There are countless ways to cope with insomnia, from counting sheep to avoiding screens before bed to doing relaxation exercises.
Another option that some people swear by is the use of crystals.
While there is no scientific evidence to support using crystals for sleep, energy healing advocates believe that keeping crystals in your bedroom or wearing them before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep.
“The ancient healing properties of quartz crystals are a relatively unexplored phenomenon in nature,” says Adora Winquist, a self-described modern-day alchemist and vibrational medicine expert.
“The Earth is composed of thousands of minerals that have specific and powerful abilities to heal, balance and strengthen our being,” she says. “Their vibrational patterns receive, transmit and amplify energy.”
While these claims are not backed up by scientific evidence, Winquist and others like her believe that crystals may have benefits for overall health, which could lead to improved sleep patterns.
“[Crystals] “It reminds us of our deep connection to the earth and the bounty of herbs it has to offer,” Winquist says.
There is very limited research on crystal healing as a whole, and no research in the area of crystals and sleep.
One commonly held hypothesis is that the crystals produce a placebo effect.
However, cultures around the world have used crystal healing to treat a variety of ailments for centuries, and still do so today.
While there isn’t much research to back up the effectiveness of crystals, it probably can’t hurt to try them.
Crystals are not a substitute for medical treatment for any condition, and there is no scientific evidence to support the use of crystals for sleep or sleep disorders.
The following suggestions are based on anecdotal evidence and should only be used as an adjunct to appropriate medical treatment.
Sleep can be disrupted for a variety of reasons, including stress, anxiety, nightmares, an inability to switch off your mind, and health concerns.
Whatever the problem, advocates say crystals may be able to help.
Restful sleep
For restful sleep, Winquist recommends the following:
- Fluorite
- Green calcite
- Rose Quartz
“Fluorite and green calcite provide calming, healing energies to help settle emotions after a long day,” Winquist says. “Rose quartz is the stone of love, encouraging you to let go of any discordant energies or interactions from the day.”
Keith Birch, owner of KSC Crystals, recommends howlite.
“Not only does Howlite reduce overly critical thinking, it also enhances creativity,” he says. “It has a very calming energy and can be used to relieve anxiety, tension, and intense emotions.”
Birch says howlite is believed to have the following effects:
- Calming the Mind
- Reduce anxious thoughts
- Helps you relax
- Helps prepare for sleep and meditation
Anxiety and sleep
If worries are keeping you up at night, Winquist suggests:
- Rhodochrosite
- Red Tiger Eye
- amethyst
“These three stones help relieve anxiety, calm the nervous system and relax the mind and body,” she says.
For chest-tightening anxiety, Winquist suggests rhodochrosite may be effective, and for generalized anxiety, he recommends red tiger’s eye.
“Amethyst can calm people with anxiety, tension headaches, and indigestion,” she says.
It is important to note that none of these claims are supported by scientific evidence.
insomnia
Birch and Winquist recommend the following stones for insomnia:
“If you struggle with insomnia because your thoughts are racing when it’s time to sleep, placing howlite under your pillow or as a crystal grid around your bed may help,” says Birch.
Winquist points out that moonstone and opal may be helpful for people who tend to overthink.
“These stones evoke a deep sense of serenity and remind me of the mysteries of the universe,” she says.
As for other causes of insomnia, Winquist recommends rubies, though she points out that they don’t have to be gemstone quality to be effective.
If your insomnia persists, be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
Dreams and nightmares
If you want to enjoy your dreams and ward off nightmares, Winquist suggests:
- Epidote
- Black Tourmaline
- Citrine
“Epidote is a stone that enhances understanding – perfect for facilitating dreaming and tapping into your wise and intuitive nature,” she says. “Black tourmaline is a stone of protection that can help ward off nightmares, while citrine is an empowering stone that can help you overcome challenges that often appear in recurring dreams.”
Sleep and relaxation
If you’re having trouble relaxing, Winquist recommends the following:
- sapphire
- Sugilite
- Celestite
According to Winquist, sapphire activates mystical vision and brings about deep, peaceful energies.
