The remedies for restless sleep are countless, like counting sheep, avoiding screens before bed, or practicing relaxation exercises.
Another option that some people swear by is the use of crystals.
There isn’t any scientific evidence to support the use of crystals for sleep, but energy healing proponents believe that placing crystals in your bedroom or wearing them before you sleep could help you get a decent night’s rest.
“The ancient healing properties of crystals are a relatively untapped phenomena of the natural world,” says Adora Winquist, a self-defined modern alchemist and expert in vibrational medicine.
“The Earth is composed of thousands of minerals with specific and potent abilities to heal, balance, and fortify our existence,” she says. “Their vibrational patterning receives, transmits, and amplifies energy.”
While these claims aren’t supported by scientific evidence, Winquist and others like her believe that crystals could have the potential to benefit well-being as a whole — which, in turn, could improve sleeping patterns.
“[Crystals] remind us of our deep connection to the Earth and her rich offering of medicines,” says Winquist.
What the science says
Research into crystal healing as a whole is very limited, and research into the area of crystals and sleep is nonexistent.
One commonly held hypothesis is that crystals produce a placebo effect. An older 2005 studyTrusted Source notes that the healing benefits of crystals may come down to the power of the mind more than anything else.
However, cultures around the world have used crystal healing for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and still do to this day.
While there isn’t much research to back up their benefits, there’s likely no harm in giving crystals a try.
Crystals should never replace medical care for any condition. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of crystals for sleep or sleep conditions.
The below suggestions are based on anecdotal evidence. If you choose to use them, only do so as a complementary therapy to appropriate medical treatment.
Best crystals for sleep
Sleep can be disrupted for a host of different reasons, like stress, anxiety, nightmares, the inability to switch off your mind, or a health concern.
Whatever the issue, proponents say there may be a crystal to help.
Peaceful sleep
For a peaceful sleep, Winquist recommends:
fluorite
green calcite
rose quartz
“Fluorite and green calcite offer a calming and soothing energy and invite us to an ease of emotion after a long day,” Winquist says. “Rose quartz is a stone of love, encouraging us to let go of any disharmonious energies or interactions of the day.”
“Howlite decreases overly critical thinking but it also heightens creativity,” he says. “It has an extremely calming energy and can be used to relieve anxiety, tension, and intense emotions.”
Birch says howlite is believed to:
calm your mind
reduce fretful thoughts
aid in relaxation
help you prepare for sleep or meditation
Anxiety and sleep
If worry is keeping you awake, Winquist suggests:
rhodochrosite
red tiger’s eye
amethyst
“These three stones are helpful for easing anxiety and calming the nervous system to relax body and mind,” she says.
Winquist claims that anxiety with a tight sensation in the chest may be benefitted by rhodochrosite. When it comes to whole body anxiety, she recommends red tiger’s eye.
“Amethyst is calming for those who experience anxiety as tension headaches or digestive difficulties,” she says.
It’s important to note that none of these claims are supported by scientific evidence.
Insomnia
Birch and Winquist recommend the following stones for insomnia:
howlite
moonstone
opal
ruby
“If you suffer from insomnia caused by racing thoughts at bedtime, a piece of howlite placed under your pillow or as a crystal grid around your bed may help,” Birch says.
Winquist notes that moonstone and opal may help those who tend to overthink.
“These stones offer a sense of deep tranquility and remind us of the mysteries of the universe,” she says.
When it comes to other causes of insomnia, Winquist recommends ruby. She notes it doesn’t have to be of gem quality to be effective.
If you experience ongoing insomnia, make sure to talk with your doctor about treatment options.
Dreams and nightmares
If you want to enjoy your dreams and fend off nightmares, Winquist suggests:
epidote
black tourmaline
citrine
“Epidote is a stone of great understanding. It’s wonderful to enhance dreaming and to tap into your wise, intuitive nature,” she says. “Black tourmaline is a stone of protection and helpful against nightmares, while citrine is a stone of empowerment and is helpful to overcome the challenges that often appear in reoccurring dreams.”
Sleep and relaxation
If you’re struggling to relax, Winquist recommends:
sapphire
sugilite
celestite
According to Winquist, sapphire activates mystical vision and brings an energy of deep peace.
