FIVE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INSOMIA

Quality sleep can improve concentration and productivity. Sleep is

important for various aspects of brain function which includes cognition,
concentration, productivity and performance. But how can you make sure you
get a better night of sleep? If you don’t want to use over-the-counter and
prescription medications, an essential oil is just one type of all-natural sleep aid
you can choose.

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. The oils capture the
plant's scent and flavour, also called its "essence." It is not to be swallowed and
its unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic
essence. Its different smells play in influencing a person’s mood, energy level
and the ability to focus, as well as their effect on sleep.

Personally, I love essential oils. It became part of my life. It helped me

battle stress and do a lot of help in almost everything in my household. Inhaling
the aromas from essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, which is
a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviours, sense of smell,
long-term memory and even sleep disorders. To achieve that quality sleep here
are five must try essential oils:

1. Lavender

This essential oil likely doesn’t surprise you. Lavender is well-known for its
relaxing and calming effects on the body. It calms the nervous system by
lowering blood pressure, heart-rate and skin temperature –all processes which
taken place during the body’s natural transition to sleep. The most reason why I
love this oil is because it is safe to use on all ages–babies through adults.
Lavender oil reduces colic and multiple studies have shown its effectiveness as
calming sedative. Smelling lavender oil has been shown to positively affect
the sleep quality of women after childbirth, as well as patients with heart
disease.

In addition to supporting healthy sleep, this oil is also a great way to

freshen up laundry and fragrance your home without harsh chemicals or
synthetics.

2. Ylang ylang

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 Ylang ylang means “flower of flowers.” Historically, the Ylang ylang flower
has been used to cover the beds of newlywed couples on their wedding
night. That’s because this powerful oil helps to balance male and female
energies, supports focus and restores peace.

It hails from the flower of a tree that grows in Southeast Asia.

Studies support the theory that the floral, aromatic fragrance works as
a stress reliever and lowers heart rate and blood pressure providing an
overall calming effect to the nervous system helpful for individuals
with sleep problems or depression . The scent helps relax the body and
can even serve as an antidepressant, an ideal essential oil for sleep .

This oil is a delight to diffuse 30 minutes before bedtime and throughout

the night.

3. Roman chamomile

For centuries, mothers have used this oil to calm children. Roman
chamomile is a plant native to North Western Europe and Northern
Ireland. It is known to reduce insomnia, relieves anxiety and depression
and can even minimize symptoms of colic. This oil is perfect for restlessness
and anxious feelings. I love using this oil because it’s another one that is great for
all ages.

It has a light, floral scent and is wonderful for creating a peaceful

atmosphere in your bedroom.

4. Cedarwood

As the name implies, cedarwood oil comes from the wood of the
cedar tree. This oil is insanely cost effective, and it works beautifully. It costs
around four cents per drop and is therefore a more affordable option. It relieves
stress and anxiety, by kickstarting serotonin production and elevating your
mood. It also has natural sedative properties. Cedarwood essential oil supports
healthy function of the pineal gland, which releases melatonin the body’s
natural sleepy hormones.

This oil has a unique woodsy scent. If you aren’t keen on the smell, mix it
with lavender and apply to the bottoms of feet. Then cover with socks and melt
into bed.

5. Clary Sage

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 Clary sage is different than the regular sage and is better for sleep. This oil
may also help with relaxation. A research study found that when the oil was
used in a diffuser, it helped women undergoing urodynamic examination relaxes
more effectively. One study also found that clary sage essential oil had
antidepressant effects for menopausal women.

There are plenty of ways on how to use essential oils for sleep, you may
add oil to your bath. This is a great way also to get relaxation and sleep benefits
of aromatherapy while taking advantage of the sleep -promoting effects of a
warm soak. Put several drops of your favourite oil into your bathwater, and
schedule your soaking time for 90 minutes to an hour before your bedtime.
Another is making a mist, combining essential oil and water in a spray bottle or
atomizer and sprays around your room, or give a light mist to your bed linens or
thru massage, apply to the body directly. Some people find it soothing to apply
essential oils to pressure points, like the wrists or behind the ears, or use oils to
give themselves a light self-massage.

Essential oils are truly amazing. However, they may cause serious side
effects for some people, especially if applied directly to skin or ingested. Still it is
important to treat essential oils with caution. Before applying these oils over
large areas of skin, be sure to do a patch test. If you want to start using essential
oils, consult your doctor because some oils may interfere with medications that
you may be taking at the moment or may cause an allergic reaction. While
essential oils are generally considered safe to use, if you are struggling with sleep
issues it is always better to check with your doctor for more guidance on
essential oils along with other lifestyle change that can help you get a good
night’s sleep.