Essential oils for sleep and anxiety, how can they help you?
Essential oils are known for having some great health benefits. Some are great for skin problems, others can improve your digestion or contribute to strengthening your immune system.
What you need to pay attention when going for these oils is making sure you are using the right one.
Some essential oils are good only for sleep problems, while others are more suitable for people who suffer from anxiety.
To help you make a good decision, let me show you a few essential oils and tell you what they are good for.
Essential oils for sleep and anxiety
Essential oils for sleep
Lavender is probably one of the most popular essential oils used for treating sleep problems.
The smell of this product can help your body relax, calm you down and enjoy a good night sleep.
Studies have been done to see how lavender (oil or other forms) influences the quality of one’s sleep. The results showed participants had a better sleep when they were exposed to lavender. Sometimes, lavender essential oil was sprayed in the room or people were asked to smell a lavender-sprayed napkin before going to bed.
Lavender capsules for insomnia are another option you can try.
Cedarwood helps the pineal gland function healthily. This gland is responsible for releasing melatonin, the hormone which helps control your sleep and your wake cycles.
Small amounts of melatonin are found in foods. Melatonin can also be taken as a supplement.
Cedarwood has a strong woody smell.
Bergamot has a unique floral aroma. This essential oil helps you have a restful sleep.
What you need to know about bergamot essential oil is that it’s very photosensitive, making your skin sensitive to the sun. Don’t apply it before going out or, at least, make sure your skin is covered.
Roman chamomile is used to calm your body during periods of restlessness or when going through moments that make you anxious.
It’s known for its delicate smell and light floral taste.
Marjoram has been used since ancient times by Romans and Greeks. This essential oil can relax your nerves and help you release the tension from your body.
Essential oils for anxiety
Lavender is also an excellent essential oil for people who suffer from anxiety.
Because of its calming effects, it can help you relax and may prevent panic attacks, irritations, and general nervous feelings.
Frankincense essential oil is used in treating anxiety and depression. It has a calming effect, which makes it great for meditation.
It’s also useful if you have sleep problems.
Ylang ylang is an essential oil widely used for treating anxiety and depression.
It calms your body, giving you feelings of courage, optimism, and cheerfulness.
Ylang ylang essential oil can also be used for sleep problems such as insomnia.
Be careful with this essential oil. It may irritate your skin and it’s not indicated to use it if you have low blood pressure.
Rose essential oil follows lavender in great results of treating anxiety and depression.
For panic attacks, moments of grief or shock, this oil can be really helpful.
Vetiver essential oil has a tranquil effect which can calm your body. It can decrease hypersensitivity, being useful for panic attacks and moments of shock.
If you have sleep issues, vetiver essential oil can also be a great choice.
Also, learning about the bamboo toothbrush benefits is a smart decision.
How to use essential oils for sleep and anxiety
These essential oils for sleep and anxiety can be really useful, but keep this in mind.
Anxiety and sleep problems such as insomnia are conditions which need to be supervised by a doctor.
A doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and tell you what kind of treatment you need.
Essential oils can complement your treatment or be the central element of it. You can use them in two ways:
- topical
- aromatic
Topical use
Topical use refers to applying essential oils for sleep and anxiety on different body parts.
You can rub it on your neck, at the bottom of your hairline or on your feet. You can do this several times a day or before going to sleep (in the case of essential oils for sleep).
Aromatic use
Aromatic use is related to diffusers. You put a few drops of your desired essential oil, add some water and there you go.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can rub some essential oils for sleep and anxiety on your hands, cup over your nose and inhale a few times.
If you’re interested in essential oil diffusers, check out best household air fresheners.