Did you know that aromatherapy can help support a sound night's sleep? Stress, anxiety, illness, and work patterns can all interrupt sleep patters and we may need extra support to ensure we get the sleep required to function and keep healthy. This is where aromatherapy can help.
What makes an essential oil beneficial for sleep?
In order to help with sleep, an essential oil needs certain qualities. It should be either Sedative (promoting calm and inducing sleep), Hypnotic (inducing sleep) or Nervine (calming for the nerves). In addition, exposure to fragrances that we associate with positive, relaxing, and calming thoughts will signal to our mind and body that we can relax and our nervous system can calm. These changes put us in a good state of mind to drift into sleep.
What are the best essential oils for sleep?
Lavender essential oil – Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender has a powdery floral scent, which is why many people find it pleasant. With its calming fragrance, Lavender essential oil can benefit those looking to drift off to sleep gently as it quiets the nervous system and encourages relaxation
Ylang Ylang essential oil – Cananga odorata
The tropically floral scent of Ylang Ylang works like Lavender in that it can lower blood pressure and heart rate, naturally setting the body for sleep. The aroma is often described as fruity and heady, which can be very calming, especially if you’re irritable.
Frankincense essential oil – Boswellia carterii
Frankincense helps us centre and ground ourselves, especially during stressful times. This oil is often used for meditation as it can support clearing the mind , deepening the breath and bring an air of peace, which can help us quiet down before sleep.
Clary Sage essential oil – Salvia sclarea
Clary Sage essential oil is well known for its ability to help alleviate stress by inducing a sense of calm. It can also be balancing for the mind and body, soothing and can help us restore balance when we feel overwhelmed or irritable.
How to use essential oils for sleep
Using essential oils both for aromatic and therapeutic properties can turn your bedroom into a sweet dream space in no time.
Why not try some of these ideas:
Diffuser - Try a few drops of these essential oils for sleeping soundly in a diffuser in your room before you go to bed – 4-8 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water
Bath - Try a relaxing aromatherapy bath just before bed. Create a sleep blend using any of the suggested essential oils, either individually or in combination, with a suitable blending oil. Alternatively try an aromatherapy bubble bath. Add it to a warm bath, lay back and let the essential oils start to relax your mind and body – 4-6 drops of essential oil and 20mls of blending oil added to a warm bath
Massage Oil - If a bedtime bath isn’t your thing, perhaps try creating a sleep massage oil. Use a blending oil and one or more sleep-recommended essential oils to create your own massage blend. Apply it to the body, on your arms, around the chest and shoulders – 8-10 drops of essential oil and 20mls of blending oil
Too much hassle? Why not try this pre-blended massage oil - Tisserand Sleep Better Massage And Body Oil
Pillow Mist - spraying an aromatherapy mist especially created for sleep directly to your pillow can also help for a peaceful night. Try our bestseller Tisserand Sleep Better Pillow Mist
Roller Ball - an easy one to keep on your bedside table to apply as part of a nighttime routine, a pre-blended aromatherapy rollerball can also help you settle for the night. We like Tisserand Sleep Better Pulse Point Roller Ball and The Nature of Things Roll On & Sleep Well
Want some more inspiration? Take a look at our Aromatherapy for Sleep collection by clicking here.
Inspired by a blog written by @sensesbysim for Tisserand Aromatherapy
