Essential oils have taken the country by storm and if you are someone who suffers from poor sleep, aromatherapy may be the answer. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that relies on sense of smell. Scent is one of the most unique of the five senses as it’s the only one that moves directly to the brain’s emotional and memory center.
Derived and extracted from flowers, leaves, and other part plants, essential oils have been known to heal the mind, body, and soul. While they have been used for centuries, today they’re being studied more than ever before. Essential oils are utilized to aid in many aspects of your life, one of which is for sleep. When we don’t get an adequate amount of rest, it can greatly impact our mental wellness, ability to concentrate, and overall energy level. If you are looking for a natural way to improve sleep, here are some essential oils that can help:
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Lavender – this is the most commonly used oil due to its calming properties. Lavender has been known to relax the nervous system by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, all of which take place during sleep. It can also help reduce anxious thoughts, making sleep easier.
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Valerian – this is often taken as a sleep supplement and is widely used in nighttime teas. Valerian root is said to enhance the quality of sleep and allow you to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more alert and energized.
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Bergamot – while a citrus fruit, this oil promotes relaxation as opposed to an invigorating effect. Bergamot induces physiological changes that complement sleep such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure. It also assists with alleviating feelings of stress and anxious thoughts.
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Roman Chamomile – if you are someone with sleep difficulties, there’s a good chance you have tried chamomile tea. While beneficial, the roman chamomile essential oil is even more effective. It is said to calm anxiety, improve vital signs, and promote better quality sleep.
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Clary Sage – while sage is an herb, clary is slightly different and is a natural sedative that delivers a calming effect to help you fall and stay asleep. It’s also said to lessen levels of stress, which could potentially lead to a more peaceful night’s sleep.
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Sweet Marjoram – known for its pleasant and classy scent, sweet marjoram is recommended due to its calming qualities. Furthermore, it’s said to be relaxing and eases blood flow.
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Cedarwood– cedarwood contains cedrol, which has been found to have a tranquilizing effect, allowing you to stay asleep throughout the night with less disturbances.
These fragrant oils can be experienced by placing a few drops on your pillow at night, in a diffuser, spray mist, or applied to the body directly. While scientists have yet to determine how or why aromatherapy works, it has become an easy and safe solution for those looking to get a better night’s sleep. Do you use essential oils for sleep? Share your experience below!
