Inadequate or insufficient sleep is a rampant problem that many people experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one-third of American adults don’t get enough sleep each night. If you’re on the sleepless side of this statistic, aromatherapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Diffusing certain essential oils into the air or diluting them with a carrier oil and placing a couple drops on your skin has been shown to work as a natural sleep loss remedy. If you’re tired of not getting a good night’s rest, consider incorporating some of thesebest essential oils for promoting sleep into your bedtime routine.
Lavender
One of the most common essential oils used to promote sleep is lavender oil. Lavender oil has been shown to increase the amount of slow- and deep-wave sleep a person experiences. In addition, studies have revealed that the calming and relaxing scent of lavender oil can reduce symptoms associated with mild insomnia and restlessness. If counting sheep hasn’t been effective at improving your sleep, maybe lavender essential oil will be.
Clary Sage
Clary sage is a short-lived flowering herb native to the Mediterranean Basin. The essential oil extracted from its buds and leaves has a fresh, clean scent that acts as a natural sedative. When inhaled, clary sage may reduce stress hormones such as cortisol. By decreasing stress levels, clary sage helps people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
Valerian Essential Oil
Another one of thebest essential oils for promoting sleep is valerian oil. This oil is extracted from the belowground parts of the Valerian plant. It has been shown to reduce the nervousness and tension that often keep people up at night. In addition to helping you fall asleep more quickly, valerian oil may also improve the overall quality of your sleep.
Bergamot
Refreshing citrus scents are typically known for helping people stay energized and awake, but bergamot is an exception. Like valerian oil, bergamot essential oil has been known to reduce feelings of nervousness and tension, which can prevent people from falling asleep. In addition, bergamot can slow one’s heart rate and lower blood pressure, which prepares the body for sleep. As a bonus, bergamot smells great when mixed with lavender essential oil. Consider mixing them together to create a pleasant, sleep-inducing aroma.
