You can even find essential oil diffusers with timers, so they'll automatically shut off once you've drifted off to dreamland. Essential oil diffusers are inexpensive and many are cleverly designed. Instead, dilute them in a carrier oil (the American Sleep Association recommends almond or apricot) or lotion and rub them into your skin.ĭiffusers are also a great way to infuse a whole room with calming essential oils at bedtime. Because scented oils are potent, it's best to avoid putting them directly on your skin or sniffing them straight from the bottle. You can benefit from essential oils for sleep by simply inhaling them. Other practices, such as avoiding stimulants and blue light-like from a laptop or cell phone-before bed can also be helpful tools in your kit. Instead, they promote restful sleep by reducing the disturbances and hurdles you may encounter at bedtime. They won't knock you out like an OTC or prescription sleeping pill (such as diphenhydramine). It's important to note here that the research shows these essential oils might help decrease stress and provide calming. In a one study, participants reported feeling more "vigor" after being dosed with lavender scent during the night-and their quality of sleep was measurably improved, with both men and women experiencing deep or slow wave sleep. Research overwhelmingly proves that lavender is the best essential oil for sleep. Smaller diffusers would take smaller amounts of oil and you want to adjust the drop count accordingly, while keeping the water to oil ratio roughly the same. The Best Essential Oils for Sleep, According to Experts Lavender These combo ratios are based on 200mL volume diffuser. A 2014 review looked at 15 studies where essential oils were tested as a sleep aid in participants and concluded, "A majority of the study findings suggested a positive effect of essential oils on sleep." In fact, the oils were shown to have a hypnotic effect on participants, helping reduce mild to medium sleep disturbances.Īnother study, published in 2017, showed that the use of essential oils by participants "promoted secretion of serotonin and endorphins, resulting in activation of the parasympathetic nervous system." The authors explained, "Endorphins have sedative effects, while serotonin binds to enzymes during the night to produce melatonin." (You may be familiar with melatonin as an over-the-counter nighttime sleep aid, commonly sold as gummies.) In short, signs point to yes! Essential oils really might be able to help you drift off to sleep. Getty Images / Image Source / KristjánFreyr Do Essential Oils Help You Sleep?
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