Lavender Essential Oil for Better Sleep

Lavender is the first scent that comes to many people's minds at the mention of aromatherapy, and lavender is undoubtedly the most popular of essential oils.  Because it is the one of the most versatile essential oils, no home should be without it!  Better sleep and less anxiety are just a couple of the many benefits of lavender essential oil.

The Most Versatile Essential Oil: Lavender

Lavender is considered to be an  adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body in many different ways when adapting to stress or imbalances.  Lavender not only has calming, sedating effects but can also be a booster when energy runs low. 

Lavender is comprised of over 100 constituents, including linalool, perillyl alcohol, linalyl acetate, camphor, d-limonene, eucalyptol, tannins, triterpenes, coumarins, cineole, camphor, and flavonoids.  Linalyl acetate and linalool have been identified as active constituents that contribute to its calming and sedative properties.  

There is a growing body of scientific research supporting the use of lavender for a wide range of conditions.  Numerous studies have documented the effectiveness of lavender essential oil and aromatherapy for improving sleep.

5 Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Better Sleep:

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1. Try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to some epsom salts, and then add to your bath before bedtime.
2. Give yourself (or a loved one) a nice foot massage with a drop or two of lavender added to your lotion.
3. Add a few drops of lavender to some honey and stir into a relaxing bedtime tea blend.
4. Place a few drops of lavender essential oil on a wet cloth or dryer sheet to deodorize and freshen your laundry.
5. Make a refreshing and relaxing lavender spray to mist over your pillow at bedtime.

Lavender for a Good Night's Rest

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic.  Most of us already know that inadequate sleep can affect our jobs, our relationships, and our overall health.  Finding safe, effective ways to get a good night's rest can be a challenge, but the science is suggesting lavender essential oil may really help.

Clinical studies have found lavender essential oil to be effective in helping people fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep-related symptoms. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) states that lavender aromatherapy can be effectively used to help promote sleep, and should be considered as a safe alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.

A restful sleep in the hospital is often a challenge for patients and may result in the use of medications. A recent study concluded that using lavender aromatherapy resulted in significantly better sleep quality.  Lavender aromatherapy is also well tolerated, with no documented drug interactions or contraindications. 

In another study, lavender essential oil was shown to reduce depression and insomnia in female nursing students.