There are about a thousand and one methods that people swear by to get better sleep, and maybe you’ve read about a few of them: relaxing music, eating the right kinds of food, or choosing the right mattress.
In recent years, however, the rise in popularity of essential oils has added another thing to the long list of sleep aids. They’re natural and packed with benefits that extend beyond just healthy sleep. Not to mention they smell great!
Whether through an essential oil diffuser, a spray bottle, or in its pure form, these oils create a relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom. Let’s look at a few of the best essential oils to help you get a good night’s sleep.
1. Bergamot Oil
Citrus oils are generally known for their refreshing properties, so it may seem counterintuitive to have a citrus scent put you to sleep, but that’s precisely what bergamot does. Bergamot essential oils help reduce anxiety, calming you down even on the most sleepless nights.
Aside from addressing sleep problems, bergamot can improve your blood pressure, but it’s still better to seek medical advice.
This unique calming effect perfectly contrasts with its citrus fruit scent, giving you the best of both worlds!
2. Sandalwood Oil
People have found many medicinal uses for sandalwood for centuries, and now in modern times, they’ve packaged all those good properties in the concentrated form of essential oils. Advocates of this popular scent feel a considerable reduction in restlessness and anxiety, making it a good sleep aid.
3. Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is probably the most popular scent when it comes to sleep. In addition to several medicinal benefits, this oil provides sleep-inducing properties with a noticeable reduction in anxiety, slowing down your heart rate and relaxing your muscles. A study conducted on midlife women with insomnia showed improved sleep quality after 12 weeks of using lavender oil. This simple essential oil might just be the go-to scent you need to fall right asleep at night.
From a scientific standpoint, more studies may need to be conducted to fully verify the health benefits of these essential oils and their effects on sleep, especially when it involves specific sleep disorders.
4. Roman Chamomile
While we’re familiar with chamomile in tea form, its oil variant boasts sedative effects that can promote restful sleep by keeping your nervous system relaxed. Aside from giving you longer sleep, this essential oil blend can revitalise your hair and skin!
Chamomile essential oil is also known to have pleasant effects on your digestion and
5. Ylang Ylang
For those yearning for more drops of essential oils in their bedrooms, the Ylang Ylang plant is one aromatherapy staple whose side effects you’d want to add to your bedtime routine. Found in tropical areas in Queensland and in other countries like the Philippines and Malaysia, the Ylang Ylang’s oil is known to alleviate certain sleep disturbances like insomnia.
6. Cedarwood
Different oils can affect our well-being and facilitate deep sleep. One of these is cedarwood. Aside from being incorporated as bedroom furniture, cedarwood can secrete oils and substances that can produce a calming effect on sleepers and improves their overall physical AND mental wellness.
7. Valerian Oil
Quick disclaimer that applies to all these entries, it’s best to seek a healthcare professional’s advice before you intake herbal oils. That said, there’s no harm in using these oils for aromatherapy, one of which is valerian.
Also enjoyed in tea form, valerian produces calming effects that can be described as a warm bath before bed, making it perfect for those having trouble sleeping. Plus, it’s also pretty to look at, so there’s that!
Note: beware of allergic reactions to essential oils. Consult a medical professional before use, or if you notice any new symptoms during use.