Best Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation
I’m sure we are all in agreement that a good night's sleep is necessary for a more energised day. During sleep, your body is working to support the healthy function of the brain and physical health. Not getting enough sleep can lead to problems such as not focusing on tasks and failing to retain information to create long term memories. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the best essential oils for sleep and relaxation.
Best Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil offers advantages such as reducing heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure, aligning with the natural stages the body goes through when transitioning into sleep. Additionally, lavender oil is recognised for its anxiety-reducing properties, promoting relaxation after a challenging day.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Derived from the ylang-ylang fruit of Canaga trees, ylang ylang oil shares similarities with lavender oil in its ability to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, naturally preparing the body for sleep. Inhaling the oil emits a delightful and fruity aroma that induces a calming effect. Ylang-ylang oil is recognised for its soothing properties, effectively relieving stress and fostering a restful night’s sleep.
Chamomile Oil
Roman chamomile essential oil is often recognised for its anxiety-reducing properties, whereas German chamomile is acknowledged for its pain-relieving effects. Alleviating anxiety or pain that hinders sleep can potentially lead to improved sleep quality. When diffused, the gentle floral scent of chamomile oil imparts a calming and relaxing influence on the mind.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is excellent for enhancing a state of relaxation by providing mental clarity, both metaphorically and literally. The enjoyable scent of peppermint oil can induce a sense of relaxation. If you experience seasonal allergies or sensitivity to dust, diffusing peppermint oil can rapidly and effectively alleviate your symptoms. As your nasal passages find relief, the transition to relaxation and subsequent sleep is swift and gratifying. Peppermint oil’s anti-inflammatory nature of peppermint oil helps in clearing the airways and reduces snoring.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil can aid in clearing your air passages and alleviating cold symptoms. Similar to peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil offers a naturally soothing fragrance coupled with effective sinus-clearing attributes. If you struggle with excessive phlegm production before bedtime, eucalyptus oil offers a dual advantage: it relaxes you while also easing congestion, enabling you to attain the essential restorative sleep you require.
Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood essential oil has a warm, comforting, woody aroma that can induce a sense of calm and relaxation. When it comes to facilitating profound relaxation, few oils compare to sandalwood, largely owing to its mood-stabilising attributes. Unlike some oils that may reduce heart rates or dispel anxious thoughts, sandalwood oil distinguishes itself by promoting emotional equilibrium.
Marjoram Oil
Numerous essential oils can assist in falling asleep, yet marjoram oil excels in ensuring a sustained slumber. Its pleasant aroma reliably calms both the body and mind, facilitating a profound and serene sleep that promotes genuine healing and rejuvenation. Opting for a sweeter variety of marjoram is preferable when seeking a sleep aid. Sweet marjoram, functioning as a soothing sedative, probes beneficial in relaxing the body and facilitating a peaceful night’s rest.
Jasmine Oil
Jasmine essential oil is effective in addressing insomnia and various sleep-related issues. Jasmine oil has the ability to reduce heart rate and foster a sense of tranquillity. It is believed that jasmine essential oil possesses sedative properties on nerve activity, potentially assisting those who struggle to fall asleep. Integrating it into your home routine after a demanding workday can help restore balance and aid in letting go of the day’s stresses.
How to use essential oils
After all of that usefulness, let’s get into how to incorporate essential oils to get the most out of them.
Apply to skin
Rub a few drops on certain parts of your body, such as your chest, wrist, neck, forehead, hands, or feet. Before applying the essential oil, we recommend mixing it with a carrier oil like olive, grapeseed, coconut, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil because your skin may be sensitive to undiluted essential oils.
Diffuse the oil
Pour a few drops in an air diffuser, which disperses the fragrance in your room, allowing you to inhale them before you go to sleep.
Spray
Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to water and spray in your room or your pillow.
Steam Bowl
Add essential oils to a bowl of boiling hot water and inhale the steam coming out of it. You may want to put a towel around your head, creating a tent effect and ensuring the steam doesn’t escape. Just make sure you don’t open your eyes whilst inhaling.
Restful Sleeping with Baldwin’s Range of Best Essential Oils For Sleep & Relaxation
Incorporating these essential oils into your relaxation and bedtime routine can be a game-changer for achieving a peaceful night's sleep and embracing a more relaxed state of mind. Experiment with different oils and find what works best for you, allowing the soothing power of nature to guide you into a world of serenity and tranquillity. It is important to remember that many essential oils are adaptogens, which means they adapt to people differently. A particular kind of oil may have a calming effect on some and a stimulating effect on others. Remember, if more sleep and general relaxation are one of your goals, you can always rely on us to provide a range of aromatherapy essential oils to help you get the rest you deserve!