How To Choose Essential Oils for A Better Sleep

How To Choose Essential Oils for A Better Sleep

Anyone who has spent a sleepless night knows the toll that it can take on both the mind and the body. Regular, uninterrupted sleep is a critical component of good health. Unfortunately, though, around 1 in three individuals experience mild to severe forms of insomnia. Many people try sleeping pills, but these can lead to a toxic dependency that ends up causing more harm than good. Instead, it’s best to turn to natural methods when you’re having trouble drifting off.

Aromatherapy has long been used as a way to help relax the mind and body, inducing a peaceful, sleepy state. Today, many people still turn to essential oils to help themselves sleep, either diffusing them, using them as a topical ointment, bathing with them, or sprinkling the scent onto pillows. There are several essential oils commonly found on the holistic market that are thought to have calming properties.

Lavender

Many of us have heard from our mother or grandmother that Lavender helps to soothe the soul, but this is more than just a pass-me-down home remedy. Studies have shown that lavender can act as a mild sedative, inducing sleep and stabilizing mood. You can add two drops of lavender into a pillow or use an oil extract to help calm yourself before bedtime.

Ylang Ylang

Translated as “flower of flowers,” this plant is used in traditional medicine to help alleviate stress and anxiety and restore a sense of peace at the end of the day. It comes from the flowers of the Cananga tree, a species native to Indonesia, and it’s known for its sweet yet fruity scent. Ylang ylang oil may irritate the skin, but for most people, it’s fine in aerosolized form.

Roman Chamomile

As the name suggests, chamomile was used extensively in the Roman era as a medicinal herb. It’s known as a natural sedative, and chamomile tea is often brewed for sick of colicky children to help with sleep. In addition to tea, chamomile can also be vaporized or dried and used in potpourri.

Essential oils offer a safe and natural way to help induce sleep in people who suffer from insomnia. Herbs and flowers can help to calm our minds and bodies through smell alone, leaving us feeling calmer and more at peace. If you’re having difficulty sleeping through the night, you may want to consider adding essential oils to your bedtime ritual to help yourself relax.