There is a fascinating relationship between aromas and neurological responses which can provide relief for some of the up to 70 million estimated Americans suffering from sleep problems.

If you’re someone who suffers from sleep issues and wants to get a restful sleep without resorting to over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed sleep aids and medications, try using essential oils instead.

Thanks to the vast number of essential oils, people who find it difficult to fall or stay asleep have numerous choices when it comes to which solutions work best for their personal needs.

Related Article: Best OTC Sleeping Pills

Explore Different Brands of Essential Oils

Like most products, you can find essential oils practically anywhere you go. However, that doesn’t mean that every bottle of essential oil is equally worth your investment.

Not all essential oils are cultivated and manufactured to produce the same quality results. For this reason, consumers seeking the calming effects of essential oils should invest in well-regarded essential oil brands rather than those found in many mainstream retailers.

For instance, companies like Young Living, dōTERRA, and Rocky Mountain Oils create and sell essential oils as part of their core business models.

Beyond determining a preferred brand of essential oil, consumers should also consider which types are best-suited for sleep and relaxation. Below are several essential oils that are regularly utilized to promote rest.

Lavender Essential Oil

Found all over the world, lavender has become synonymous with de-stressing. Hence, many products from balms to shampoos market themselves as including lavender.

Using lavender essential oil before bedtime isn’t complicated.

Some people like to rub a few drops of lavender oil on their wrists, allowing the heat from their pulse points to activate the fragrance. Others prefer to place drops into an essential oil sleep diffuser.

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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Straight from the tropics, ylang-ylang (generally pronounced ee’-long, ee’-long) essential oil is commonly steam-distilled from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata.

The powerful scent has been known to lift spirits and lower blood pressure and is often used in spa treatments. Not surprisingly, individuals with trouble falling asleep due to depressive feelings or anxiety often choose ylang-ylang as their preferred essential oil sleep aid.

*Note: Due to its potency and aptitude for harshness against the skin, ylang-ylang should not be applied topically without first being mixed with a base. Coconut oil works as a carrier oil, as does olive oil from the pantry. Of course, ylang-ylang essential oil can also be used with any diffuser.

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Marjoram Essential Oil

Although the plant marjoram is native to the Mediterranean, it’s become commonplace in the homes of people all over the world. Its oils, which are steam distilled, have also grown in popularity.

Warm-smelling marjoram essential oil is often utilized topically or in aromatic form to calm the nerves after a negative experience. Have a bad dream? Marjoram essential oil could do the trick to help you get back to having a good night’s sleep.

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Valerian Essential Oil

Like many essential oil types, valerian oil comes from the plant it was named for, valerian. Long before pharmaceuticals were developed, valerian was used to treat a vast array of health issues, including insomnia.

To get the full effect of this oil, massage it into the bottoms of your feet before bedtime. This helps to stimulate the aroma as well as provide a relief-inducing massage of the toes, arches, and ball of the foot. Of course, you can diffuse valerian, and if you do it’s recommended to diffuse it with a sage oil as well for maximum effects.

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Chamomile Essential Oil

It’s no secret that chamomile is linked to better sleep. One trip down the bagged and loose tea aisle of any grocery store, big box retailer, or organic marketplace will no doubt offer tons of chamomile varieties.

Yet it isn’t necessary to ingest the essence of the chamomile plant to get its sleep help benefits. Science has shown that chamomile has the ability to assist as a sedative, making it an essential oil favorite among those who desire to regulate their sleep cycles.

Best of all, Roman chamomile essential oil can be applied topically, diffused, or even consumed. That’s right, add 1-2 drops to any tea or hot drink to ease your wandering mind.

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Cedarwood Essential Oil

Cedarwood oil comes from conifers including cedars and pine trees. Its earthy scent has been used as a way to balance emotions and calm fears.

Prone to nightmares or high anxiety due to a racing mind? A few drops of cedarwood oil massaged into the palms or feet may produce a relaxing effect. Many people like to mix cedarwood with other essential oils such as lemongrass and clary sage to produce signature sleep scents.

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Use Essential Oils Alone or Combined

Modern consumers are constantly seeking holistic ways to help them drift into sleep and get the recommended eight or more hours of daily rest.

Essential oils, whether used singly or in recipe combinations, can be natural remedies to facilitate better sleeping experiences without contraindications commonly found in pharmaceutical drugs and sleep aids.

Instead of living with the psychological concerns and potentially dangerous outcomes of sleep deprivation, people with varying degrees of insomnia owe it to themselves to experiment with essential oils after seeking professional medical advice to rule out any serious issues that require immediate physician intervention.

Not only can essential oils be a safe alternative to harsher products, but they can turn any bedroom or sleeping area into a sweet-smelling, calming atmosphere.

Related Article: Best Sleep Aids

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