Essential OIls for Insomnia: Promoting Restful Sleep Naturally
Treating Sleeplessness Naturally
Insomnia is the inability to sleep through the night. For some people, sleeplessness may strike once in awhile — after a stressful day, or too much caffeine. For others, it is a chronic, and frustrating condition. Even perfectly healthy adults are affected by insomnia at some point. Sometimes insomnia goes away on its own, especially if it is rooted in a transient mental state. There are also medications to encourage sleep, although these tend to have negative side effects, one of which is dependency.
Although a lack of sleep can be difficult to deal with, and negative for overall well-being, it is treatable with natural remedies. Using essential oils for insomnia is an effective way to promote relaxation and restfulness. Essential oils are the highly concentrated extractions of plants. When used properly, they are a safe and remarkable therapy for sleepless nights.
Relaxing Essential Oils
All of these essential oils can be used to treat insomnia. They are effective on their own, although aromatics work very well when blended together. Some are also helpful for addressing related conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and nervousness.
- Lavender is ideal for sleep disorders. It is also helpful for relieving mild depression.
- Frankincense is a natural sedative.
- Jasmine has antidepressant and sedative properties. It is helpful for relieving insomnia due to anxiety.
- Clary sage is good for insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
- Cedarwood has sedative properties.
- Linden calms the nerves.
- Rose counteracts nervousness, insomnia, and depression.
- Sandalwood is a soothing essential oil, calming mind and body.
- Ylang ylang has antidepressant, sedative, and aphrodisiac properties. It will elevate the mood, while instilling a sense of calm.
- Chamomile is a mild sedative. It relaxes nerves.
- Neroli has a gentle calming, uplifting effect.
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are effective when their medicinal properties enter the body. They however, cannot be ingested. The scent molecules of the oils can be inhaled, which triggers reactions in the brain, causing a more relaxed, peaceful state. They also can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin.
For inhalation, an essential oil diffuser can be used. There are many versions, ranging from the highly effective, but expensive nebulizer, to a simple votive candle and clay pot. If you do not have a diffuser, simply fill a bowl with hot water, and add the oils. This works well, but only if you are nearby. Place the bowl next to your bed side if possible. Another method, is to diffuse the oils yourself with a spray bottle. Use ten drops of essential oil to two cups of water.
For a relaxing bath to combat insomnia, add oils to bath water. This is extremely effective method for promoting sleep, as the warm water will calm the body, while acting as a medium for the essential oils. Add ten to fifteen drops to a cup of water or milk, and then add to running bath water. Relax for twenty minutes, breathing in the aromas. Try sandalwood and lavender together, ylang ylang and rose, or linden and neroli.
Essential oils are a generally safe, natural form of medicine, but they should be used with caution. Never ingest the oils, they are too concentrated and will cause irritation. They should not be used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, as the added sedating effect could be dangerous. Also, do not use for more than thirty minutes at a time. If pregnant, or nursing, talk to a physician before using essential oils.
Resources
Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).
Holistic Online https://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/Sleep/sleep\_ins\_alt-aromatherapy.htm
Photo Credit
photo by: Moon Soleil (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/moonsoleil/873582444/
Disclaimer
Please read this disclaimer regarding the information you have just read.
