What Are the Benefits of Sleeping With Crystals?

According to a research paper published by Nashville's Vanderbilt University, crystal therapy can treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia. Though little clinical proof exists that crystals work, you can find a wealth of anecdotal evidence expounding upon the benefits of crystal therapy. The Vanderbilt paper suggests that a placebo effect may influence the reported successes, though such an effect does constitute a legitimate form of deceptive therapy.

Better Sleep

• Proponents of crystal therapy cite the crystal's perfect atomic structure as the source of its healing power. It supposedly helps improve sleep, especially for insomniacs. According to Colleen Simmons, author of the book "Crystal Vibration Ailments," a crystal exists for almost every ailment. According to the University of Maryland, sleep hygiene is a concept based on a range of external environmental factors that dictate the quality of sleep. An environment in which the individual feels relaxed and comfortable provides restful sleep. If sleep crystals create this effect then they have a genuine influence over sleep.

Falling Asleep Easier

• A difference exists between quality of sleep and ease of falling asleep. Many physicians recommend cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to combat an inability to drift off to sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine cites stimulus control as a major part of CBT for better sleep. It describes a stimulus as "anything that causes a response." Sleep crystals can thus be used as part of CBT if the user gets a positive response from placing them around his bedroom. Even if such a response arise from the placebo effect, it doesn't change the fact that the individual feels more relaxed: a response caused by the stimulus of the crystal.

Fewer Nightmares

• The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published a report in 2008 called "A Systematic Review of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares: Toward a Well-Established Treatment." The report cited a reduction nightmare frequency stemming from the use of a CBT and cognitive restructuring. The study suggests that using sleep crystals as a means to alter pre-sleep behavior patterns can prove successful.

Better sleep habits

• Many people who suffer interrupted or irregular sleep benefit from altering their bedtime habits. Sleep crystals can help focus the ritual of preparing for bed.