Los Angeles, California
“One of the most commanding roles sleep has is its ability to dictate our hormonal balance—from hormones that control appetite to hormones that help us manage stress, replenish cells, heal and fight infections, utilize energy efficiently, control weight, renew skin and bones, lower risk factors for heart disease and stroke, sharpen our planning and memory skills, improve concentration, and return organ and tissue function to more youthful states.“ – David Agus, The Lucky Years
I’ve always had issues with falling asleep. I’ve proudly beaten other challenges in my life but sleep is one that remains a struggle – it’s the biggest risk I have to my health and my business. When Vicks ZzzQuil reached out to me and asked me to give their latest sleep product a try, I had to laugh. ZzzQuil has been in my war chest for years! When I learned ZzzQuil was incorporating some of my favorite natural sleep remedies, Melatonin, Lavender and Chamomile into their new product, ZzzQuil™ PURE Zzzs™ Melatonin Gummies, I was curious to try them out.
They first asked me a couple of questions.
1). Could I be honest? And as most of my community and followers know, honesty and authenticity isn’t a problem!
2). Could I be honest about what’s keeping me up at night? I thought, ‘Yes, there are a few things keeping me up at night!’ At my age, I’ve faced many hardships and I still juggle many roles. I run a fabulous global community of more than 5,000 women; host a talk show; head a Media Production company; lead 3 social service campaigns reaching over 10 million followers…oh, and work for a nutrition company!
As Dr. Phil would say…”How’s that working for you?” Well, quite honestly, a lot better with the latest ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies. I prefer the ease of the gummies and they’re a great drug-free alternative to other sleep aids. ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies utilize melatonin, chamomile, and lavender.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland, which controls your sleep and wake cycles – it’s a critical hormone and absolutely necessary for sleep. For those that didn’t know, spending time on your cell phone or laptop before bed doesn’t help matters as the blue light emitted has an enormous impact on our natural ability to produce melatonin. Testing out ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies was also a delight for the senses. With a delicious Wildberry Vanilla flavor, the gummies taste like a treat. Each gummy provides 1 mg of melatonin, and you can take up to 2 per night.
I happily took 2 gummies and then used the delightful Vicks® PURE Zzzs ™ Soothing Aromatherapy Balm. Combined with a blend of essential oils, lavender, and chamomile, this is a wonderful addition to my nighttime routine. Essential oils are always by my bedside, and the lavender and chamomile scents can calm and relax my overactive brain. I absolutely loved the scent and the opportunity for some extra self-care.
My nighttime routine usually includes a warm cup of herbal tea, rubbing the Vicks PURE Zzzs Soothing Aromatherapy Balm on my chest, reading a good old fashioned book, adding a sleep mask (to block out light and increase melatonin naturally) and always ending with some prayer and meditation.
My racing mind is pretty normal these days and having a soothing nighttime routine – especially one that allows me to wake with no next-day grogginess – helps when it comes to transitioning from a busy day into a relaxing evening. I was surprised to find that the very first night I added the new ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies into my nighttime routine, I not only fell asleep faster, I slept soundly. I’m used to waking at 3 am, and was pretty surprised that I actually slept through the night! This was incredibly helpful as my typical day begins at 6 AM and doesn’t usually end until at least 10 PM (I know, I know…to change the world…bed by 10 PM!).
As I mentioned earlier, I couldn’t do what I do without sleep! I have a deep appreciation for good sleep and sometimes wish I could spend an entire week in bed, refueling and relaxing. I don’t quite know what I would do without ZzzQuil on those occasional sleepless nights, and I’m grateful I don’t have to! It certainly helps me fall asleep fast and in as little as 20 minutes! In addition, another great addition to my nighttime routine was the Vicks PURE Zzzs Soothing Aromatherapy Balm. The soothing chamomile and lavender scents provided some much-needed relaxation after a stressful day.
I’ll certainly be adding the latest Vicks ZzzQuil products into my nighttime routine. Lavender and chamomile are an added bonus and a reminder for some extra self-care. I’m glad to confirm that ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies helped me fall asleep naturally and wake up with no next day grogginess*. The Vicks Soothing Aromatherapy Balm helped me wind down with its relaxing lavender scents. The more ZZZ’s I can get, the better!
This changing the world thing isn’t easy. What I know for sure…you can’t change the world without sleep. Night night, fierce beauties…and sweet dreams!
26 comments
Pat Stevens
My brother 81, just bought the Vicks Zzz Quil melatonin & lavendar gummies and had a full nights sleep for the first time in ages. My only question is the price $9 and he took 2. I am trying to find a generic copy of this for him.
Thanks CatherineGrace I loved your posts.
Catherine Grace O'Connell
I’m so glad he tried them. I will share your comment with the team. I’m glad to hear that they worked well for him. Thank you for sharing!
Dr Eva Chapman
Wow I will try these- I have had sleep problems all my life. It is heartening to hear about how others cope with not being able to sleep. So thank you
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Thank you for sharing and I do think it’s a common issue for women, especially at Midlife and beyond. Please keep me posted on your experience, Eva!
Lesa
You asked for us to leave what keeps us up at night. For me, it’s usually work, in particular, Kansas politics. I spend my days encouraging moderate and progressive voters to vote and fight against the policies of the ultra conservatives. So my nights are often filled with worry and frustrating about budget cuts to our public schools, healthcare programs and the creation of discriminatory policies. Currently we’re in the thick of campaign season for the August primary and we’re hard at work getting rational and smart candidates get elected who are dedicated to working for the residents of Kansas.
