8 Essential Oils That Will Help You Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
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Few things in life are as frustrating as lying awake in bed at night, unable to fall asleep despite being totally exhausted. And many of us struggle with these bouts of insomnia from time to time (if not all the freaking time). We can blame it on stress, hormones or even that glass of wine (or three) we had with dinner, but that won’t help us catch Z’s any faster. However, the right essential oils can.
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are the natural remedies we turn to first when we experience a restless night. They have the fewest negative side effects of any sleep aid we’ve ever come across (see ya never, Ambien) and turn our apartments into aromatic sanctuaries. It’s seriously amazing what an essential oil diffuser can accomplish. All of a sudden, you’re transported from your anxiety-ridden bedroom to a sleepover at the spa. You just have to take a few deep breaths, close your eyes and let the sleep oils work their wonderful magic.
Below are the eight best essential oils for promoting a better night’s rest. Take your pick or create your very own custom sleep blend. Either way, your insomnia doesn’t stand a chance.
1. Vetiver
Vetiver essential oil carries a rich, earthy scent, which is why aromatherapists say it promotes a sense of grounding, calm and stability. So if you’re riding a particularly emotional roller coaster, give this one a try first. It blends well with floral and citrus notes, so if you don’t love the scent on its own, try pairing it with rose or bergamot.
2. Sweet Marjoram
This version of marjoram is a little different from what you’ll find in your kitchen cabinet — but in some great ways. This warm and spicy essential oil is known for not only alleviating muscle and joint aches and pains, but also inspiring a peaceful night of good sleep. Historically, it was used to treat anxiety.
3. Ylang Ylang
Native to Indonesia, ylang-ylang essential oil is known for its sedative effects, helping to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure) in the process. And because it stems from a beautiful flower, its fresh and light scent makes it one of the most enjoyable nighttime aromatherapies. For those who want to use it topically, just blend it with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it gently into your skin.
4. Lavender
Ah, the classic remedy. Lavender essential oil has been used for centuries to help calm the nervous system, and it’s scientifically proven to help people relax. It’s considered a mild remedy for insomnia with no long-term side effects, so if you need to decrease your anxiety and deepen your sleep quality, try this essential oil first. It’s one of the most beautiful floral, woody scents out there.
5. Cedarwood
By far the most woodsy scent on this list, cedarwood essential oil is powerfully grounding, sedating and relaxing. It’s been proven to decrease heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety, and when you get a whiff of it, you’re immediately transported to one of the most tranquil spaces among Mother Nature. Enjoy it solo or try mixing it with another floral scent like ylang-ylang.
6. Clary Sage
Different from the kind of sage you use to smudge your home, clary sage has some of the strongest anti-stress properties available to us in the world of aromatherapy. It’s also helpful in combatting symptoms of depression and balancing hormones. Just take a few deep breaths of this herbaceous aroma and you’ll drift off in no time.
7. Roman Chamomile
If you’re into sipping some chamomile tea before bedtime, add a little Roman chamomile essential oil to your bedtime routine to really boost its sleep-inducing benefits. The oil is more effective than the tea, and its uniquely sweet and floral scent has a warm and gentle way of soothing the body.
8. Valerian
The oil from this pretty little pink flower has been used since the 17th century to help treat insomnia. It not only can help you fall asleep faster, but also improve the quality of your sleep once you’ve konked out for the night, meaning you’ll wake up feeling energized and ready to go the following morning. Its earthy scent is an acquired taste, but if you can get down with it, keep it at the ready in that aromatherapy arsenal.
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