The Best Essential Oils for Sleep

Can essential oils provide a better night's sleep?

Many essential oils may be used as an all-natural alternative to help with a good night's sleep. That's because smelling essential oils not only produces a sedative effect, but they may also have an effect on diminishing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and relieving built-up stress. 

Essential oils are concentrated, which is what makes them so powerful. One of the most popular and easiest ways to use them is to put several drops in a diffuser, which then releases the oils into the air as a mist. Many essential oils have been proven in recent studies to have a variety of beneficial properties. Here are some of the most popular to use for sleep.

• Cedarwood - Supports the function of the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, the hormone that promotes good sleep.
• Lavender - One of the most popular essential oils, it's famous for its calming effects.
• Frankincense - Has several functions, including balancing emotions, calming the mind, and supporting the body's response to healing, in addition to promoting sleep.
• Other essential oils that are soothing and can promote sleep include Roman chamomile, clary sage, sweet marjoram, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang ylang.

By combining several essential oils and placing them into a diffuser, you can get a range of beneficial effects. Here are two such blends.

Sweet Earth

• 4 drops sweet marjoram
• 3 drops cedarwood
• 3 drops lavender

This blend has an earthy yet sweet scent that promotes relaxation and restful sleep and creates a peaceful environment.

Rich Spice

• 4 drops bergamot
• 4 drops frankincense
• 2 drops vetiver

Citrusy bergamot blends well with vetiver and frankincense, to provide a rich and spicy scent that is grounding.