There is nothing quite as frustrating as tossing and turning throughout the night. The more you want to sleep, the more your mind races. The result? Studies have shown that interrupted sleep can impair mental performance during the day. Emotional stress, medical conditions, and unfavorable environment are just some of factors that can add up to a poor night’s sleep.
But before you reach for the sleeping pills, you may want to try out some gentler, natural remedies. Fortunately, there are a number of essential oils that are bursting with sleep promoting properties. If you’ve been having trouble nodding off, here are some of the best natural oils you can start testing out tonight.
Here Are The Top 5 Essential Oils For Sleep
Lavender Essential Oil
Great for: Its calming, floral scent.
Lavender is indigenous to the sunny mountainous area of the Mediterranean although it now blooms throughout different parts of Europe, Australia, and the United States. The oil in its flowers gives the herb its aromatic scent. As several studies have shown, the scent of lavender can help relieve anxiety and stimulate relaxation. Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil can improve sleep quality and induce relaxation as it slows down the activity of the nervous system.
Neroli Essential Oil
Great for: It’s mood boosting, sedating properties.
Neroli essential oil is produced from the flowers of the bitter orange tree through the process water distillation. Often used in aromatherapy, Neroli is useful for calming the nerves. It is a mild sedative that can help treat anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and stress related illnesses. Its sedative properties make it perfect as one of the best essential oils for sleep. Blending it with lavender essential oil and a half a cup of grain alcohol is sure to induce a restful slumber.
Vetiver Essential Oil
Great for: Soothing muscle relaxation.
As with many other essential oils, Vetiver has sedative properties. The property that makes this oil stand out, however is its muscle warming and tension easing properties. This essential oil is perfect if your sleep problem is caused by hormonal stress, muscular ache or restless legs syndrome. It can help sedate nervous irritations and intense emotional outbursts. For insomniacs, adding a few drops of Vetiver essential oil to a warm bath before bedtime can stimulate deep sleep.
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Great for: Its complex, comforting scent.
One of the oldest known materials, sandalwood is held in such high regard because its aromatic scent has meant its been a primary ingredient in incense. The fragrance of sandalwood essential oil creates an ecstatic yet grounding effect, promoting a sense of comfort and serenity. Due to its sedative and antidepressant effects, it can help improve sleep as well as support circulation and the nervous system. To achieve its sleep inducing effects, simply place a drop on the wrists and massage it in.
Marjoram Essential Oil
Great for: Its mind quieting, anti-anxiety properties.
A member of the mint family, the herbaceous Marjoram essential oil is a mainstay of many kitchens. Aside from its culinary use, it is also ideal for relieving tension associated with headaches, muscle pains, and soreness. Research has shown it to be one of the most effective essential oils for sleep due to its combined sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Marjoram makes a great calming massage oil, especially when combined with the lavender.
Even if you’re not aware of the myriad health benefits a good night’s sleep will bring, you know that not getting enough sleep can make you feel truly wretched. While it’s true that certain external factors can affect your quality of your rest, trying some essential oils for sleep can be a natural and effective help in easing you into a deep slumber.
