If you find yourself unable to unwind before bed, you may benefit from using essential oils for sleep. A bedtime routine involving oils may help your mind and body to relax, relieving any tension and anxiety from the day that’s passed.
Taking your time to create a safe space and nurturing yourself before bed are ways you can prepare your body for sleep, for example, a bath, lighting a diffuser or giving yourself a massage with these oils can all ease the worries of the day.
Do essential oils help with sleep?
There have been studies on the effects essential oils can have on our sleep, with one study showing lavender oil increased the amount of slow deep wave sleep in participants.
Lavender has calming properties, used for centuries to help with sleep problems. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that other essential oils have their benefits in getting the body ready for rest and relaxation.
As you may have guessed, the calming effects of these oils can also help with symptoms of anxiety. Known to help reduce anxiety, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol present after exposure to lavender oil.
How to use essential oils?
There are several methods for using essential oils and different benefits to each. However, for safe use on the skin, you must dilute essential oils with a carrier oil first. Plus, it means they last longer in terms of their scent.
Here are some ways you can use these oils to promote a healthy sleep schedule.
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Apply to your pressure points: Use on the bottom of your feet, behind your ears and on your temples and wrists, so that it's absorbed into your bloodstream quicker.
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Apply to the underside of your pillow: Choosing a soothing scent and applying it to your pillow will help your body associate the scent with your bed as a place of rest.
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Massage into your scalp: Make some time for yourself by massaging an oil of your choice into your scalp.
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Put a few drops into your bath: Create a calming environment by treating yourself and bathing in the tranquil scent of lavender, camomile or rose.
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Use an essential oil burner: Place a few drops of essential oil on the top of the burner, lighting an unscented tea light below. Before long, your room will smell delicious.
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Use an essential oil diffuser: Fill your diffuser with water up to the fill line, then add a few drops of essential oil. Switch on the diffuser and enjoy the aromas. Ensure there is enough water throughout each use.
The best essential oils for sleep
Before using sleep oil on your skin as part of your night-time ritual, we recommend doing a skin test 48 hours before. We’d also recommend speaking to a health professional before using essential oils to ensure they are right for you.
www.naturesbest.co.uk
If you have a cold or are struggling with your breathing, this vegan-friendly eucalyptus essential oil might just help to alleviate symptoms before bed. Put a few drops of essential oil on the underside of your pillow for a restful night’s sleep.
This sleep essential oil blend works as diffuser oil to add a relaxing, calm and inviting atmosphere to your bedroom. With scents of jasmine, sandalwood and lavender, this 100 per cent natural essential oil has some promising Amazon reviews.
www.etsy.com
Known for its calming properties, this camomile essential oil could be applied to the underside of your pillow as part of your bedtime routine to help induce sleep.
www.thebodyshop.com
Created from a blend of 100 per cent natural lavender and vetiver, this certified vegan essential oil from The Body Shop helps clear your mind before sleep. Take a moment to apply this oil to your pulse points and engage in some deep breathing while in bed.
www.neomorganics.com
This highly rated essential oil from Neom Organics is an expert blend of lavender, basil and jasmine that has been chosen specially to help with your sleep. Simply add a few drops to an oil diffuser or warm bath, and soak in the aroma of these tranquil scents.
www.neomorganics.com
Another beautiful essential oil by Neom Organics is this blend from their de-stress range. With scents of lavender, jasmine and rosewood, this oil will no doubt induce a feeling of calm. It’s suitable for use in the bath or an oil diffuser.
Are essential oils safe for pets?
It’s recommended to avoid essential oils if you have pets. If inhaled, ingested or exposed to the skin it may cause a toxic reaction in animals. Consult with your vet immediately if you notice your pet has symptoms of vomiting, dribbling, unsteadiness or lethargy, especially after exposure to these oils.