How to Sleep Better with Essential Oils

If you have trouble sleeping at night, chances are you have tried several things to help combat that struggle to rest properly.

For most people, it’s because they can’t turn off the business in their mind (it used to be that way with me) – or, for some, they get up in the middle of the night and just can’t find any way to return back to sleep. 

Research has shown that there is a connection between disruption to sleep and anxiety, depression, heart disease and high blood pressure – so if you are currently having problems resting, it could very well be one of those areas that’s causing concern.

Sleep is important because it gives your mind a nice break from the daily stress of life, gives your body cells and tissues time to repair and even more, it helps replenish your energy levels. Sleep also regulates hormones that help to recharge your immune system – and your immune system is what helps prevent you from getting ill. 

Although there are some non-sleep aids out on the market that are advertised as non-addictive, most ARE still addictive, .  Some people go so far as to get a prescription, but many people are learning about natural solutions to their rest in that won’t feel you sluggish and hungover in the morning.  

I myself have had periods of insomnia and trouble sleeping – and though it usually happens when I’m very stressed and have a lot on my mind, there are many essential oils that work wonderful to help me in that area to provide me with the opportunity to rest better.

So what does diffusing really do?

When you inhale essential oils, it takes 22 seconds for an oil to reach the brain. The only way to reach the limbic system is through smell, which is why essential oils are so important. The limbic system activates memories and emotions . Unfortunately, medications cannot reach the limbic system, as a result, they only treat the symptoms of occasional stress.

You can also apply oils topically – and their molecular structure allows essential oils to be absorbed rapidly in the skin. From the moment essential oils are applied, it takes 2-3 minutes for that oil to reach the bloodstream – 20 minutes to affect the cells in the body, and then the oil is metabolized within 2 – 21/2 hours. 

The bottom of the feet is the best place to apply essential oils because the feet are the largest porous area on the body – essential oils can be rapidly absorbed.

Negative ions stimulate your nervous system – which in turn controls your sleep, digestion and relaxation.  If you are in an area with a lot of electronic devices (positive ions), then you can diffuse a negatively ionizing oil to balance your air (some good ones are Bergamot, Cedarwood, Grapefruit and even Lavender).

Likewise, if you live in an area near the ocean OR, in the country, you are surrounded by positive ions – so you’ll need negative ions to balance out your air  – some good ones are Rosemary, Ylang Ylang, Pine, and even Cypress.

There are several essential oils that work wonderfully to help support a healthy rest, here are 5 of the most popular:

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Calming and is wonderful for helping support anxious feelings.

2. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Warm, sweet herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming. It’s very gentle, which makes it even more wonderful for children.

3. Marjoram Essential Oil

A sweet oil that has a warming effect that helps support restful sleep.

4. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Relaxing, and soothing – not only good for supporting healthy hormones and scalp, it allows the brain to stop processing and is high in sesquiterpenes. 

5. Frankincense Essential Oil

Calming & relaxing scent is very grounding – wonderful oil for meditation or relaxing the mind.

Other essential oils that support a good night’s rest include Bergamot (which is wonderful when combined with Cedarwood), Vetiver, Neroli, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang. Valerian is also amazing, too.

All of these oils have relaxing properties – they can be used on their own, or as part of a blend. Because different essential oils work differently on each person, finding the right combination is important. What works for you might not work so well on your spouse, or your kids .. so be open to trying new combinations for a few days to see what works best.

I have found Cedarwood, Lavender and Vetiver to be most helpful for the kids and my husband.   I will occasionally use that combination too but lately I have had the best results with Sacred Frankincense applied to the bottoms of my feet before I jump into bed. 

Add a combination of these oils to your diffuser and diffuse as you rest each night. You can also find relief by massaging your oil combination on the soles of your feet, sometimes even your wrists (especially if you sleep with your hands close to your face). Spritzing your pillow with a little scent can help, too.

It might also be a great idea to check out your personal life and see if there is an underlying cause that is creating your sleep problems, because helping to eradicate those issues will eventually lead you to a better place in your life that you can find comfort each night when you go to bed. 

Remember, not all essential oils are created equally!  Find out what we use by heading here.