Essential oils for sleep sound crazy until sleep deprivation sets in. I've tried strange teas, sleeping meditations, yoga... You start to wonder, how much sleep do I need anyway, right? More than a new baby was letting me have, that's how much. Nothing is worse than being so busy you barely get to sleep, let alone being unable to sleep when you finally get the chance. So essential oils were looking pretty good, but which ones?
Lavender
Lavender is a staple of the calm down and chill-out medicine cabinet. It's been hiding in the med bag of midwives and other healers for 2,500 years. So, I figured it would be a safe bet for a place to start. The pure magic of lavender is that I put some on my baby's clothes, and he got to sleep quicker and slept a full three hours before waking.
Fast forward eight years, and I get my lavender via these fantastic essential oil inscents cones. (This post contains affiliate links) About 20 minutes before I want to go to bed, I light a cone, place it in the Inscents Waterfall, and watch the smoke flow down the channel. It's super relaxing.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil helps with sleep because it naturally relieves anxiety, allowing the mind to clear for deep, restful sleep. Essential oil of lemongrass works well in a diffuser, but I still prefer my Inscents cones on this one. I also really love lemongrass tea to relax before bed.
Rose
Rose essential oil is the happiness oil. It is known for producing feelings of general wellbeing. It is also a natural pain reliever, and I have used it during natural childbirth quite successfully. These days I like to wear rose oil to curb anxiety and settle in before bed. My rose Inscents cones smell amazing, and I tend to burn them at all hours, not just when I want to unwind.
Ways to Fall Asleep
While essential oils have the power to settle your body and mind into a relaxed state, there are several other things you can do to help increase your odds of getting a restful night's sleep. Consider the following:
Lighting
About two hours before bed, put your phone away. Turn off all screens such as your computer and television. Dim the lights and consider lighting candles. Your pineal gland is light sensitive and controls your circadian rhythms or sleep/wake cycle.
Stimulants
Consider reducing or eliminating sugar and caffeine after dinner to give your body a chance to relax.
Exercise
Just 30 minutes a day of cardio produces positive, relaxing endorphins in the body. Regular exercise helps stimulate the production of sleep chemical serotonin in the brain. A good stretch before bed will help to ease bodily tension. For deep relaxation, try yoga Nidra and fall asleep fast!