Sleep Therapy | The Healthy Beauty Project -by Todra Payne

Two weeks ago I flew to Chicago to speak at the Holistic Moms Network annual Natural Living Conference. I absolutely love traveling. And speaking on green beauty is obviously one of my passions. But I always struggle to fall asleep the first night when I’m away from home. Leaving behind my contoured pillow is so hard for me, no matter how fluffy and luxurious a hotel’s pillows and bedding may be. In the pre-911 days when I flew a lot for magazine shoots, I’d actually bring my pillow with me! And I didn’t have to check it or rip it apart for inspection.

Hanging out with my honey

But not so these days. I stuff what I can in a small carry-on and keep it moving. So I need sleep aids to help me get some shut eye before standing in front of a room full of women the next morning. Just in time for my trip, a PR firm sent me a sleep mask by Earth Therapeutics. I get things all the time from PR firms and I already had a sleep mask, so I wasn’t too excited at first. But once I opened the package, the excitement set in. First, this is the biggest sleep mask I’ve ever seen in my life. It seriously covers half my face. Don’t expect any light to get near your eyes while wearing this.

The view from our hotel room

It’s also made of really, really soft cotton – like a newborn’s blanket. And the adjustable head strap sealed the deal for me. I tossed it in my luggage right next to my lavender oil (which goes on my pillow to help me sleep).

My final item in my slumber kit is 18 Sleep by 21 drops. It’s part of a series of roll-on essential oil blends (aromatherapy) that I use on a regular basis. The 10 Calm Essential Oil is great before I go on stage. If I know I’m going to be traveling during cold and flu season, I splurge for the Travel Well Trio (pictured above) which includes Immunity (to fight off colds), Digestion (for food issues while traveling) and Sleep. If I take them out of the cardboard packaging and just pack the tiny bottles, I can get them through security without any hassle. On my last trip, my precious Dr.Hauschka Body Moisturizer was almost confiscated. That would have brought tears to my eyes.

Enjoying the city's art

On a different note, if you go to Chicago, you have to stay at the Blackstone. Pay just $50 (per night) to upgrade to a top floor (we were on 21) overlooking the lake. It’s romantic and magical. And very posh. I didn’t want to leave. And no, I was not paid to say that. I’m not a travel writer – but I am open to the concept 

What items are “must haves” when you travel?

All photos by Paul Emberger