Statistics say that close to 50 to 70 million Americans have some kind of insomnia that prevents them from getting adequate sleep at night. The causes can range from medical issues, hormone imbalances, stress, anxiety, or responsibilities as caregivers to kids or elderly family members. Whatever may be the reason behind your particular insomnia, know that essential oils for sleep disorders can help correct the problem.
Inhaling essential oils or using them in a diffuser in the house or workplace has absolutely no side effects. You can safely use the scents even if you have kids, pets, or family members prone to asthma or other respiratory issues. Here are some of the aromatic oils that have been known to help people calm anxiety and sleep better at night. And, yes, they work on kids too by getting rid of the monsters under the bed.
1. Lavender Essential Oils
The scent of lavender has long been known to act as a stress-reliever. But, it will interest you to know that the aroma can promote deep REM sleep where your muscles relax completely and heartbeat slows down. Simply pour a few drops on your pillow at night before laying down to sleep and breathe deeply.
2. Frankincense Essential Oils
Also called “Olibanum,” frankincense is a proven remedy for anxiety and has several therapeutic properties including stimulating healing and relieving pain. By using this essential oil for sleep disorders, you can breathe better since the aroma clears your nasal passages. Further, it has the property of lowering your body temperature to the optimum levels for sleep.
3. Ylang Ylang Essential Oils
Translated into “flower of flowers,” ylang ylang helps by calming your blood pressure and promoting a sense of tranquility. You can try using the essential oil in a diffuser and keep it going for 30 minutes before bedtime at night. In addition to acting as a sleep aid, the aroma also helps you concentrate and overcome feelings of sadness and helplessness.
4. Marjoram Essential Oils
Synthesized from the leaves of the sweet marjoram plant, this essential oil for sleep disorders works best when blended with a carrier. Mix a few drops with equal quantities of coconut oil and apply at the base of the head just below the hairline. The Romans called it the “herb of happiness” because it works to alleviate pain, sadness, and loneliness.
5. Vetiver Essential Oils
Vetiver essential oils have a strong, earthy smell that can help to calm you down and stabilize your mood. Distillers extract this oil from the root of the plant giving it an earthy scent that may take you some time to adapt. You can consider blending it with other essential oils like citrus, lavender, or bergamot and adding it to the diffuser.
6. Valerian Essential Oils
Should you choose valerian essential oils for sleep disorders, you’ll find that the aroma not only helps you fall asleep quicker, but you are less likely to wake up in the middle of the night. When you add a few drops to the diffuser at night, the scent will induce a restful state in your mind and calm anxiety.
7. Rose and Orange Essential Oils
Both rose and orange scents have the power to promote physical, psychological, and mental relaxation. For this reason, a combination of the two acts as a potent sedative that relieves insomnia and anxiety and helps you sleep well. To get the best benefits of this aromatherapy, rub a few drops of the scents on your palms and inhale deeply. At night, you can sprinkle a little on your pillow.
8. Bergamot Essential Oils
Bergamot acts as an adaptogen and can calm or uplift your mood as needed. Since the scent works to lower your blood pressure and heart rate, it has a calming effect that can help you sleep better.
If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night, try using essential oils for sleep disorders. They can help you without causing any ill-effects so you wake up feeling refreshed and energetic.