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Five Of The Best Essential Oils For Sleep

Do you struggle to fall asleep? You are not alone.
 
According to the CDC stats, approximately 35%-44% of adults in the U.S. don’t get enough sleep. Living in this modern-day society, we are continually distracted by external stimulation and a fast-paced lifestyle. It is, therefore, not surprising some of these contributing factors to lack of sleep include time constraints, lifestyle choices, poor diet, physical inactivity, stress, and even blue light exposure from our electronic devices. 
 
A common complaint is that of daily stress-induced anxiety, which results in chronic insomnia. Unfortunately, long-term sleep deprivation may lead to depression, gastrointestinal symptoms, poor concentration, lack of coordination leading to accidents or errors, low motivation, and daytime sleepiness, all of which increase the risk for stroke, heart disease, and even death. The consequences 

of poor sleeping patterns can be catastrophic.

It should, therefore, be everyone’s priority to ensure proper rest and adequate sleep. Yet, for some adults, it’s not just a matter of going to bed earlier or rearranging their schedule. Some simply can’t get their brain to unwind.
 
A few suggestions are maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, relaxing the body in a warm bath, creating sleeping schedules, and not engaging in stimulating activities such as watching television an hour before bedtime.
 
But did you know that essential oils can also help with sleep and relaxation? That’s right! Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their calming and soothing properties that can help relax the body and mind. There is such a wide variety of oils with unique benefits that individuals can choose which oil works best for them. There are some oils, however, due to their chemical makeup that are particularly known to be useful for calming the body and helping to promote restful sleep.
 
Let’s have a quick look at our top five favorite oils for sleep!

1. Lavender Oil

The lovely scent of lavender oil has long been associated with soothing and relaxation.
Researchers have found that lavender contains ketones and esters, chemical groups that may provide calming properties.
Try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet at bedtime. Lavender oil may also be taken internally to promote feelings of ease. Add a drop of two to a glass of water and sip before drifting off to sleep.
 
Try our Serenity restful complex softgels, a blend of Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower and German chamomile for a relaxing sleep.

2. Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang Ylang oil has a rich floral aroma taken from the yellow flowers of the Cananga tree, which grows in the tropics. The soothing scent has long been used in aromatherapy to lessen tension and stress, and uplift mood.

Even if you’ve never heard of Ylang Ylang oil, you may recognize its sweet scent, as it is a prominent ingredient in many perfumes, including the famous perfume, Chanel No. 5.

 

 

Enjoy a stress-free bath that will invigorate your senses and promote relaxation with this oil. Why not put Ylang Ylang essential oil into an Epson salt bath to help you unwind after a long day and promote a calm mood before bedtime!

3. Clary Sage Oil

You may have heard of sage, a common herb used in cooking. Clary sage, while related, is a little different and its effects on your ability to sleep can be profound. It is one of the most relaxing, soothing, and balancing essential oils when used aromatically and internally. This is mainly due to the chemical constituent of linalyl acetate.

 

 

Don’t let your head fill with to-do lists and philosophical questions of the universe right before bedtime causing you to toss and turn all night. Try relaxing your mind with Clary Sage oil and diffuse this oil next to your bed, or add a few drops to your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.

4. Copaiba Oil

Copaiba oil is an essential oil extracted from the Copaiba trees in the Amazon forest. It is known for its balmy scent that may gently help send you to dreamland. It has many purposes but often used to calm occasional feelings of anxiousness.

 

 

If you tend to let your mind wander in worries late at night, allow this woody scent of Copaiba oil to ground your feelings and help you relax. Add a few drops into your palms and cup your hands over your nose and mouth. Breathe deep and focus on the scent. Try to meditate. Let this powerful oil work it’s magic on your nervous system.

5. Roman Chamomile Oil

Nowadays, most people have heard of drinking a nice hot cup of chamomile tea before bed for a good night’s sleep. But did you know that in Ancient Rome, Roman Chamomile was used to help soldiers take courage? This may be partly due to the high ester constituent in its chemical profile that may help soothe the body when taken internally.

 

 

Try adding a few drops of Roman Chamomile oil to the bottoms of your feet, wrists, and neck at bedtime or adding one to two drops to your herbal tea or hot beverage. Add a drop or two to your shower at night and wash away feelings of frustration and infuse yourself with the gentle floral tones of this oil. This essential oil will surely help soothe the soul and body.

More Essential Oils for Sleep and Anxiety

This is only a shortlist of the many essential oils for sleep and anxiety. Try a few of the mentioned scents together or changing your choices. Combining essential oils with a heating pad or neck wrap is an effective way to enjoy the aroma while warming and relaxing your body.

While all the oils in this article can be taken topically, aromatically, and internally, but it is important to make sure your oils have been approved for internal use and is safe to add to food and drink. Furthermore, note that oils are personal and individual reactions to the same oil may vary. It’s best to experiment and see which oil works best for you.

 

Once you’ve discovered your favorite bedtime oils, add them to your nightly routine and allow your body the peaceful sleep it desires to help you bounce with energy the following day.

 

To learn more about the right scents for you, check out one of our virtual classes!

 

If you’re new to the world of essential oils, you may not yet know which scents are your favorites. We suggest starting with an essential oil kit that contains the most popular oils and is bundled for savings.