Totally agree “can’t change the world without sleep”!! For me, dancing to good music, escaping into a good movie or book and regular massages keep me balanced. But always looking for natural solutions.
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Thank you so much for sharing, Lesa. You sound like a woman after my own heart. With the recent immigration crisis, I sense a lot of women and mothers are experiencing similar sleep issues. My heart is broken and I feel totally helpless. Part of me wants to pack up and head down to Houston to help or interview the people at the border. Keep changing the world…we need more women like you. And, if you decide to try the latest product Pure ZZZ’s, please let me know your experience!
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
I never realised there were natural solutions to sleeplessness out there! Thank you so much for this great review, I think I’ll get some gummies and balm. It’s so frustrating lying awake at night when you have a busy day the next day. Love the photos of you at the bar Catherine, you look so natural. At 5′ 3″ I’d struggle, but the thought of it makes me chuckle! x
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Thank you, Maria. I have definitely had my share of sleep challenges and was grateful there was a natural solution to help me. Your comments made me smile. If you decide to try Pure Zzz’s, let me know your experience!
Helen Greenwell
I’m usually asleep before my head hits the pillow, but the last couple of weeks with added stress from deadlines had me waking up several times a night. It’s awful when you really need the sleep. I think I’ll keep this on hand for times like that. I’m willing to try anything Natural and drug-free.
Helen
Catherine Grace O'Connell
You are a lucky one! I know tax time is especially “taxing” for you my friend. I’m loving the natural addition of ingredients and I’ve been stalking my local CVS as I’m a bit obsessed. Glad things have slowed down and let me know how they work for you!
Jannette Braddock
Great write up, Catherine! Love anything to help me relax this overactive mind and sleep at nights. My life keeps me up at nights… work issues and worries anout my family. As you, I also fall asleep often to be wide awake round 3ish. I drink teas with chamomile at night and listen to soothing sounds to relax me so I can fall asleep.
Way to go Vicks for these products made with natural items! I will definitely try it and provide feedback!
Happy sleeping Fierce Beauties! ?
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Way to go, right, Jannette! The more natural, the better. The middle of the night could be rough for me and I’ll take all the help I can get. Cheers my fierce friend.
Amy Kennedy
Awesome post! I can only imagine what that is like to have so much on your plate and yet you look really healthy and well rested all the time!
Catherine Grace O'Connell
I sure fool you, don’t I, sister! No, seriously, I’m loving the new products and it feels really good to get a bit more well needed beauty sleep. I don’t know what I would do without my fabulous team, sister. I’m assuming you collapse into bed at night after a day of chasing those little ones!
Paula Holloway
I’ll definitely have to give these a try Catherine. I already take Midnite, which is a similar natural melatonin sleep-aide. But I sometimes feel it’s too much melatonin. I imagine that you already know, that too much melatonin can do the exact opposite of what we want. Plus leave us kind of hung over the next day. I’m headed to the pharmacy today and will look for it.
Sweet Dreams Love!
Paula
http://www.dimplesonmywhat.coom
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Thanks, Paula and yes, I do know that. There is a balance and less is more when it comes to melatonin. How are you feeling and your recovery? Glad you’re taking care of yourself as there’s nothing more important than our health!
Jonet Wooten
I hadn’t heard of these sleep aids, but am so happy you’ve introduced us to them. As a certified menopausal woman, sleep evades me. I look forward to trying these products, and if they make me look as beautiful as you, I’ll buy them two cases at a time.
Xo Jonet
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Certified menopausal women unite! Right, love. It’s not easy with those hormonal imbalances but I will take all the natural help I can get. I was lucky to try them before they hit the shelves. I know they’re available now by the link on the blog and they should be on the shelves at your local drug store. Make sure to let me know how they work!
LinCatWil
When I can’t sleep rhe only product I ever use is ZzzQuil. I had no idea about the new producrts. I love the idea of the balm. By the way, I am loving that blue jacket in that one shot.
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Right? Isn’t that the truth and I was delighted for the addition of lavendar, melatonin and chamomile. Can’t wait to hear your experience as I know you have your hands full at the moment and sleep is a premium. And, thanks for the comment on the jacket. It’s from Chico’s!
Rebecca Phillips
Got all of this one Catherine. A lack of sleep almost did me in 4 years ago. Thank you for this article. I am going to try those gummies! Say, love the picture of you at the desk. You know me, love organization. Sometime I would love to hear from you and those cool planners you are using.
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Isn’t that the truth, Rebecca? Our sleep is so important to the way that we feel and how we are able to live our lives to the fullest. The gummies are delicious. And, yes I do…I’m waiting for you to arrive on a jet plane and come organize me. Happy to share the organizers I use…but I could use a live one too!!! Come on down!
Lana
Love that last quote – you can’t change the world without sleep! Truth! I don’t have much trouble falling asleep, but I almost always wake up in the middle of the night, and the racing mind takes over. I’m headed to the store today and will definitely pick up these products – I’m especially intrigued by the Aromatherapy balm. Thanks for sharing, Catherine!
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Isn’t that the truth sister. Please let me know how you like the products. And, I do love the scent. Nothing like a bit of lavendar at bedtime.
jodie filogomo
It’s the worst when you can’t sleep, so good for Vicks for coming up with a more natural solution!!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Catherine Grace O'Connell
Isn’t that the truth? Didn’t we all grow up with Vicks? I love that it feels as comforting but the addition of natural scents is absolutely wonderful. Nothing like a bit of beauty sleep.