Can Lavender Essential Oil Improve Your Sleep?
Lavender essential oil is one among many that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Many other oils also have similar properties and can pair well with lavender to aid in sleep. Some favorites include lemon, orange, bergamot, cedarwood, and ho wood. For beginners or those just starting their essential oil journey lavender is often the best place to start.
Aromatherapy with Lavender
Typically, diffusing lavender essential oil for 15 minutes before climbing into bed with the lights down and maybe paired with a lavender pillow or linen mist (made simply with distilled water, alcohol, and lavender essential oil) can be a good place to start. Alternatively, adding 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm, steamy bath or shower and using it topically, properly diluted on the pulse points, is also a lovely way to use lavender oil.
Why Lavender Essential Oil May Help
Lavender has been shown to have calming effects that can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of insomnia. Aromatherapy using lavender essential oil or dried lavender in a sachet can promote relaxation before bedtime. While not a guaranteed cure, using lavender as part of a comprehensive sleep hygiene routine can be very helpful.
Why Does Lavender Help Sleep?
Calming and Relaxing Properties: The soothing aroma of lavender can help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common culprits of sleep disturbances. Potential for Deeper Sleep: Some studies suggest that lavender can increase the amount of slow-wave sleep, which is crucial for physical and mental restoration. Reduced Sleep Latency: Lavender may help you fall asleep faster by promoting relaxation.Important Considerations
Individual Responses Vary: While many people find lavender beneficial, its effects can differ from person to person.
Quality of Essential Oil: Using a pure, high-quality lavender essential oil is crucial for optimal results. Fragrance oils should never be used as a substitute for essential oils, especially for topical use.
Combination with Other Practices: Lavender oil often works best in combination with other sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep
Aromatherapy
Diffuse lavender oil in your bedroom before sleep to experience its calming effects.
Topical Application
Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it onto your temples, wrists, or soles of your feet before bed.
Bath
Add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater for a relaxing soak.
Always test lavender oil on a small patch of skin before applying it directly to a larger area to check for any allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
If you have persistent sleep problems, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. For more information and insights, please check out my Quora Profile!