Sleep Like a Baby with Essential Oils for Sleeping

Sleep like a baby? I have been using essential oils for sleeping as I’ve been using oils. As a busy homeschooling mom I can often be tired but wired at bedtime and I’ve found these oils to help me, naturally, relax and drift into a peaceful sleep. A good night’s rest is so important to health and wellness (not to mention chores / school / blogging).

I think these are the oils I end up talking about the most with my friends too. This modern, over busy, world can keep us all a bit frazzled. Did you know that up to 70 million Americans are taking sleeping pills at night? (source) With side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth and daytime sleepiness (among others) they hardly seem worth it. (source); not when there are some very effective natural help in essential oils for sleep.

Sleep Like a Baby with Essential Oils for Sleeping

1. Lavender
   You are probably most familiar with lavender as an essential oil sleep aid. Most people find the floral scent very calming. I like to 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 recommend Lavender Bulgaria
2. Roman Chamomile
   I love to sip a warm mug of chamomile tea before bed. But the essential oil Roman Chamomile is extremely effective in helping me relax as well. It is wonderful for anxiety and can lift your mood as well. I find this oil works best for me in my diffuser (make sure yours has an auto shut-off if you’re putting it on at bedtime).
   I recommend Roman Chamomile
3. Sandalwood
   An amazing earthy essential oil that helps in relaxation and mood. Sandalwood isn’t necessarily going to make you sleepy but it helps to create an environment for rest. I like it best in the diffuser as well. A little goes a long way with sandalwood essential oil.
   I recommend Sandalwood Single or in the Sandalwood Blend.
4. Vetiver
   Vetiver essential oil is an unsung sleep aid; and really I don’t hear much about vetiver in general. Vetiver promotes a calming that will aid in your sleep. This is especially true if you suffer from anger and anxiety, which vetiver helps to release (or give you the chill to release it). It is a thick oil, so I often will just take in a few deep breaths right from the bottle; my daughter prefers to put a few drops in her hands and do deep breathing. This is our go-to for times of anxiety that keep us from resting.
   I recommend Vetiver Oil or the Feminine Aid Blend
   
5. Ylang Ylang 
   Easier to use than to pronounce, ylang ylang essential oil is floral and fruity. Ylang ylang’s sedative properties will help relax you into restfulness. Another oil that I like to use in a carrier, like sweet almond oil, before bed. I find ylang ylang works pretty quickly and helps me to stay asleep as well.
   I recommend Ylang Ylang Extra or the Calming Blend

These are the 5 essential oils for sleeping that I use and recommend. You’ll find that some work better for you than others. Try a few out or reach for the blends that contain one or more of these oils and are created for sleep and relaxation. If you’re looking for an oil to help a younger child to rest then I suggest checking out Counting Sheep – it is quite effective and pre-diluted for safety in use with children (in roll-on form for easy use too).

In addition to essential oils for sleeping there are a few things you can do to to promote peace, quite and a good night’s sleep.

1. Turn of the “screens” 1 – 2 hours before bed. This include smart phones, tablets, computers and tv.
2. Don’t drink caffeine after your morning coffee.
3. Try to go to sleep and rise at the same time everyday.
4. Take a relaxing walk or bike ride a few hours before bed. I’m not talking high-impact aerobics, just a nice stroll or leisurely ride around your neighborhood.

I hope these tips and oils help you get a great night sleep!