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Aromatherapy and Sleep: How Essential Oils Can Help You Rest Better

Reviewed by Corinne Jarvis
Written by Corinne Jarvis Published 11/16/2020 Updated 08/12/2023

Aromatherapy is a natural and holistic approach to health and wellness that uses essential oils to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. One of the most popular uses of aromatherapy is to help people go to sleep.

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. It is during sleep that our body repairs and rejuvenates itself. However, many people struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to chronic fatigue, irritability, and other health problems like mood disorders. Aromatherapy can be a safe and effective way to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Here are some essential oils that can help you go to sleep:

  1. Lavender: Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for sleep. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind. Lavender can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
  2. Chamomile: Chamomile is another popular essential oil for sleep. It has a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind. Chamomile can help reduce stress, and anxiety, and promote relaxation.
  3. Ylang-ylang: Ylang-ylang is a sweet and floral essential oil that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help improve sleep quality.
  4. Bergamot: Bergamot is a citrusy essential oil that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It has a calming effect on the mind and can help improve sleep quality.

How to use essential oils for sleep:

There are several ways to use essential oils for sleep. Here are some of the most popular methods:

  1. Diffusion: Diffusing essential oils in a diffuser can help create a relaxing and calming atmosphere in your bedroom. You can diffuse essential oils for 30 minutes before bedtime to help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
  2. Topical application: You can apply essential oils topically to your skin. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage it into your skin before bedtime.
  3. Inhalation: You can inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale the aroma before bedtime.

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