What comes easy to some doesn't come easy to others, and a good night’s sleep is no exception. Trouble falling or staying asleep, nightmares, snoring, and other issues mean that for many, sleep is neither as relaxing nor as restorative as it should be. Fortunately, several essential oil-based natural remedies have been helping people catch z's for thousands of years – much longer than any pharmaceutical sleep aid has been on the market.
While no essential oil will add hours to the night for the most exhausted among us, the following oils are powerhouses when it comes to treating common sleep problems like insomnia, nightmares, snoring, and even an overactive mind before bed. These essential oils can have a calming effect on individuals, allowing for reduced anxiety that leads to increased sleep, improved mood, and better cognitive functioning overall. Plantlife’s essential oils are 100% pure, plant-derived, therapeutic grade oils with no additives or fillers, so you'll feel even better about feeling better. Breathe in these essential oils for a better night's sleep:
Lavender Essential Oil
It’s no surprise that lavender has been a popular sleep aid for millennia. Grounding, soothing, and instantly relaxing, lavender oil is a powerful sedative, relieving individuals of restlessness and guiding them to slumber. It’s also been said to relieve anxiety-based nightmares. For more restful REM, add 25 drops of lavender oil to your favorite diffuser and turn it on half an hour before bedtime. You can also sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow and breathe deeply to kickstart sleep.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Long known for its relaxing, sedative properties, chamomile can be a powerful aid for those suffering from insomnia. A natural anxiolytic, chamomile calms breathing and soothes the nervous system, sending individuals into a relaxed state perfect for sleep. Add a mixture of chamomile oil and a common carrier oil (emulsified, of course) to a warm bath before bedtime; breathe in the soothing scent that results as the warm water unwinds tired muscles and relieves tension.
Thyme Essential Oil
Perhaps a surprising choice for a sleep aid, thyme oil has been used thyme and thyme again as a remedy for snoring. To tame your troubled sinuses, mix with a carrier oil such as sweet almond – don’t skip this step, as undiluted thyme oil will irritate the skin – and apply at the bottoms of your big toes prior to sleep. You can also try thyme oil in your diffuser; however, if the thyme scent is too overwhelming, blend with a few drops of Lavender oil for the same benefits wrapped in a gentler aroma.
Valerian Root Essential Oil
Valerian Root is known for its powerful sedative properties and has been used to help with sleep troubles like insomnia and other issues like nervous tension. Its sleep-promoting properties have even been used since ancient Rome and some may say it works better than Lavender! It is a commonly used ingredient in many mild sedatives and sleep aids today. However, this essential oil has a strong, pungent aroma and is best used blended with other oils. Combine with lavender oil in a diffuser or make a pillow spray!