“Sugilite fosters a sense of meditative zen and quietude at the cellular level,” she says. “Celestite is also known as the stone of the angels and infuses us with grace and a desire for calm and tranquility.”
Sleep apnea
If you want to use crystals as a complementary therapy for sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep, Winquist suggests:
quartz
jasper
lapis lazuli
“Quartz helps to keep energy channels open throughout the body,” she says. “Jasper infuses our blood with the energy of renewal and vitality, strengthening us at the cellular level.”
When it comes to lapis, Winquist says, “It connects us to the cosmic principle of harmony and balance, allowing our spirit to engage with esoteric pursuits so our physical body can rest and renew.”
Snoring
If you want to use crystals as a complementary treatment for snoring, Winquist suggests trying:
blue kyanite
blue calcite
selenite
“These stones help to clear, balance, and expand the throat and sinus areas to allow for better energy flow,” she says.
Sleepwalking
If you sleepwalk, Winquist advises using:
garnet
malachite
shungite
“These three stones help to create a protective shield of energy around the individual to elicit a sense of safety on the subconscious level,” she says.
How to use crystals for sleep
Winquist recommends several methods for using crystals.
In the bedroom
Winquist claims keeping a suitable crystal near your bed may provide benefits, as could setting up a crystal grid.
Crystal grids are a geometric pattern of crystals arranged with a particular intention. It’s believed that the shape of the grid and types of crystals used invoke a particular energetic quality.
“Crystal grids can be set up in various parts of your bedroom and synergized with your intention. The right essential oils will also amplify their effects,” Winquist says.
She recommends a setting up a grid in the bedroom or other quiet space for meditation, surrounded by four pieces of lapis lazuli to invoke the cosmic principles of harmony and balance.
Under your mattress
Placing crystals underneath your mattress and pillow could help you sleep, says Winquist. She suggests placing one at each of the four corners of your bed or mattress for balance.
“I have a relatively large piece of fluorite I like to place under my pillow. It is gently calming and helps me connect to a deep sense of the dream state,” Winquist says. “When I sleep with this stone, I often wake with clear guidance of my primary objectives for the day.”
On your body
When placing crystals on your body to promote sleep, Winquist recommends a three-crystal grid.
“Place one amethyst on each side of your head while laying on your back and one moonstone above the crown of your head while focusing on deepening your breath,” she advises.
Winquist also recommends practicing gratitude for your crystals while they’re placed on your body to enhance the effect.
“This allows your heart to open and frees the monkey mind by focusing on aspects of your life with thankfulness,” she says.
In the bath
A hot bath can be a reliable way to relax before bed, and Winquist says it can be even more effective when combined with the right crystal.
“I like to add rose quartz, a few drops of my favorite essential oils, and envision myself surrounded in a pink cocoon of unconditional love to envelop and entice me to the dream world,” she says.
Winquist recommends adding a cup of calming warm water to enhance the experience.
CRYSTALS AND WATER
Some crystals, like selenite, do not react well to water. Check the Mohs hardness scale and research your crystals to determine whether they’re right for bath use.
Precautions
Winquist advises exercising caution if keeping crystals in your bed.
“Terminated crystals are pointed and can poke or pierce the body when kept in the bed,” she says. “Small crystals should be avoided when children have access to the family bed, and fragile crystals can break when kept in the bed.”
Be mindful of the crystals you place in and around your space.
Crystals to avoid in the bedroom
According to Winquist, not every crystal is suitable for the room you sleep in.
“Crystals that can be overstimulating should not be kept in the bedroom,” she says.
These include turquoise and moldavite.
“Everyone has a different response energetically to specific crystals, so if you share your bed with another, it’s best to explore their receptivity before adding to the bedroom,“ says Winquist.
Takeaway
Many people swear by the benefits of crystals. Proponents believe that placing certain crystals in your bedroom, putting them on your body, or keeping them under the mattress may support a good night’s sleep.
While there’s no scientific research to support the use of crystals for sleep, there’s likely no harm in giving them a try. Still, crystals should never replace medical care.
Victoria Stokes is a writer from the United Kingdom. When she’s not writing about her favorite topics, personal development, and well-being, she usually has her nose stuck in a good book. Victoria lists coffee, cocktails, and the color pink among some of her favorite things.
Find her on Instagram.
original text from : https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/crystals-for-sleep
original photo : https://unsplash.com/@studiokealaula