Aromatherapy For A Good Night’s Sleep

Many people who have issues with falling and staying asleep may rely on sleep-inducing medications. While they may work, for the time being, some are extremely addictive and have adverse side effects. To avoid this, many people go the holistic route and try natural remedies.

The beauty with nature is that she has so many answers to puzzling medical questions. We, as humans, have to be willing to accept these answers and implement them in our lives.

For centuries, ancient civilizations used the routine of aromatherapy to cure multiple ailments. From ancient Egypt to East Asia, aromatherapy has been something sacred. Today, spa’s utilize this ancient tradition to help create a relaxing atmosphere.

Is there a way to implement aromatherapy into our daily routine? Yes! In fact, aromatherapy may be the answer to receiving a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been struggling with falling or staying asleep, consider these natural remedies that will help you get the sleep you need.

How Essential Oils Work

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to change the ways that we feel. Essential oils are regularly used for things like anxiety and depression, and it is anticipated that they can also help you get better sleep.

Essential oils are concentrated liquids extracted from plants. Some people think that essential oils work by interacting with chemical receptors in our brains that change the way that we feel. Other people believe that essential oils help because they smell good, and good smells can help us feel better regardless of whether or not those smells are directly communicating with chemical receptors in our brain.

Regardless of how it works, sleep experts generally agree that aromatherapy can help you get better sleep.

How Can I Use Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy doesn’t involve sacred rituals or expensive equipment. In fact, many of the tools needed are right in your home! Aromatherapy can be as simple as smelling a calming oil or boiling water infused with the oil.

Many companies sell diffusers of all sizes that help to set the mood. If you are specifically wanting a diffuser to help you fall asleep, it may be wise to invest in a quiet system that doesn’t have any lights.

But there are so many essential oils. Which ones can help you sleep?

Which Essential Oils to Use for A Good Night’s Sleep?

When it comes to falling asleep, it is wise to have oils that induce a calming feeling. There are many to choose from; however, the most popular ones are:

Lavender
A lot of us have trouble falling asleep and getting quality sleep because the stress of the day keeps us tossing and turning. Lavender essential oils are one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy for managing stress. As a result, some experts think that aromatherapy with lavender can help you get a better rest.

Essential oils aren’t the only way to get these benefits either. Studies have found that lavender tea can have similar effects of increased calmness.

Chamomile
The relaxing effects of chamomile tea are well-known. But Chamomile essential oil is also regularly available and might even help you fall asleep more effectively than a cup of tea. Be mindful, however, that essential oils have a stronger scent than the plants that we are used to. While most people enjoy the smell of chamomile tea, some people find the scent of chamomile essential oil offensive. If you experiment with it, it might be best to dilute it in water or a carrier essential oil to dilute the smell.

Jasmine
Jasmine oil is another essential oil that can help you fall asleep. It works much the same way as lavender does, namely by helping to calm your nerves. It’s easier to fall asleep and stay asleep when you aren’t feeling tense.

Bergamot
Bergamot essential oil has similarly been found to reduce feelings of anxiety as well as some of the symptoms of more serious mood disorders. Recent studies conducted on rats have also shown that this oil can help to improve mood, which may also mean that it can improve sleep.

Damask Rose
Another study, conducted on hemodialysis patients, found that Damask Rose can alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, as well as depression.

We often think about depression as a low-energy condition, but being depressed doesn’t always mean that you’re sleeping all of the time. When it comes to sleep, depression can have many of the same effects as anxiety. Many people who suffer from anxiety also suffer from depression, and vice versa, so an essential oil that is effective against both of them is significant. It is also encouraging that this study was conducted on humans rather than on mice.

Other Ways to Use Aromatherapy

If you don’t have a diffuser, you can still benefit from using aromatherapy. One way to do so is to dilute the oil with water, place it in a spray bottle, and mist the room you are in. This puts the oil in the air and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Sometimes, one spray can be potent enough to get the job done. Depending on your potency level, you can dilute the oil as much or as little as needed.

Some people find comfort with dabbing the oil directly on their temples, under the nose, wrists or on their pillows. This gives them an immediate sense of relief and relaxation. However, it is important to keep topical use at a minimum. Some people may experience rashes or skin irritations.

Another great way to use essential oils for rest is to place a few drops in your washer and dryer. This will give your sheets that relaxing smell that last through the night. This is a great way to utilize aromatherapy without investing a lot of money into a diffuser.

As always, consult with a healthcare professional before applying or using these oils. Some are very strong and can be overpowering initially. Find the best oil for you and incorporate it into your routine for a better nights rest.

Further Reading

This article has only discussed a few essential oils. There are a huge variety of essential oils to try that can improve your sleep patterns, such as Peppermint, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang or Cedarwood. These can be mixed together or with different oils to create a custom scent. When placed in a diffuser, applied topically or inhaled, you’ll get a great night’s rest without relying on medication.

But bear in mind that they aren’t always very well researched. Be sure to keep doing your own research, however. Just as there are essential oils that can make you feel relaxed and sleepy, there are also essential oils that can make you feel excited. While these essential oils have their place, they won’t help you fall asleep.