Lighting: If you must have some kind of light while you sleep then choose something with low wattage. Maybe a small lamp or nightlight perhaps if you don't like total darkness. Research has shown that a dark bedroom helps to increase our levels of melatonin , which is the natural hormone our bodies produce that helps induce

sleep. So the darker the better. But many like some sort of light, so if that is the case, then choose a lamp that doesn't put out much light. But remember, you are a Goddess and don't have to be afraid of the dark!

Scents: Pillow sachets filled with lavender can be very soothing or pillow spray mists made from aromatherapy oils can add a pleasant atmosphere to the bedroom, helping to induce sleep.

Food and Drink: Try not to eat a big meal before bedtime, as that will interfere with your sleeping. Also don't eat items with caffeine or sugars in them before bedtime either. However some teas such as chamomile are very relaxing to drink at bedtime and help induce sleep.

Amount of Sleep: Goddesses need their sleep! We've heard it our whole lives, get 8 hours of sleep, but easier said than done, right? Getting at least 7-8 hours is what to strive for because a decent amount of sleep increases melatonin (the sleep hormone) which helps repair and regenerate collagen cells which are responsible for the elasticity and tightness of our skin.Getting enough sleep reduces cortisol ( which is a stress hormone) Who wouldn't want to reduce their level of stress hormones? So there ya go Goddesses- get to bed earlier so you will have radiant skin and won't strangle your significant other!

Practice Gratitude: While laying in bed before drifting off to dreamland think of things that you are thankful for. It can be something as simple as having seen a pretty sunset or heard a great song on radio while driving home from work, or your child drew you a picture. Or just the fact that you are safe and laying in bed and have a roof over your head. Try not to think of the things that went wrong that day, instead think of the things that went right! Trust me on this one, there is always something to be thankful for!

Once you’re rested, treat yourself to a jaunt over to Sanndi’s art site

Sanndi Art Mystical Expressions

In her “galleries you will gaze upon a multitude of feminine archetypes depicted in various scenarios. From ancient realms where bellydancers dance, to ethereal women in nature, to the occasional mermaid all meant to inspire, empower, and bring a touch of the mystical into your life.”