Sleep Soundly with Sandalwood
How did you sleep last night? If your answer is “not great,” you are not alone. Many people today struggle to get enough sleep, a critical aspect of overall health. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 1 in 3 adult Americans is getting enough sleep each night. This may seem troubling, but it also reflects progress in recognizing the importance of sleep for our well-being.
In the past, sleep deprivation was often seen as a badge of honor in a culture of busyness and productivity. Early starts and late nights were the norm, with influential figures touting extreme schedules as the key to success. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our perspective on work-life balance and the necessity of quality sleep.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
Sleep is a vital biological function essential to life. It allows the body to repair, regulate, and restore itself. A lack of sleep can lead to a higher risk of major diseases and disorders such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system. Sleep also plays a critical role in cognitive functions such as learning, memory formation, and mood regulation.
While we understand the importance of sleep, achieving sufficient rest can be challenging.
A Global Quest for Rest
Many factors contribute to sleep deprivation, including genetics, lifestyle changes such as increased consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and lack of exercise. Our modern, interconnected world often includes late-night social media checks and screen time, disrupting our sleep patterns.
The market for sleep aids is vast, ranging from mattresses and weighted blankets to counseling, medications, and supplements. In 2021, the global sleep aids market was valued at USD $64.08 billion, with a projected CAGR of 7.1% from 2022-2023.
For some, medical intervention is necessary to address sleep problems. Others may find that natural sleep aids such as plant, vitamin, or mineral supplements make a noticeable difference in their sleep quality.
Indian Sandalwood: A Natural Sleep Aid
One natural sleep aid that has gained attention is Indian sandalwood (Santalum album), a highly prized aromatic ingredient proven to support restful and restorative sleep.
Improves Sleep Quality Sleep quality considers four attributes: sleep latency (how long it takes to fall asleep), sleep waking (how often you wake during the night), wakefulness (how many minutes you spend awake after going to sleep), and sleep efficiency (the amount of time you spend asleep in bed).
Indian sandalwood oil and its main constituent, alpha-santalol, have been found to reduce the parasympathetic activities of the brain, directly linked to wakefulness and restlessness.
During the Waking Hours Indian sandalwood serves as a 2-in-1 ingredient: it can ward off the impacts of poor sleep when used during the day. Research shows that while the oil acts as a relaxant physically, it also acts as a stimulant behaviorally, calming the body while delivering a boost of alertness and focus.
Sandalwood as a Signpost Ingredient for Sleep
Just as people seek vitamin C for a strong immune system or salicylic acid for acne, Indian sandalwood can emerge as a signpost ingredient for natural products that support rest. With its soothing, calming, and restorative properties, sandalwood has the potential to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Incorporating sandalwood into your nightly routine, whether through essential oils, sprays, or even as a skincare product, may help you achieve a more restful night’s sleep. Consider exploring the world of natural sleep aids with sandalwood as a key player in your journey towards better sleep.