If you’re struggling to doze off and have a good night’s sleep, essential oils may help. Many people find that natural essential oils are highly effective in promoting their sleep cycle. What are the best essential oils for sleep? Here, we reveal 6 incredible oils to try.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from different plants, mainly stored in their leaves, seeds, roots, stems, flowers and buds. These concentrated compounds are then distilled to form an extract which can be used in a variety of ways, from applying to the skin to mixing with other oils.
How To Use Essential Oils For Sleep
To gain the best health benefits, there are several ways you can use essential oils for sleep.
Apply to your wrist, temples, neck, chest, head or body. It’s best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, vitamin E, or sweet almond oil as you may be potentially sensitive to an undiluted oil.
Add a couple of drops of oil to a room diffuser.
Apply to the back of your pillow.
Light a candle that contains essential oil.
Put a few drops in a warm bath that contains Epsom salts.
Add some drops to a water spray and spritz your bedroom.
6 Essential Oils For Sleep to Try
What are the best essential oils for sleep to try? Give these 6 oils a go to see if they help you to drift off to sleep.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most well-known oils for aiding sleep and relaxation. Many people also use this oil for its beneficial effects on anxiety. Additionally, lavender oil has sedative properties to help you to doze off immediately. For sleep, using lavender oil has shown to enhance overall sleep quality, as well as improve alertness during the daytime.
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood has been used for centuries for its ability to help ease anxiety and promote relaxation. However, Sandalwood oil has also been shown to both reduce and increase the sleep-wake cycle, meaning some people may have different effects from this essential oil than others.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is said to be one of the best oils for promoting calmness. If you’re looking for something to help ease a busy mind, this essential oil may be the most effective solution. In addition to aiding the reduction of anxiety, it also improves the overall quality of sleep. For those searching for a good all-rounder, chamomile oil is the one.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang oil could make you get to sleep faster, enhancing the body’s natural ability to drift off. This oil has also been shown to lower anxiety and stress, especially when blended with lavender and bergamot. Ylang Ylang also has sedative properties, so it’s particularly beneficial for those who have a racing mind.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage has multiple benefits when it comes to aiding sleep. It helps to lower anxiety levels, improve mood, and reduce cortisol levels. As cortisol is associated with alertness, a reduction may boost better sleep quality. One study demonstrated that clary sage lowered blood pressure to reduce stress. If you struggle to switch off due to feeling anxious or overwhelmed, clary sage oil may be the oil for you.
Jasmine Oil
This oil boasts a floral aroma, helping to boost sleep quality, as well as reducing anxiety. One study showed that Jasmine oil was more effective than lavender in its overall benefits for sleep. Jasmine has noted effects on improving mood and helping to alleviate headaches.
