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 take a look at a few of the best essential oils to help you get a good night’s sleep.
1. Bergamot Oil
Citrus oils are normally known for their invigorating properties so it may seem counterintuitive to have a citrus scent put you to sleep, but that’s exactly what bergamot does. Bergamot essential oils help to reduce anxiety, calming you down even on the most sleepless of nights. This unique calming effect is in perfect contrast with its citrus fruit scent so you get 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 several medicinal benefits, users of this oil will swear by its 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. However, if you can’t seem to get a good night’s rest, this may just be what you need. Breathe in the aromatic scents and have sweet dreams!
Note: beware of allergic reactions to essential oils. Consult a medical professional before use, or if you notice any new symptoms during use.