Which Essential Oils are Best for Sleep?
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep issues that people face, and most of us will encounter at some point in our lives. Whether your sleep problems are due to stress or you are not sure what is going on, instead of turning to sleeping pills straight away, it is a good idea to try essential oils first.
A lot of the time getting to sleep is about creating the perfect environment to relax your muscles and helping you switch off that nagging voice in your head. This is why it is better to try a non-medical route first because it might be that all you need is a little hint that it’s bedtime and so you should feel sleepy.
This is when the essential oils come in. Some oils, like lavender, have been shown to help with insomnia in small trials, but others are just a good way to create a scent that you might associate with sleeping and calmness. The trick is to find out which essential oil is best for you.
Which Essential Oils Work Best?
Lavender
Lavender is well-known as an insomnia cure, and some experiments have shown real promise. Whether the success comes down to confirmation bias or the calming scent itself is almost irrelevant at this point, placebo or not, if it works for you then keep going!
Vetiver
This oil has a rich scent that it takes some time to get used to, so you may wish to mix in some lighter scents like lavender or Roman Chamomile. However, the earthy tones are added to 90% of western perfumes so you can be assured that it is not an unpleasant scent!
Roman Chamomile
Like Lavender, Roman Chamomile is also well-known for its relaxing qualities, but it may also be used as a way to reduce inflammation and pain when applied directly to the skin. Though scientific study of these effects is limited, there is anecdotal evidence available. It is a light floral scent that is welcome in any bedroom.
Ylang-Ylang
Floral and fruity, ylang-ylang is another popular scent in the bedroom. This essential oil is often used in cosmetics and soaps creating a clean and calm feeling. Anecdotally, ylang-ylang is great for lifting the spirit, calming nerves and may even be used as an aphrodisiac – what could be better for the bedroom?!
Bergamot
Perhaps best known for giving Earl Grey tea its top floral notes, Bergamot is quite a bright and uplifting scent. Though it can be quite stimulating for some people, it is brilliant as an addition to other fragrances that need a bit of lifting. If you like to mix your oils to create your own signature scent, bergamot is a must.
Do not apply to skin before being exposed to sunlight as Bergamot will cause increased light sensitivity.
Sandalwood
It may be a little more expensive than other oils, but Sandalwood is another scent that is popular with perfumeries and soapmakers around the world. Sandalwood is significant in many religions and is traditionally used to relax and treat mild pain and inflammation.
Marjoram
As well as a fine ingredient in soups and stews, Marjoram is often used to help alleviate muscle and joint pains as well as promote good health. The scent works well with other oils such as Cedarwood and Bergamot, adding a herby finish.
Cedarwood
Another great blender, Cedarwood can bring a deeper, woody tone to any essential oil mix. It is perfect for repelling insects, making it a popular choice for candlemakers around the world. This scent is just what you need to calm down after a long day.
How to Use Essential Oils
- Apply Directly to Your Skin
The vast majority of oils can be applied directly to your skin and putting a dab on your wrists is the best way to make the most of the scent overnight.
You can also mix essential oils with scentless vegetable oils or sweet almond oil to dilute them a little more. Rubbing a mixture on the bottom of your feet or the skin at the back of your neck is a brilliant way to start relaxing with a gentle massage.
- Use an Oil Diffuser
Oil diffusers are ideal for bringing a scent into the whole room and are – unsurprisingly – very popular with aromatherapy enthusiasts. All you need to do is to add a couple of drops of your essential oil into the water in the diffuser, and the scent will be released through the reeds in just a few minutes.
When it comes to essential oils to sleep better, you will find that its world is vast, so feel free to give them a try, find the right oil or oils for you and apply them how or where you need or like. Mixing and combining them is another fantastic option when dealing with sleeping problems. You will not regret using them at all!
