What Are the Best Essential Oils for Sleep?

There is a seemingly never-ending list of things that strive to steal our sleep from us—busy schedules, overstimulation from electronics, anxiety. So it’s no wonder that as many as 70 million Americans struggle to get to sleep at night.

In our quest to reclaim our nightly hours, there are many options that we turn to, from over-the-counter melatonin tablets to mediation exercises. And another contender has entered the ring to fight for our sleep: essential oils. But what are the best essential oils for sleep?

How Essential Oils Help Us Sleep

Our sense of smell and our memories and emotions are deeply intertwined. It’s why sentimental scents, like a favorite childhood recipe, the perfume worn by a loved one, or Christmas trees, elicit an emotional response from us. But this connection between our nervous system and scent goes deeper than this.

Essential oils trigger a soothing effect when breathed in, improving your mood and calming anxiety, putting you in a better space to fall asleep. This isn’t all oils, though. Getting the most out of your aromatherapy experience requires an answer to the question: what are the best essential oils for sleep?

The Best Essential Oils To Use For Better Sleep

Lavender

Lavender is the quintessential essential oil scent known for its many beneficial uses, such as treating fungal infections, eczema, allergies, and nausea. But one of its best-known effects is helping reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

Lavender contains the terpenes linalool and linalyl acetate, both of which have sedative properties. Additionally, they may help boost mood, keeping sleep-stealing anxiety at bay.

Bergamot

Another sleep-improving essential oil that contains linalyl acetate is bergamot. Bergamot, derived from the bergamot orange, may help reduce chronic pain and calm you down. This can help you reduce physical and emotional tension for better sleep.

Cedarwood

Another factor that can potentially keep us awake at night is respiratory problems, such as congestion. Eucalyptus oils are usually the most associated with respiratory aid, but some find that the strong scent keeps them from relaxing enough for sleep.

That is where cedarwood may be a preferable choice for sleep. Cedarwood helps clear up respiratory issues with a more neutral, woodsy scent. Additionally, it has a sedative effect, like bergamot and lavender.

Chamomile

A warm cup of tea means a good night’s sleep. So it should be no surprise that chamomile oils are beneficial for sleep. They contain the antioxidant apigenin, which naturally decreases anxiety and triggers sleep.

How To Use Essential Oils To Improve Sleep

The best way to use oils to improve sleep is through diffusion. This way, the oils can permeate the air with the scent without it becoming too strong. Otherwise, a few drops of oil rubbed on the temples may also be effective.

For the best night’s sleep possible, look for high-quality essential oils. If you want to ensure your oils are quality, try creating your own homemade essential oils using one of Extractcraft’s oil extraction machines.