Sleep! We all need it and most of us are not getting enough of it. Either we go to bed to late, have trouble falling asleep or wake in the middle of the night, which leaves us groggy, cranky or run down during the day. Essential oils are a tool to help you get the rested sleep you so desperately want and need.
Why is sleep, and enough of it, so important for our mind, body and spirit? Enough good quality sleep helps your mind to stay more focused and enhances the body’s capability to learn. Sleep is needed for the immune system to function at its optimal level, and for more stable moods. Enough sleep can even spur creativity which opens up connect to self.
So how can essential oils help you get the sleep needed for overall health and wellbeing?
Essential oils:
So here are my top 5 oils for sleep.
1. Lavender- Probably the most researched essential oil especially when it comes to sleep. Lavender creates a sense of calm and relaxation. One study showed that lavender increased deep and slow wave sleep and participants felt more vigour the following day. (source)
2. Petitgrain – Want similar benefits to lavender but enjoy an earthier aroma? Then this essential oil is for you. Both lavender and petitgrains’ main constituents are linalyl acetate and linalool, which are both known for their relaxing properties. So if floral aromas are not your thing, then grab this one and experience similar benefits but a different aroma.
3. Roman Chamomile– fun fact about roman chamomile….. The Romans used to use it before battles to ease the mind and promote courage. This power house essential oil can have you feeling peaceful with a little sniff. So if you need an oil to clear the mind and promote tranquility before sleep, I would suggest you try out this powerful essential oil.
4. Vetiver- this heavy, musky essential oil packs a punch when it comes to relaxation and sleep. Although the aroma may be quite strong for some people, you can lighten it up by blending it with lavender. Then you get a double punch for relaxation, calming and sleep.
5. Cedarwood- this essential oil aroma has you feeling a sense of calm with one inhalation. You know those lovely cedarwood closets? Well imagine breathing that in and how your mind feels calmer already.
Those are my top five. The fun thing is you get to decide which one or ones work best for you. Lavender blends nicely with all of them. You can even combine two of three of them – it is up to you and what your needs are for the evening.
Now you may be asking ‘ok now what do I do with these essential oils’? Here are my suggested uses
1. Get a cool mist diffuser and place it in the bedroom. If you have trouble falling asleep get your diffuser going an hour before bedtime. You don’t need any more than 5 drops of the essential oils in the diffuser. If blending a couple, then a few drops of each. Turn it on and close the door, then when you come back, the room will be filled with the relaxing aroma right when you walk in.
2. Apply to the pillow. You can do this before bed either by making a spritzer or just adding the oils to your hand and then rubbing your pillow. If you have very sensitive skin then this wouldn’t be the best option for you.
3. Apply to the body. Grab some coconut oil (fractionated is my favourite) and add some essential oils to the coconut oil and apply to the bottom of the feet, back of the neck, wrists or have someone apply to the spine. The oils will get into the blood stream and will go to the brain to help calm the mind and body.
Say enough to the tired grouchy days. Start your nighttime essential oil routine today and get the well-rested quality sleep you deserve.
Want to get started with doTERRA essential oils? I would love to chat to you and walk you through the best blends specific to your needs. Send me a message HERE
