Struggle to fall asleep every time your head hits the hay? This is your sign to stop and smell the essential oils. Many people swear by aromatherapy for sleep to help them lock in a good night’s rest.
Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling certain scents to improve the quality of sleep and overall well-being. For centuries, essential oils have been used for numerous purposes, including treating physical ailments, reducing stress, improving acne, and of course, helping you sleep. But the question remains: Do essential oils for sleep actually work?
Here, you’ll learn about the powerful benefits of aromatherapy for sleep and explore the best scents to help you get more shut-eye.
What is aromatherapy for sleep?
Aromatherapy for sleep involves inhaling relaxing scents, most commonly with the help of a diffuser. Essential oils are often hailed for their sleep-inducing properties. The main reason why aromatherapy for sleep is so popular is that it’s considered a natural solution to many problems, including insomnia, sleep anxiety, and stress.
Essentials oils promote relaxation and are largely considered safe for use. While most people use a diffuser to reap the benefits of aromatherapy for sleep, you can also sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil into a bath or on your pillow. In a diluted form, these oils can also be massaged directly onto the skin. However, that option is less advisable because it might trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
If you’re trying essential oils for the first time, it’s best to consult a doctor or an aromatherapist to understand the best way to use them for improving the quality of your sleep.
Best essential oils for a good night’s sleep
Tired of tossing and turning every night? There’s an essential oil out there for you. Here are some of the best essential oils to help you catch more z’s.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils — so popular, in fact, that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a list of best essential oils that doesn’t feature it. In particular, it’s the go-to choice for anyone who struggles with sleep anxiety. Research has even shown that lavender essential oils are effective at reducing anxiety and provide pain relief to help you fall asleep faster.
Additionally, lavender has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of insomnia and improve slow-wave sleep, which is essential for memory consolidation and effective daytime functioning. The best way to use lavender for sleep is by diffusing its scent in your room an hour or two before bedtime.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a diffuser, you can also dilute it with water and spray it around your room. Because the scent of lavender is powerful, be sure to spray with a light hand; a little goes a really long way.
2. Chamomile
You might already know that drinking a cup of chamomile tea can help you sleep better, but chamomile essential oils are also a game-changer.
Chamomile essential oils are known for their soothing and relaxing properties. If you’ve had a long day at work and find it challenging to unwind and let go of the day’s stresses, then diffusing a chamomile essential oil can help you de-stress. Chamomile also has pain-relieving properties and may help you fight headaches and relieve other minor aches.
3. Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oils are known for their sedative properties, which makes them effective at combating insomnia.
Cedarwood can also reduce stress and control anxiety, making it a great choice for battling nighttime worries. The best way to use cedarwood is to inhale it from the bottle, diffuse it, or spray it on your bedding after diluting it.
Aromatherapy has emerged as a natural solution to sleepless nights, so it would make sense if you’re curious to try them. However, it’s essential to remember that aromatherapy alone can’t help you sleep better, so try pairing it with the most comfortable mattress to reap the restorative benefits of essential oils.