Essential oils have a reputation for helping with numerous ailments. Their wide array of benefits includes supporting a restful night’s sleep. What’s great about essential oils is that you don’t get that groggy feeling or other side effects that often comes with synthetic sleep aids.
According to a study published by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, cancer patients have a particularly tough time getting good sleep. Subjects were given aromatherapy over a 13-week period. The effects were very beneficial, producing more sleep for the patients. In fact, over 90 percent said they would continue use of the blend that included bergamot, lavender, sandalwood, frankincense and mandarin.
It has also been reported that some healthcare facilities are incorporating aromatherapy within their practice to help patients with anxiety and better sleep.
Here’s a DIY sleep aid recipe that uses aromatherapy and will help nearly anyone sleep better.
Best essential oils for sleep
Lavender is extremely versatile. Use it throughout the day for a calming effect, which holds true for solid sleep. It relaxes the body and eases tension, which creates the perfect platform for rest.
Frankincense offers feelings of relaxation and other health benefits, such as reducing chronic stress, anxiety, pain and inflammation, while boosting your immunity. It’s also been noted as a cancer-fighter. Additionally, it can create a balanced mood upon waking.
Cedarwood has a warm, woody scent that can help promote a good night of rest. It’s both grounding and calming, which enhances that relaxation mode. It relieves tension by producing serotonin that causes the release of melatonin. Melatonin helps induce a sedative state that can offer restorative sleep and give you a refreshed feeling in the morning.
Bergamot essential oil may help add to the calming of the body and mind. It can relieve nervous tension by stimulating dopamine and serotonin while delivering a sedative, relaxing and content feeling.
How to Make a DIY Sleep Aid
How to Make a DIY Sleep Aid
Ingredients
- 20 drops lavender essential oil
- 20 drops frankincense essential oil
- 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 20 drops bergamot essential oil
- Diffuser
- Small dark-colored bottle with a tight lid
Instructions
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Combine all oils in small, dark-colored bottle.
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Cap bottle tightly, and shake well to blend.
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Follow directions for your diffuser, adding water as needed.
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Add about 10 drops of sleep aid blend into diffuser.
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Place in your bedroom at night and start diffusing a few minutes before bedtime.