Using essential oils for sleep or a sleep aid has been a wonderful, non-medicated way to assist a restful night’s sleep for me. These have been the best essential oils for a good night’s sleep and may help you for occasional insomnia.
Essential Oils For Sleep
As a busy homeschooling mom, who generally wakes up before the sun, getting to sleep isn’t a regular issue for me. But like you, I occasionally suffer with getting to sleep at night, despite how tired I am. I’m sure all of us has dealt with an occasional night of sleeplessness. The best essential oils for sleep offer you a natural way to relax and drift into a peaceful night’s sleep without medication.
These are the oils that I have talked more about with friends and family with sleep issues. Most are good for a variety of things but resting, relaxing and aiding a night of sleep are some of their top uses.
You may or may not be surprised to know that up to 70 million Americans are taking sleeping pills at night? (source). These pills can have a range of side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth and daytime sleepiness (among others); it makes you question if they are worth it. (source). Doing a little research on essential oils for sleep might be worth the time before you or someone you love starts taking a medical sleep aid.
Is there any solution of insomnia without medications?
I am not a medical professional so I cannot advise you on medication. However I can share my experience with using essential oils for sleep. You may find that this aids your sleep enough that you no longer need medical intervention but you should NEVER start or stop medicine without first talking to your doctor.
What is the natural way to sleep better?
What will help you fall asleep and what are the best natural sleep aid when you have insomnia? While I know essential oils for sleeping can be a natural way to combat insomnia you should consider other factors too. Even before you look into buying some essential oils for sleeping you need to make sure you’ve created a healthy sleep environment to improve sleep quality. Remember that healthy sleep habits are very important!
- Keep a routine and wake-up and go to sleep at the same time, everyday. This includes weekends.
- Try not to nap. Now there are times when I nap can be very beneficial but on a regular basis it can actually keep you from having a good night’s sleep. If you must nap regularly try to limit it to 20 minutes.
- Avoid “screens” 1 – 2 hours before your scheduled bedtime. Bright light is a trigger to the body to wake up and get moving. When you spend your last hours of the day at the computer, tv or on the phone you are sending the wrong signal to your brain. If you MUST be in front of a screen, consider dimming the brightness.
- Make sure you’re moving during the day. Exercise, like a 30 minute walk, can be very beneficial to a good night’s sleep.
- Limit caffeine or cut it out completely. Every body is different and it can really disrupt your sleeping patterns.
- Do not use your bed to work, study, eat, etc. It should be a place or relaxation.
- Have a mug of Chill Out Tea.
- Try prayer or meditation before bed as a way to relax.
Do Essential Oils Relieve Stress?
There are studies showing that certain essential oils can be used via aromatherapy to effectively relax the body, aid in sleep, reducing anxiety and relieve stress.
What is the most soothing essential oil?
All of the essential oils for sleep can also be very soothing. I have found that what is most soothing to one person may not be the same for another. People react different to the scents and components in different oils. You may need to try a few to see which is the most relaxing or soothing to you personally.
Which is your favorite essential oil to use for relaxing?
My personal favorite essential oil for relaxing is probably lavender. I love a multi-purpose essential of too; and lavender certainly fits the bill there.
What is the best essential oil for sleep?
It is important to note that studies show that there are benefits to using essential oils for sleep. Of course you’ll have to try them for yourself to see if they benefit you personally. It is also so important to choose a quality essential oil. I recommend reading How to Choose High Quality Essential Oils and Why I Switched Essential Oil Companies. Now onto the list of the best essential oils for sleep!
Remember when diffusing oils to choose an oil diffuser with an automatic shut off!
Lavender
Lavender is probably the most common essential oil and most well known. Many people find its scent very calming and relaxing. I often add it to unscented lotion or a homemade salve to put on right before bed. It is also a great oil to diffuse in the bedroom or make a bedding mist to use right before bed. I prefer Organic Lavender Essential Oil.
Roman Chamomile
As I mentioned before a mug of tea with chamomile can be very soothing before bed because of its sedative effects . In the same way the essential oil Roman Chamomile is extremely effective in helping me relax as well. It can also give you anxiety relief and can lift your mood. I find this oil works best for me in my diffuser. I prefer Roman Chamomile.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil can be an wonderful sleep aid. It is a warm earthy essential oil that helps in relaxation and mood. Sandalwood won’t necessarily make you sleepy but can create an environment for rest. Another wonderful diffuser oil. Trust me when I say a little sandalwood essential oil goes a long way! I like both Sandalwood Single and the Sandalwood Blend.
Vetiver
When it comes to essential oils for sleep I believe vetiver essential oil is an unsung hero. You probably haven’t heard much about vetiver in general. vetiver promotes a calming state that can aid in your sleep. This is especially true if you suffer from anger and anxiety. Vetiver oil is said to help to release anger and anxiety. It is a thick oil, so I often will just take in a few deep breaths right from the bottle or put few drops in your hands and do some deep breathing. This is our go-to for times of anxiety that keep us from resting. Read more on the benefits of vetiver. I would recommend Vetiver Oil or the Feminine Aid Blend that includes clary sage.
Ylang Ylang
The essential oil ylang ylang has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years for a reason. This essential oil is both floral and fruity and is said to reduce blood pressure so it should be used cautiously if you are on medication. Ylang ylang’s sedative properties will help relax you into a better state of restfulness. I like this in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, before bed. I find ylang ylang works fast and it helps me to stay asleep.
Check out both Ylang Ylang Complete or the Calming Blend.
You may also want to consider RMO’s Good Night’s Sleep Collection. and Counting Sheep Roll-On for kids.
