Do you have trouble sleeping through the night? Aromatherapy using essential oils for sleep can be a calming and natural option for a better night’s rest. Essential oils are concentrated versions of plants, extracted such that they retain potent properties of the original plant.
So which essential oils are best for a good night’s sleep, and how do they work? Here’s everything you need to know about using essential oils for sleep and anxiety, along with how you might be able to integrate them with your sleep routine:
How to use essential oils before bedtime
If you aren’t sure how to incorporate essential oils into your bedtime routine, here are a couple of handy tips that can get you started:
Use candles infused with essential oils, and light in your room a few hours before you’re going to be winding down.
For scent without any flame, you can also add a few drops of essential oils to an air diffuser.
Add a few drops of essential oil to a water-filled spray bottle, and lightly spritz the top of your bed.
Add essential oils to boiling hot water and inhale steam
5 essential oils that are guaranteed to help you sleep better
While essential oils can be used for many different aspects of wellbeing, a couple are especially effective for a good night’s sleep. Some sellers blend two or more essential oils to mix benefits, so be sure to review component oils to make sure you’re choosing what’s right for you. Here are a couple of our favorites:
1 - Lavender Oil
One of the most popular essential oils to use for better sleep, the calming scent of lavender has been proven to increase slow-wave sleep, and can also be used for its muscle relaxation properties.
2 - Chamomile Oil
An incredibly effective essential oil for those who struggle with anxiety, chamomile essential oils are naturally soothing and can help minimize the impact of stress and anxiety. Chamomile tea has also been shown to have calming effects on the body, and is often recommended as a late-night beverage to have as you’re winding down for the night.
3 - Bergamot Oil
Bergamot is actually a citrus fruit, but studies have found its potency in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, thereby making it ideal if you’re trying to prime your body for a good night’s sleep.
4 - Valerian Oil
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, valerian root has been used to make medicine and is often used by people who struggle with sleep deprivation. Its naturally sedative properties make it ideal to use for aromatherapy before bedtime.
5 - Sandalwood Oil
The ground, earthy scent of sandalwood can be a great tool for anyone who needs to relieve their anxiety or high stress. Some studies have also revealed that sandalwood has naturally sleep-inducing properties for better sleep.
How do essential oils work?
Scent can actually play a significant role in the way your brain is able to manage and adapt to stress. Naturally soothing scents send signals to your brain that help you slow down naturally, which is why essential oils have become such a popular natural sleep remedy for those who struggle with sleep deprivation.
One thing to keep in mind about essential oils is that they are ‘adaptogens’, which means that they can respond differently in different people. Finding the right essential oils for you might take a little trial and error, but with enough observation, you’re going to find the right combination for you. Your sleep will thank you for it.
