A long day often ends with aching feet and tired shoulders. But sometimes, the end of the day does not mean rest for some of us. Sleep is hard to come by and once you’ve finally gone to sleep, you’ll wake up only to be greeted with dark bags under the eyes and a dull skin that screams TIRED.
While you can cover up the evidence of a sleepless night, wouldn’t it be better to finally lay your enemies to rest and finally save your skin from suffering? Here are 6 of the best essential oils that are great for aromatherapy.
Essential Oils for Better Sleep
1. Lavender Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that helps with your sleeping patterns, then lavender oil is always the first choice. Its soothing scent is perfect for bringing your body into a relaxed state. Use in a diffuser or apply in the temples to let its fragrance help your body achieve slumber. There are even reports of its power in relieving insomnia. Chase away feelings of anxiety and stress with a few drops of lavender oil.
2. Chamomile Essential Oil
Popular for its relaxing aroma, chamomile is not only perfect as a tea but also as an essential oil. Its mild fragrance is just right for those who are looking into creating a peaceful atmosphere. Its effects on the senses alleviate some symptoms of depression, making it the perfect oil to use in therapies and in sessions of emotional healing. This also works great to improve your sleep, giving your body enough time to rest and recuperate.
3. Ylang-Ylang Oil
There are surely a lot of oils that soothe the emotion and mind. What makes ylang-ylang oil unique is because of its delicate scent. Different from the fragrance of other oils, ylang-ylang is a favorite among users of aromatherapy oils. It’s also a common ingredient in perfumes. It affects the user by lifting the spirits and promoting positive emotions like joy and hope.
4. Sandalwood Oil
Aside from flowery soothing fragrances, some of the best choices for oils to help with sleep are those that have warm and earthy scents. Sandalwood oil has therapeutic effects not only when applied in the body but also when you’re exposed to its scent. It is effective in calming the emotions and in improving the keenness of your mind.
5. Bergamot Oil
Similar to a sweet orange, its scent is citrusy with a hint of floral. This is suitable for those looking for an energizing scent. Soothe those feelings of depression and anxiety away to give room to some positive outlook in life. It also differs from other oils since its aroma is defined as refreshing and clean. Simply take a few drops into an essential oil diffuser to let its scent create the desired atmosphere.
6. Frankincense Oil
If it’s aromatherapy oils we’re talking about, then we can’t forget about frankincense oil. A common ingredient in perfumery and even in making incense, this is one of the most famous oils in aromatherapy. You’re going to love its complex citrusy wood fragrance that works best for those who are into deep aromas.
How to Use Essential Oils for Inducing Sleep
There are only two ways you can use essential oils to help you sleep. If you can find other unique ways, share it with us! But here are the common methods of applying essential oils for aromatherapy. You can always tweak the way you use essential oils, mix different choices to create an even more complex fragrance. Just make sure that each distinct fragrance complements the others.
Topical Application
You might be one of those children who grew up with your mother putting oils on your feet. The oils deliver therapeutic effects to the body which are effective for sleep. Its scent also wafts up to the top of the body which stimulates the senses for relaxation. Other areas that you can apply this oil on your body is on your temples, wrists, and even your neck. Putting it behind the ears makes the scent seem stronger and last longer.
Aromatherapy Method
If you’re looking into creating a soothing atmosphere then aromatherapy is the best way to use these oils. It lets the fragrance spread around the room or in a particular space without applying on the body.
Using a Diffuser
Just putting a few drops of essential oils in the diffuser is enough to have its scent permeate the air. This is the best methods for children and even infants. If you’re cautious in using topical oils on your kids, you can just use a diffuser. A few drops do the magic.
Applying on the Pillows
Put a few drops on the pillows or on linen. You can do it beforehand and not just on the particular time that you want to sleep better. Essential oils are great deodorizers. Their scents stick to linens and last long until used.
Have you found an oil that suits your preferences? Just explore and you’ll surely find an oil that seeks the balance of the body and mind.