“Sugilite fosters a meditative sense of zen and serenity on a cellular level,” she says. “Celestite, also known as the angel stone, infuses us with grace, calm, and a desire for serenity.”
Sleep apnea
If you want to use crystals as a supplemental treatment for sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops while sleeping, Winquist suggests:
“Quartz helps keep energy pathways open throughout the body,” she says, “while jasper infuses our blood with energies of renewal and vitality, making us stronger on a cellular level.”
As for lapis lazuli, Winquist says, “It connects us to the principles of universal harmony and balance, allowing our minds to engage in mystical pursuits and our bodies to rest and regenerate.”
snore
If you want to use crystals as a supplemental snoring treatment, Winquist suggests trying the following:
- Blue Kyanite
- Blue Calcite
- Selenite
“These stones help to cleanse, balance and expand the throat and sinus area, improving the flow of energy,” she says.
sleepwalking
For sleepwalkers, Winquist recommends the following:
“These three stones help create a protective energetic shield around the individual, eliciting a sense of safety on a subconscious level,” she says.
Winquist recommends several methods for using crystals.
In the bedroom
Winquist claims that keeping the right crystals near your bed can be just as effective as installing a crystal grid.
A crystal grid is a geometric pattern of crystals arranged with a specific intention. The shape of the grid and the type of crystals used are thought to trigger specific energetic properties.
““Crystal grids can be placed in different areas of your bedroom and will work in synergy with your intention, and the right essential oils will also enhance their effects,” Winquist says.
She recommends setting up a grid in your bedroom or other quiet meditation space and placing four lapis lazuli stones around it to invoke the universal principles of harmony and balance.
Under the mattress
Winquist says placing crystals under your mattress and pillow can help you sleep better, and she recommends placing one crystal on each corner of your bed or mattress to help maintain balance.
“I like to place a relatively large piece of fluorite under my pillow as it has a gentle, calming effect and helps me connect with the deeper sensations of dreaming,” Winquist says. “When I sleep with this stone, I often wake up with a clearer sense of my main purpose for the day.”
For your body
When placing crystals on your body to promote sleep, Winquist recommends a grid of three crystals.
“Lie on your back and place one amethyst on either side of your head and one moonstone on the crown of your head while focusing on deepening your breathing,” she advises.
Winquist also recommends expressing gratitude for the crystals while they are on your body to enhance their effectiveness.
“This helps open your heart and free your monkey mind by focusing on aspects of your life with gratitude,” she says.
In the bath
A warm bath is an effective way to relax before bed, but it’s even more effective when combined with the right crystals, Winquist says.
“I like to add rose quartz and a few drops of my favorite essential oil and imagine myself being enveloped in a pink cocoon of unconditional love and transported to dreamland,” she says.
Winquist recommends adding a cup of calming herbal tea to your bath to enhance its benefits.
Crystals and Water
Some crystals, such as selenite, react less well to water, so check the Mohs hardness scale and examine the crystal to determine whether it is suitable for use in your bath.
Winquist advises using caution when placing crystals in your bed.
“Sharp crystals may poke or sting if left on the bed,” she says. “Small crystals should be avoided when children are near the family bed, and fragile crystals may break if left on the bed.”
Be mindful of the crystals you place in and around your space.
Crystals to avoid in the bedroom
According to Winquist, not all crystals are suitable for sleeping quarters.
“Avoid having crystals in your bedroom as they may be too stimulating,” she says.
These include turquoise and moldavite.
“Everyone has a different energetic response to certain crystals, so if you share your bed with others, it’s best to test their receptivity before adding them to your bedroom,” Winquist says.
Many people swear by the power of crystals, with proponents saying that placing certain crystals in your bedroom, on your body, or under your mattress can help you sleep better.
While there are no scientific studies to support using crystals for sleep, it probably can’t hurt to try. However, crystals should never replace medical care.
Victoria Stokes is a writer from the UK. When she’s not writing about her favorite topics, self-improvement and health, you can usually find her reading a good book. Victoria lists coffee, cocktails and the color pink as some of her favorite things.. Find Her Instagram.
