Essential Oils: A Natural Remedy for Sleep & Relaxation

In a time like this when the COVID-19 pandemic has put our lives on hold, everything seems to be more stressful. The days stuck at home seem to be longer and for some people, falling asleep at night can be mission impossible. This, consequently, affects your energy levels, mood and overall quality of life. But worry not – one of the best natural remedies that boost relaxation and improve your sleep quality are just a few clicks away – essential oils for sleep and relaxation.

There’s a reason why people have been using essential oils for years now in their day-to-day lives. They are natural, easy to introduce to a daily routine, and have a range of health benefits. Whether you need a little help to fall asleep or you are looking for gifts to leave your loved ones speechless, you can choose from a wide range of zzz-inducing essential oils.

What Are the Best Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation?

“Aromatherapy” is the modern term for using essential oils for medical purposes. Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Here are some of the best ones used to boost relaxation and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Lavender

Perhaps the most popular among the collection of essential oils for sleep and relaxation, lavender oil has a soothing scent that has long been used as a natural remedy for anxiety. The sedative effects of lavender work directly to help you fall asleep. This natural oil is rich in linalool, a terpene which has been associated with calming the central nervous system and providing a sedating effect conducive to sleep. Many reliable studies have shown that this oil can improve sleep quality and elevate daytime alertness for people with insomnia.

Jasmine

The exotic sweet floral aroma of this essential oil is warming and comforting. It is said to inspire trust and confidence while improving your mood, emotional disconnection and lethargy. Research shows that this sleep elixir has several beneficial effects, including reducing restlessness during sleep. If you are constantly feeling tired during the day, this oil might be ideal for you. Using jasmine oil may also increase how alert you are during daytime, which can help reduce your urge to nap.

Chamomile

Chamomile is considered one of the most popular oils for fighting insomnia, helping relieve headaches, and even reducing menstrual cramps. The sweet hay fragranced scent of chamomile may help reduce plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is a stress-induced hormone. While drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed is often recommended for better sleep, you might find the chamomile essential oil to be even more effective.

Sandalwood

Its rich, woody and earthy scent might be very beneficial for relaxation and anxiety relief. Research has shown that sandalwood can have sedative effects, reducing wakefulness and increasing the period of non-REM sleep.

Neroli

Neroli oil is extracted from the blossom of a bitter orange tree and has sweet honey and spicy scent. This natural remedy helps reduce your stress levels and lowers your blood pressure, making it easier for you to drift off to dreamy land.

Cedarwood

The warm, soothing scent of this essential oil can suppress feelings of anger and promote sound sleep. This essential oil contains cedrol, which has been found to have a sedative effect making it useful for occasional bouts of insomnia. It’s ideal for those who have trouble sleeping longer and wake up very early in the morning.

Ways to Use Essential Oils

Now that you know which oils for relaxation can help you sleep better, you might want to learn how to use them. One of the ways is to simply rub a few drops on certain parts of your body such as your chest, wrist, neck, forehead or hands. Doing this at the beginning and the end of the day might help you feel more calm and relaxed. Before applying the essential oil, it might be a good idea to mix it with a carrier oil, since your skin may be sensitive to undiluted essential oils.

Another great way to to get the relaxation and sleep benefits of aromatherapy is to add essential oils to your bath. You can put several drops of your favourite oil into your bathwater, and schedule your soaking time for 40 minutes to an hour before your bedtime.

You can put essential oils in a diffuser. This way, they can be dispersed into the air in your room, making it easier for you to breathe them in throughout the day.

How to Make Oil Blends for Better Sleep

You can either buy or make relaxing oil blends, dilute them with water and spray them on your bedding to help you sleep better. You can put three to five drops of both lavender and citrus into 250 ml of water. This blend might help relieve symptoms of mild anxiety and promote body relaxation. Four to six drops of lavender with three to five drops of cedarwood oil might be ideal for balancing and calming the body. These and similar powerful essential oil blends for relaxation can be easily found online if you don’t have the ingredients to make them at home.