How Essential Oils Can Help You Sleep Better

If you go to your doctor complaining of sleeping problems, chances are you’ll be given a prescription for sleeping pills, not essential oils. There are, however, a lot of side effects with sleeping pills, so you’d be better off in the long run treating yourself using essential oils

This reliance on sleeping pills is symptomatic of the way we automatically look for the “quick fix”. Whilst there are valid reasons to go for the fast and easy solution at times, sleep and sleeping difficulties are not best treated that way.

Don’t Think About Not being Able to Sleep!

Most people need about 6 – 8 hours per night, on average, and numerous studies have shown that the odd night with less sleep is not detrimental. The main reason most of us cope badly with a disrupted night’s sleep is, strangely enough, because we think about it too much!

It helps to look at your sleep problems in a philosophical way – the occasional night with bad sleep is part of life. Unless your insomnia is frequent and actually disrupts your life, it is best to regard episodes of less than perfect sleep as a gift of extra hours!

Of course we all know the feeling that “I really want to go to sleep tonight!” If it happens occasionally consider natural insomnia cures before reaching for sleeping pills – your body will thank you!

Tried and True Age Old Remedy – 4 Essential Oils to Use

An age old method of getting ready for bed is to take a warm bath. Adding some drops of essential oils will increase its effectiveness.

Here are four proven oils you can try – either individually, or mixed. Each is unique, so you might find that combining two or more works really well for you.

=> Lavender (Lavandula  Angustifolia). It has a pleasing, calming smell, and has been used for centuries.

=> Sandalwood (Santalum Album). Has a soft fragrance and is used by men more than the other oils mentioned here. It is often used in balms and body lotions aimed at men.

=> Sweet Marjoram (Origanum Majorana). This herb creates a relaxed, warm feeling and will make you quite drowsy. It is not the same as “Spanish Marjoram”, which has different properties and is a member of the thyme family.

=> Neroli (Citrus Aurantium). It is part of the citrus family, it has a distinctive fragrance and is often said to be specifically effective against insomnia and sleep difficulties.

Use Care and Enjoy the benefits of Essential Oils!

When using essential oils be aware that they are very potent! Check that they are pure and not mixed with other ingredients (check the Latin names!), and use only 6-8 drops. Use less for children and older people, particularly if they are not healthy

Used as described, essential oils will not have any bad effects, but instead, will enhance the beneficial effect of a warm bath.

Finally – the reason a warm bath works wonders and helps you drop off to sleep is paradoxically because the body needs to cool down slightly before you can sleep. When you are in a bath you will naturally warm up, but once you get out, the body over compensates, and thus you cool down.

Dump your sleeping pills to find a better way to sleep and don’t overlook the many benefits of using these essential oils.