Essential Oils to Put You to Sleep

At least one in three people have a mild form of insomnia, and if you’re tired of staring at the ceiling, night after night, it’s time to take action. However, because there are so many sleep products on the market, it can be tough to decide what to try first. You could, of course, skip right to the sleeping pills, but who wants to feel groggy when they wake up? It might be time to consider essential oils instead. We’ve included just a few of the many available options below.

Lavender
Lavender, for many years, has been known as a sleep-inducing essential oil. It can ease anxiety and insomnia, reduce your stress levels, and eventually, lull you into a restful sleep. What’s more, researchers have even proven that lavender increases slow-wave sleep, a form of rest you typically know as a deep slumber, and decreases your heartbeat and relaxes your muscles in the process.

Sandalwood
Sandalwood is normally used as a form of incense for making your home smell nice, but it also promotes quality sleep. It can reduce your levels of anxiety, put you into a meditative state, and even put a stop to insomnia. This distinctive, milky, smooth scent is sure to have you sleeping like a baby in no time.

Marjoram
If you’ve been feeling tense, angry, depressed, anxious or stressed, and all you want is a good night’s sleep, marjoram essential oils may be able to help. This type of oil has a calming and sedative effect and can alleviate stress, tension, and anxiety before sending you into a restful slumber.

Cedarwood
Muscle pain, irritated skin, and inflammation can often stop you from getting that decent night of sleep you require. However, cedarwood may be able to help. Cedarwood is known to encourage the release of serotonin which converts to melatonin in your brain for a better night’s sleep, but it can also reduce inflammation, itchiness, muscle pain and irritation as well.

Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is a must-have essential oil in any home, for its benefits are far-reaching. Not only can it improve your mood – from stressed and anxious to calm and relaxed – but it can then make you drowsy enough to fall asleep. Once you are sleeping, you are more likely to experience a restful, deep slumber than you would if you didn’t use Roman chamomile.

How do you use essential oils?
The two most common ways to reap the benefits of essential oils is topically, or aromatically. Topically refers to applying the essential oils onto yourself, such as the bottom of your feet or on the back of your neck. It’s always helpful to dilute them a little bit with almond oil or coconut oil before applying them. The other option is aromatically – through a diffuser. Diffusers can be purchased from most health stores and can be placed in your bedroom or your quiet space to prepare you for bed.

Sleep can be evasive, no matter how much we long for it. If you’re battling to get that much-needed shut-eye, try any of these essential oils above. You may just be heading off into that deep slumber in no time.