A woman has discovered an unconventional method for achieving a restful night’s sleep and it doesn’t rely on sleeping pills, apps, or the latest technology. Instead, she attributes her newfound slumber success to an Ancient Egyptian sleep ritual that has recently come back into the spotlight through a partnership between Roseway Labs and a Cairo-based doctor.
Angela Morton, 42, from Lancashire, revealed that for years she had been plagued by restless nights, waking up frequently. Her discovery of the ancient technique happened while delving into historical sleep rituals online.
Ancient Egyptian sleep trick
Dubbed the Ancient Egyptian sleep trick, this age-old method involves wrapping one’s feet in cool, damp linen cloths imbued with essential oils like blue lotus or sandalwood. This practice is thought to reduce core body temperature and foster a state of calm.
Dr Nabil Haroun, a Cairo physician who is an expert in historical wellness practices, shed light on the rationale behind this traditional approach.
“Egyptians knew that a drop in body temperature helped the body enter sleep mode naturally,” Dr Haroun explained. “By cooling the feet and surrounding the senses with calming aromas, the body is encouraged to slow down – physically and mentally.”
He pointed out that the ritual goes beyond mere temperature regulation; it’s about establishing a consistent pre-sleep routine, which is also advocated by contemporary sleep science: “The combination of coolness and scent stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system – which helps trigger deep relaxation.”
Angela discovered a nightly routine that changed her life: she began wrapping her feet in cold, wet linen with a hint of essential oil before bed. To her amazement, this simple technique dramatically improved her sleep quality.
“I actually slept through the night,” Angela revealed, adding that it was “For the first time in what felt like forever.”
Recommendation for natural sleep boosters
Regarding natural ways to enhance sleep, Roseway Labs advises combining this age-old method with two foods known for their melatonin content to aid the body’s preparation for deep sleep:
Warm milk
This beverage contains both melatonin and tryptophan, which are believed to naturally induce relaxation.
Drinking warm milk before bedtime is an age-old remedy for improving sleep.
Pistachios
These nuts are rich in melatonin, magnesium, and healthy fats, all of which contribute to muscle relaxation and deeper sleep.
Eating a small portion of pistachios (about 1 ounce) could be beneficial.
Miriam Martinez Callejas, the Superintendent Pharmacist and Founder of Roseway Labs, describes the importance of melatonin: “Melatonin is your body’s natural sleep hormone, released by the pineal gland when it gets dark. It helps you fall asleep, enhances REM sleep, and keeps your circadian rhythm in check. Adding melatonin-rich foods to your diet may help regulate your sleep cycle and improve the quality of your rest.”