More studies are being done on the importance of getting enough hours of sleep and a good quality slumber. The truth is that your lack of sleep isn’t synonymous with you being productive. In fact, it could actually affect how you perform in the day.
People have been trying different methods and products to help them sleep better at night. But the most popular among them is perhaps essential oils for sleep. Here’s what you need to know about these natural sleep aids:
Is There Research About Essential Oils?
Many people know that essential oils are beneficial, and they have so many uses. There are some that can help improve the immune system, while others help with anxiety. And as you know, there are some that can get you a good night’s sleep.
The lavender essential oil may be one of the most popular essential oils recognised for its effectiveness in helping people of all ages get better sleep. A study conducted in 2005 showed that lavender essential oil increased the amount of deep-wave sleep in the study participants. All the participants also claimed to feel more “vigorous” the following morning.
What Are the Best Essential Oils for Sleep?
Now, here are some of the popular essential oils that people use to induce sleep:
1. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile can help alleviate insomnia. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, which often cause people to lose sleep. Chamomile has been used for as long as herbal medicines were utilised to minimise the effects of stress and anxiety.
2. Bergamot Oil
Citrus oils are often stimulating, but bergamot oil is the exception because it has an exceptionally calming effect. Research shows that bergamot essential oil can help jumpstart some physiological changes like lowering blood pressure and heart rate, making one fall asleep faster. A quick note of warning, however, is that you must never apply it topically if you’re going out of the house because it’s highly photosensitive.
3. Valerian Oil
Valerian oil can help inhibit the neurotransmitter GABA’s breakdown, inducing sleep. It essentially works similarly to how anti-anxiety medications work.
4. Ylang Ylang Oil
Produced from the Cananga tree’s Ylang-Ylang flower and fruit from Indonesia, this essential oil is highly soothing, like lavender oil. It eases away stress and promotes better sleep quality.
5. Peppermint Oil
If the cause of your difficulty in sleeping is your congested chest, head, and sinuses, or perhaps sleep apnea, then peppermint oil is the right choice for you. It has been known to help clear the airways to improve breathing and also reduce snoring!
How to Use Essential Oils for Sleep
There are different ways to use essential oils, so it depends on your preference and who will use them. For example, there are essential oils for babies that could help them sleep better at night, and they are applied differently. There are also essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin, while some require the use of a diffuser. Most of the time, it’s safe to apply a few drops of the essential oil to your pillow so that the lingering smell of the essential oil can last for hours.
One thing to remember is that you should never apply essential oils topically unless they’ve been diluted with a carrier oil!
Conclusion
Any of these essential oils for sleep can help you achieve the rest that you deserve after a busy day. You can give them all a try until you find the one that works for you best. However, to ensure your safety, it’s best to consult your doctor before using them, especially if you take medications for a chronic condition.
If you want to try essential oils in Perth, you will need the right supplies from Anita’s Oil Essentials to make the most of your oils. From diffusers to roller bottles and more, you’ll find everything you need to make your “oiling” journey much more enjoyable. Check out our supplies today and place your order!