13 Best Essential Oils To Help You Get More Sleep

You don’t have to reach out for any pills when sleepless nights strike you. Today, there are several natural ways to help you get a peaceful slumber, and using essential oils for sleep is an excellent remedy. Essential oil scents exude a wonderful fragrance that can relax your mind and help you sleep. So, without further ado, let’s decode the best essential oil for sleep.  

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are made using mechanical pressing or a distillation process. They are potent oils made with a variety of plant extracts. They retain the smell and benefits of the said plant and can be used for aromatherapy and on skin or hair when mixed with a carrier oil. 

According to a 2019 study, it was seen that essential oils can;

• Help combat pain 
• Helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
• Promotes sleep
• Lowers blood pressure

You can use essential oils for various issues, but today we will discuss essential oils for relaxation and sleep. 

Best Essential Oils for Sleep

You can easily slip into a peaceful slumber with a few drops of essential oils for better sleep. 

1. Bergamot Essential Oil

Experts say Bergamot can be one of the best essential oils for sleep and anxiety as it lowers blood pressure. In one 2019 study, it was seen that the essential oil blend found in Bergamot enhanced sleep quality, especially in people with heart issues. 

2. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender oil for sleep is excellent and the most popular choice. The soothing fragrance of lavender aromatherapy can have a variety of health benefits. As per one analysis, it was seen that some of the benefits of lavender oil include;

• It reduces stress and anxiety 
• Helps with pain and headaches 
• Improves brain function 

Also, another study showed that lavender oil could help improve sleep quality, especially in those suffering from depression. It can also reduce the symptoms of insomnia.

3. Clary Sage Essential Oil

Clary sage essential oil has potent anti-stress properties. One study showed that clary sage essential oil produced various antidepressants and stress-fighting effects. 

And also lowers blood pressure and promotes calm breathing in women with urinary incontinence. 

4. Vetiver Essential Oil

This plant is used for medicinal purposes. It can also be used to aid sleep. In one study, it was seen that vetiver essential oil could help improve breathing as you sleep. It enhances exhalation quality and could be beneficial for those who snore. The scent of this oil is also helpful in combating anxiety symptoms and can help you sleep stress-free. 

5. Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile oil can be beneficial if you are looking for aromatherapy for sleep. It was seen that this wondrous oil could substantially reduce anxiety and keep cortisol levels low. Chamomile essential oil also improves sleep quality by reducing awakenings. 

6. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood can be good for your skin and hair. But this essential oil is good for sleep. It is because cedarwood comes with sedative properties that are beneficial to get rid of occasional insomnia.

7. Valerian Essential Oil

Valerian essential oil can be great for you. Some advantages it fetches you include relief from insomnia, nervous tension, migraine, and nervous indigestion.

8. Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine oil offers many benefits, from being an antidepressant to an aphrodisiac, it is also one of the best essential oils to help you sleep. One study showcased that jasmine oil could elevate mood and offer sedative effects. 

9. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

A small study showed that ylang-ylang oil is excellent for reducing anxiety and can positively affect your mood. It was seen that ylang-ylang has a sedative effect and can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates in healthy men. 

10. Peppermint Essential Oil

If you are wondering does aromatherapy works, the answer is yes, and peppermint oil is the proof. The menthol component in this oil helps relax your mind and body and curb anxiety symptoms. Therefore, it can help you enjoy a good night’s rest. 

11. Sandalwood Essential Oil

One of the main essential oils effects here is that sandalwood oil reduces anxiety. One study, showed that women undergoing breast biopsy and used sandalwood essential oil were able to reduce anxiety levels. Another study shows us that this essential oil could lower blood pressure levels and curb cortisol levels in the saliva. When you feel light and sound, sleep comes naturally. 

12. Marjoram Essential Oil

Marjoram essential oil offers a variety of benefits. It can lower the risks of chronic conditions, from preventing free radicals to providing anti-inflammatory benefits, such as diabetes and cancer. It also offers sedative effects, relaxing, soothing the mind, and inducing sleep. 

13. Eucalyptus Essential Oil

The lovely scent of eucalyptus essential oil can be beneficial for sleep because it promotes relaxation and helps get rid of stress. It also decreases the sympathetic nervous and stress response systems and provides calming effects. 

How to Use Essential Oils for Sleep

You now know what essential oils are good for sleep, and you can use them as per your preference to induce a good night’s rest. But let’s understand the best ways to use essential oils for sleep. 

Rub It On The Skin 

One of the easiest ways to use essential oils for sleep is to rub them on your wrists, chest, and neck. However, you must always dilute the essential oils with carrier oils, such as coconut or olive oil. 

Use It With Your Hair Oil 

Oils, such as lavender and peppermint, can be good for your hair and sleep. Therefore, you can mix a few drops with your regular hair oil and give yourself a good scalp massage. 

Put It In the Diffuser 

If you don’t want to use essential oils topically, you can always use a diffuser. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for sleep and switch it on. You are good to go. 

Mix It With Lotions 

If you don’t want your skin to feel all oily, you can mix essential oils with your favourite lotion. The fragrance will help you enjoy a sweet slumber. 

Add A Few Drops On The Pillow 

It is the easiest way to use essential oil for sleep. Add a few drops to your pillow, and you are good to go. However, it may stain the pillow. 

Pros and cons of using essential oils for sleep

Before using essential oils, it is vital to understand all the pros and cons. 

Pros 

• Several studies have seen a link between sleep and essential oils 
• Some essential oils also offer other health benefits
• Essential oils are readily available 

Cons 

• Essential oils can be slightly expensive 
• It may not be beneficial for everyone and differs from one person to another
• There are several options, so you need to choose one that suits you 
• Some people may be allergic to essential oils, mainly if you apply them directly to your skin 

How Do Essential Oils Work

You know what do essential oils do. Now let’s see how they work. When you apply essential oil to your skin, it gets absorbed into it to provide the benefits it is supposed to offer. When you inhale it through your nose or mouth, it interacts with the olfactory organs and reaches the brain. However, essential oils must never be ingested, and they can be toxic. 

Risk and Cautions

• Never use undiluted essential oils on your skin directly
• They must never be ingested as they can be toxic 
• Always do a patch test before you apply it topically 
• If you want to use it during pregnancy, speak with your doctor first 

Essential oils can be great for you as they not only fetch you plenty of benefits but also help you enjoy a good night’s rest. However, ensure you choose the one that suits you.

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