10 Essential Oils for Insomnia and Better Sleep

Sleeping problems include a wide range of conditions. Some people battle to fall asleep. Others fall asleep easily but cannot remain asleep for long enough. Still, others fall and remain asleep but it is sleep interrupted by bad dreams and/or physical movement of their arms and legs. All of these people feel are left feeling tired the next day. Find out how to use essential oil to treat these sleeping problems.

Lavender

Research shows that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. Researchers tracked the sleep patterns of 10 adults, in one study done at Britain’s University of Southampton. For a week, half of the participants slept in a room where lavender essential oil was diffused in the air throughout the night; the rest snoozed in a similar room where a placebo sweet almond oil was released. After a week, the groups switched rooms. At the end of the study, the volunteers ranked the quality of their sleep 20% better on average when in the lavender-scented room.

Are you tired of counting sheep? An array of lavender aromatherapy products will help you relax and get a good night’s sleep, say the companies that sell them. Physicians say lavender likely work best as part of a calming bedtime routine but some studies suggest lavender does help sleep.

Valerian

Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). It is frequently combined with hops, lemon balm, or other herbs that also cause drowsiness. Some people who are trying to withdraw from the use of “sleeping pills” use valerian to help them sleep after they have tapered the dose of the sleeping pill. There is some scientific evidence that valerian works for sleep disorders, although not all studies are positive.

Results from multiple studies indicate that valerian a tall, flowering grassland plant may reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and help you sleep better. Of the many valerian species, only the carefully processed roots of the Valeriana officinalis have been widely studied.

Roman Chamomile

Chamomile, of most varieties, has been used for centuries to calm and prepare you for a restful sleep, making it a popular oil to use before bed. It is is a popular choice when it comes to inducing sleep. There are many types of chamomile but Roman Chamomile has proven to be the most effective. It is an ancient herb and has long been used for its calming, soothing and relaxing properties. This essential oil is recommended when people need to ease their stress to relax to sleep.

Sweet Marjoram 

Sweet marjoram is stillness and silence. She brings calm to a busy mind and quiet to restless thoughts. She is serenity and peace. Sweet marjoram is a wonderful remedy for insomnia. In my experience, the sleep-inducing effects of sweet marjoram are more powerful than lavender and chamomile, which are more often used to aid sleep. This one is an all-rounder; it is good for cooking, muscles and joints and aids sleep. This oil is calming and sedating and can reduce hypertension and ease the nervous system. Marjoram essential oil can be used with other oils for a more effective mix.

Bergamot

Bergamot is a citrus fruit and the oil is extracted by cold pressing the rind or peel of the fruit. Bergamot essential oil has been associated with improving mood and reducing anxiety, making it a popular choice for people seeking better sleep.

Ylang Ylang 

The most popular use of Ylang Ylang essential oil is to relax oneself and alleviate stress. The warm, soothing scent offered by this oil is great for reducing stress, and will certainly brighten your mood. As is commonly seen in other essential oils, Ylang Ylang is said to treat the dreaded insomnia. When a person inhales the scent of Ylang Ylang essential oils, they may feel a bit drowsy and sleep better at night. It is called the magical oil.

Sandalwood

This essential oil is so calming. The calming effect is known as Santalol that’s present in Sandalwood oil. This allows users of the oil to relax into sleep. Sandalwood induces sleep and is sure to help you drift into dreamland.

Clary Sage 

People suffering from insomnia can find relief with clary sage oil. It is a natural sedative and will give you the calm and peaceful feeling that is necessary in order to fall asleep. When you can’t sleep, you usually awaken feeling unrefreshed, which takes a toll on your ability to function during the day. Insomnia affects not only your energy level and mood, but also your health, work performance and quality of life.

Orange and Lemon Oils

Orange and lemon oils are quite versatile and are known to be quite relaxing. Studies show that citral, myrcene and limonene, all present in citrus essential oils, can increase the duration of sleep and relax muscles.

Vetiver

Distilled from the roots of Vetiver, this essential oil is rich and earthy. The smell can take some getting used to. So till you get used to the oil, it is recommended that you use Vetiver essential oil with a lighter oil like Lavender or Roman Chamomile.

Sleep is something that everyone needs. Sleep can greatly affect everything from mental clarity and sanity, to your pain levels and immune system strength. These top essential oils are valuable and thus gives relief, calmness and better sleep to those who are having difficulty in in sleeping.

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