The Absolute Best Essential Oils For Sleep And Insomnia

So, you have some issues sleeping? Perhaps a bit of insomnia? I feel you, I’ve been there and seen that enough in my lifetime to know what a pain it is not to get enough restful sleep.

Note I said “restful” sleep. That’s what I want for you, restful, meaningful sleep. Not just a doze here or there. Real sleep, where your REMs are active and giving you some peaceful dreams.

In this post I’m going to share with you 7 essential oils that are great for getting some zzz’s. I’ll also share three recipes to help you on your journey to good sleep. But first lets talk about sleep.

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Why Do You Need Sleep?

Sleep is important for your overall well-being. Your body needs sleep to maintain its health. Sleep keeps you alert and active during the day. Your brain needs sleep to think clearly and to concentrate on tasks. The average adult requires 7-9 hours of sleep a day to function properly. Children need even more.

what Counts As Good Sleep?

Good sleep is reached when you go through the four stages of sleep. NREM, or non-rapid eye movement consists of the first three stages of sleep.

I won’t go into a lot of detail about these three stages but if you want to learn more about them visit this WEBSITE HERE.

These three stages are basically the “falling asleep” stages, as your body relaxes it goes through each stage.

The fourth, and final stage is REM, or rapid eye movement, where your eyes move back and forth rapidly and where your dreams take place. The four stages will repeat through-out the night until you wake up.

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder where people have trouble sleeping or staying asleep. The disorder can cause daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. Those with insomnia should be cautious when driving.

I did a sleep study years ago for insomnia expecting to have something great revealed to me. I learned that insomnia was a learned behavior and conditioning myself to “learn” to sleep again was the only way to cure it.

What can be done to help get good sleep?

Make and keep a realistic bedtime.
Keep light to a minimum during the night. This includes no TV.
Limit caffein, alcohol, and large meals before bedtime.
Have an active lifestyle that keeps your body moving.
Keep your bedroom comfortable with a comfortable temperature and comfortable bed.

Best essential oils for sleep and insomnia?

So now for the good part. What essential oils are good for sleep? I mentioned that there were seven.

Here they are:

Cedarwood (atlas)
Chamomile (roman)
Coriander
Patchouli
Sandalwood (Australian)
Vanilla
Vetiver

Best Essential Oils Benefits

Cedarwood (Atlas) has calming properties and may be used as a sedative. Cedarwood helps with the release of serotonin in the brain, which is then converted to melatonin, which is useful for treating insomnia.

Chamomile is known for its calming and restful tea. Same is true for the essential oil. For centuries Chamomile has been known to calm nerves, help with headaches and promote relaxation.

Coriander is a good essential oil to help reduce anxiety and promotes sleep. It is relaxing and soothing.

Patchouli can help you get a goodnight sleep as it acts as a sedative.

Sandalwood (Australian), while expensive, you only need a drop or two in your blend to help you sleep. It’s mood-balancing properties will help you slide into a deep sleep.

Vanilla is a comforting scent and has a reputation of bringing about the feel-good feelings. Vanilla ca also relieve tension and calm your mind.

Vetiver will help slow your mind and allow you to mellow out before you fall into a deep sleep. Its earthy scent is both peaceful and calming.

Essential Oil Recipes

Deep Slumber

Lets blend together some patchouli, vanilla and lavender for a wonderful aroma treat. These essential oils together will help you fall right to sleep.

In an ultrasonic diffuser filled with water add the following drops of essential oils:

4 drops Lavender
2 drops Patchouli
2 drops Vanilla

Diffuse at bedtime for 15 to 30 minutes.

Sleepy Time

Chamomile (roman) and Cedarwood (atlas) make a soothing pair but add some Bergamot to it and you’ve got something you can count on to get you off to a deep sleep.

In a personal inhaler, add the following drops to the cotton wick.

6 drops Cedarwood (Atlas)
5 drops Bergamot
4 drops Chamomile (Roman)

Reassemble the inhaler and holding the nose piece up to your nostrils inhale deeply 1-3 times, repeat as needed till you fall into a great sleep. I recommend and use the aluminum personal inhalers found on Amazon.

Knock-Me-Out

Mix up these three essential oils for a swift kick in the insomnias, you know what. Here we’ll be using Vetiver, Sandalwood (Australian) and Lavender.

Add the following into an ultrasonic diffuser filled with water.

3 drops Vetiver
3 drops Lavender
2 drops Sandalwood (Australian)