{"id":2994,"date":"2014-11-01T04:17:20","date_gmt":"2014-11-01T04:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/2014\/11\/01\/essential-oils-for-sleep\/"},"modified":"2020-10-30T11:07:30","modified_gmt":"2020-10-30T17:07:30","slug":"essential-oils-for-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.betternutrition.com\/conditions-and-wellness\/essential-oils-for-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Oils for Insomnia"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s nothing wrong with occasional sleeplessness, but if you are starting to worry about it, feel tired all day, or are mentally unalert, then you possibly suffer from insomnia (perpetual, chronic sleeplessness). More than 60 million Americans do. Lack of sleep can lead to problems in your waking life such as tiredness, poor concentration, agitation, depression, dizziness, and headaches. Fortunately, even if you suffer only from occasional sleeplessness, certain scents can help you drift off to dreamland.<\/p>\n

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10 Essential Oils for Insomnia<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Aromatherapy can help to relax the body and mind. Research shows that just by inhaling certain essences, we can minimize stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy is able to reach centers of the brain such as the amygdala that influence mood and energy. Essential oils including anise, chamomile, bergamot, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, fennel, and geranium work well for insomnia, says Kathi Keville, author of The Little Book of Aromatherapy<\/em>. \u201cThey go right to the brain to cause relaxation and lull you to sleep,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Essential oils can be added to a warm bath or foot bath before bedtime, or added to a carrier oil such as almond oil. \u201cAn oil can be gently rubbed onto any convenient-to-reach parts of the body,\u201d says Valerie Ann Worwood, author of The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy<\/em>. \u201cA diffuser in the bedroom works well too, used overnight.\u201d A few drops of an essential oil is usually enough to be effective\u2014in fact, using too much of some soothing scents can have a stimulating effect. \u201cSome essential oils are only relaxing when used in low doses,\u201d says Worwood. \u201cDon\u2019t use more than 3 drops in a bath, for example.\u201d Worwood recommends the following essential oils for insomnia [stars indicate those best used in small amounts.]<\/p>\n

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  1. Lavender*<\/li>\n
  2. Benzoin<\/li>\n
  3. Marjoram*<\/li>\n
  4. Clary-sage<\/li>\n
  5. Chamomile<\/li>\n
  6. Vetiver<\/li>\n
  7. Roman*<\/li>\n
  8. Hops<\/li>\n
  9. Nutmeg*<\/li>\n
  10. Valerian<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    *Use in low doses.<\/em><\/p>\n

    General Synergistic Blend For Insomnia<\/h3>\n

    These calming aromas work even better together. <\/em><\/p>\n