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 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.
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.”
Keith Birch, the owner of KSC Crystals, recommends howlite.
“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.”
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 herbal bath tea to enhance the experience.
