There is simply no substitute for a good night’s sleep, as anyone who has ever experienced insomnia will assure you. With the rapid pace of everyday life, more and more people are struggling to get the rest they need, resulting in a nation that is perpetually exhausted. If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep quality, consider using essential oils as sleep aid.
This age-old remedy has been used for centuries to promote sleep and relaxation, and in recent years, scientific studies have begun to validate its efficacy. There’s a reason why they’ve stood the test of time and continue to be one of the most popular natural remedies for insomnia – they actually deliver on their promise!
What Essential Oils Help You Sleep?
Each concentrated blend is designed to target specific needs like stress relief, energy support, or deep relaxation. Sleep-promoting essential oils typically have soothing, sedative properties that can ease you into a restful state.
Lavender
Kicking off the list is lavender, which is easily one of the most popular essential oil blends that people use to improve their sleep quality. This floral scent has long been associated with a serene, calm feeling, and that reputation is well-deserved – studies show that lavender oil can help reduce anxiety levels and calm the mind.
Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two compounds that have sedative and anxiety-reducing properties. In fact, research shows that inhaling lavender oil can significantly decrease anxiety levels within just 10 minutes. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re struggling with mild insomnia or general anxiety that’s making it difficult to fall asleep.
Sandalwood
This woody, sweet-smelling essential mix is a common sight in many spas and yoga studios thanks to its ability to induce feelings of tranquillity. Its unique aroma has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, which can be helpful if you’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Sandalwood oil is made up of a compound called alpha-santalol, which is believed to have potent calming effects. This makes it an ideal oil to use if you’re feeling overstimulated before bed and need help winding down.
Cedarwood
This is a somewhat more affordable option that’s also widely available, making it a great place to start for novice aromatherapy enthusiasts. It has a woodsy, earthy scent that’s grounding and stabilising, providing a sense of calm and serenity.
It’s high in sesquiterpenes, blends that have been shown to directly impact the parts of the brain responsible for inducing sleep. In fact, one study found that inhaling cedarwood oil helped participants fall asleep faster and improved the quality of their sleep.
Peppermint
Although not conventionally thought of as part of the essential oils for sleep aid group, this refreshing, cooling scent is worth considering if you’re struggling with respiratory issues that make it difficult to sleep.
Peppermint oil includes menthol, an ingredient that has decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is why it’s commonly used to relieve chest congestion, sinus pressure, and other respiratory problems. Inhaling this concentrated blend can help to open up your airways and make it easier to breathe just before bed.
Eucalyptus
This oil is often used in topical form to relieve muscle pain and tension, but it can also be inhaled to open up the sinuses and ease respiratory problems. Both of these effects can be helpful if you’re not getting enough rest due to sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties.
Its active ingredient, eucalyptol, can help to reduce inflammation and pain. This makes it an effective way to relieve tension headaches or other forms of discomfort that might be keeping you up at night.
Vetiver
Vetiver oil is used for its sheer impact rather than for its pleasant fragrance. With its rich, earthy scent, vetiver oil isn’t for everyone, but the benefits are hard to ignore.
If you can’t seem to shake the feeling of being on edge, vetiver oil might be worth trying. This oil is known for its calming, grounding effects that can ease anxiety symptoms and help you relax. It’s also effective in treating insomnia, thanks to its calming properties.
Clary Sage
For those dealing with depression or hormonal imbalances, clary sage oil is definitely worth considering. This oil has a sweet, nutty aroma that’s both uplifting and calming. These effects are due to its high concentration of linalyl acetate, a highly effective sedative.
It’s also often used to treat PMS and menopause symptoms, both of which can cause insomnia. While these conditions can be tricky to treat, clary sage oil can help manage the visible symptoms and make it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep.
Chamomile
Last but not least, we have chamomile, a herb that’s well-known for its calming effects. If you’ve ever had chamomile tea before bed, you know just how powerful this herb can be in promoting sleepiness.
Its main active ingredient, apigenin, is known to promote tranquillity and relaxation. Those that are forced to cope with stress or anxiety-related insomnia may find solace in this particular essential oil blend.
Final Thoughts
It may seem a little strange to think about using essential oils in your quest for a good night’s sleep, but it is actually a great idea. If you’ve tried other methods but found they’re not working, then you may want to give these options a try.
