Because having good quality sleep can do wonders for your overall health.
If you’re looking for a natural remedy to help you drift off and stay asleep all night, then the calming, relaxing aromas of essential oils could be the solution.
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Here are our favourite 7 essential oils that could help you look forward to the morning:
1. Lavender
This calming scent is perfect for nights when your mind is buzzing. Lavender is believed to slow down your nervous system and decrease your heart rate and blood pressure, which helps you fall into a deep sleep. It can also make you feel more energetic when you wake in the morning.
Try it yourself: Swirl a few drops of lavender oil into a soothing bath to calm your mind or add a few drops to your pillow for all-night tranquillity.
2. Vanilla
If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try using beauty products containing vanilla before bed. Studies have shown that vanilla can reduce the startle reflex, calm your mind and ease breathing problems. It’s cosy aroma can be nostalgic, often making people think of their childhoods.
Try it yourself: Inhale 3-5 drops of vanilla oil before bedtime or add 5-10 drops to a warm bath for sweet dreams that will last all night long.
3. Jasmine
For better quality sleep, try sweet-smelling jasmine. Studies have shown that it can reduce tossing and turning, make you feel less anxious and help you feel more refreshed when you wake up. Studies have shown that it can be as effective as Valium when it comes to calming you down.
Try it yourself: Place jasmine potpourri strategically around the house to promote restful sleep when it’s time for bed.
4. Ylang ylang
Not only does ylang ylang have a wonderful tropical scent but rubbing a small amount of it onto your pressure points can help relieve stress and make you feel less anxious too. This can make it easier to drift off to sleep.
Try it yourself: Add two drops to a warm bath and soak yourself for at least ten minutes, making sure to breathe slowly and inhale properly.
5. Cedarwood
This deep, woody aroma can make you feel at peace. Cedarwood relieves tension and can leave you feeling uplifted when you wake. It has sedative qualities, reduces muscle pain and minimises skin irritation.
Try it yourself: Add cedarwood oil to a home diffuser 30-60 minutes before bed and inhale the rich aroma.
6. Lemon
Studies have shown that a lemon aroma can lower your heart rate in just ten minutes, helping to calm you down so that your mind and body are ready for sleep. It’s not just lemon aroma that is good for you though. The scents of other citrus fruits such as oranges and limes can also have a positive impact as they boost serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy.
Try it yourself: Add 2-3 drops of lemon oil to a pre-bedtime drink for a longer sleep.
7. Geranium
With an aroma that smells like roses, geranium can reduce stress and has a sedative effect. This means that if you wake up in the night, you should find it easy to go back to sleep again.
Try it yourself: Beat insomnia by massaging 2-3 drops of geranium oil onto your neck, shoulders and scalp.
A good routine for a good night
As well as the calming scents of essential oils, a relaxing bedtime routine can also help you drift off. A warm shower or bath is a soothing way to unwind and swapping electronic devices for a good book can help your mind to switch off.
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Sources
www.sleep.org/articles/scents-for-relaxation/
www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom/smell.php
www.sirc.org/publik/smell_vanilla.html
www.livestrong.com/article/149191-vanilla-aromatherapy-benefits/
www.quinessence.com/blog/jasmine-oil-helps-promote-sleep
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/7881819/Smell-of-jasmine-as-calming-as-valium.html
www.lovearoma.co.uk/blog/top-5-fragrances-for-better-sleep/
draxe.com/diy-sleep-aid/
draxe.com/cedarwood-essential-oil/
www.huffingtonpost.com/marlynn-wei-md-jd/6-aromatherapy-essential-_b_9805630.html
www.sleep.org/articles/scents-to-wake-you-up/
www.cancer.gov/common/popUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000462680&version=Patient&language=English
www.choosewellbeing.co.uk/6-essential-oils-for-insomnia
