In the United States, more than 40 million people suffer from chronic sleep disorders and another 20 million suffer from acute sleep problems.
While some sleep disorders are beyond the scope of essential oils, the relaxing and soothing qualities of essential oils can help many to find better sleep. Here are 11 that are especially helpful:
Cedarwood Oil – This essential oil is relaxing and sedative, and many find that it helps to clear the mind of stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep. Just a few drops in a room diffuser work well.
Ylang Ylang Oil – This essential oil is also sedative, and many find that it helps to eliminate anxiety and helps people to fall into a deep and restorative sleep. It mixes well with bergamot and lavender oils.; try a few drops on your pillow!
Sandalwood Oil – Sandalwood oil is sedative and anxiolytic (helps to clear the mind of distracting thoughts). It is thought to help the body produce melatonin. A few drops in carrier oil rubbed on your wrist can be very relaxing!
Lavender Oil – Lavender is perhaps the most widely known soothing oil, and has been used to induce sleep for thousands of years. It is also believed to help with restless leg syndrome. Try a few drops on your pillow.
Sweet Marjoram Oil – Sweet marjoram is known to have sleep-inducing and sedative effects. It is believed to facilitate the release of melatonin into the blood. It smells wonderful on a sachet or pillow.
Jasmine Oil – Jasmine is also a legendary sleep aid. It is believed to induce the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that lower stress levels and calm the mind. Jasmine works well in a diffuser.
Frankincense Oil – Many people find that frankincense helps with anxiety and depression, as well as enhancing sleep. It is often put in a carrier oil and rubbed on the hands.
Valerian Root Oil – Valerian root is famed as a sedative that is said to elevate mood and eliminate depression. It is said to cause very deep, refreshing sleep when used in a diffuser.
Roman Chamomile Oil – Roman Chamomile Oil is soothing and has a sweet, pleasant aroma. It can be used in a diffuser or even in a face cream.
Orange Oil – Orange Oil is best mixed in a carrier oil and then applied to the skin to help calm mind and muscles.
Bergamot Oil – The relaxing powers of bergamot are believed to reduce stress in the body and prohibit the release of adrenaline. Many people add a few drops to a hot bath to induce sleep.