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Posted in Mind/Body/Spirit by Rocky Mountain Oils

Soothing Essential Oils for Sleep

It is the worst when sleep evades you. You're tired, you lay there and can't sleep, you're tense because you can't sleep which makes the tension worse, and you dread night time because you know you are just going to lay there and not sleep again, thereby exacerbating the problem. And then you get frustrated because you can fall asleep at work or school within seconds when you don't want to sleep and yet when you do want to sleep, you can't.

There can be many reasons why people don't sleep. It can be stress, worry, a snoring partner, anxiety, parenting small children, depression, hormonal changes, menopause, fibromyalgia, arthritis, extreme medical issues, etc. Whatever the reason may be, here are a few ideas to help you settle your mind and body so you can hopefully get some rest.

Best Oils to Help with a Restful Sleep

  • Oils: Lavender, German Chamomiles, Roman Chamomile, Neroli, Sandalwood, Red Mandarin, Sweet Marjoram, Melissa, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Petitgrain Bigarade, Rose, Nutmeg, Clary Sage, Vetiver

Points of Interest

  • The easiest way to get started is to try one oil for a few days and then another for the next few days, etc. Put a couple of drops on your pillowcase at night (keep away from where your face will be) and breathe in the aroma deeply. Test out the different ones and find what works best for you. This probably won't be solved in one night, though. You are retraining your mind and body and it's going to take a little while to fix this.
  • It is important to remember to vary the oils or blends you use. Your body can get used to the blend and it might stop working as well for a time.
  • Massage and baths are some of the best ways to apply the oils. If you use either method, make sure you go to bed immediately after you are finished. Keep the bath warm, not hot. Warm helps calm the body while hot can stimulate it.
  • Yoga and meditation are all good ways to help you overcome the stresses involved in our day-to-day lives so you can calm down enough to sleep. Find what works best for you.
  • If you find that you keep coming up with things you need to do the next day, keep a notepad by your bed and write them down. Make a list before bed, get it all down on paper, then you can stop fretting over it.
  • Take the oil or blend of oils you like and diffuse them in your bedroom at night.
  • Maybe counting sheep doesn't work for you, but the technique can be beneficial. It gives your mind something to focus on.
  • Be sure you avoid caffeine and alcohol within at least 3 hours before bed. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and try to set a schedule that is consistent.
  • Eat a good diet, especially dark leafy greens. Particularly in your last meal of the day.
  • There are extreme medical issues like heart problems, Diabetes, and Fibromyalgia that can be causing your insomnia. If you suspect you might have a medical reason, you need to get in to a doctor and get tested.
  • Some of the best oils for children and sleep are Lavender and Roman Chamomile. Make sure to dilute properly if applying.

Recipes

Here are some recipes combining some of the best essential oils for sleep. As always, test on a small portion of skin first before applying to a large area, to make sure your skin can handle it. If it burns the skin, add more carrier oil.

Sweet Dreams Diffuser Blend

Step 1 Mix 3 drops Lavender and 4 drops Cedarwood. Diffuse or apply topically. Step 2 Breathe in the aroma and close your eyes. Sweet dreams, darling!

Dream Weaver's Relaxing Rub

  • 25 drops Lavender
  • 15 drops Bergamot
  • 15 drops Pink Grapefruit
  • 15 drops Orange
  • 1 cup Almond oil

Add all ingredients to a dark colored, glass bottle. Close lid and shake well for 2 minutes. Label and set aside in a cool, dark place for 24 hours before using, to allow oils to synergize. Gently massage a small amount into your chest, back, shoulders, behind ears, and temples.

Sleep Easy Blend

  • 2 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 1 teaspoon Carrier oil

Massage into shoulders, neck, and upper back before going to bed. You can also diffuse just the essential oils in the bedroom(minus the carrier oil).

Sleeping Beauty Cream

  • 1 tablespoon Grated Beeswax
  • 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
  • 1/4 cup Light Sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup Orange Flower water
  • Pinch Borax Acid
  • 5 drops Neroli

Mix together beeswax, vitamin E, and sesame oil. Heat gently until beeswax is melted. Combine orange flower water and borax and heat until barely warm. Add to oil mixture and stir well. Remove from heat. Add essential oil and stir for 1 minute. Pour into a clean container and allow to cool completely before closing lid. Label and store in a cool, dry place. Apply to face at night before going to bed. The scent will help you relax and sleep, while the cream moisturizes your face.

Finally

These are just a few things to help you get started. What do you think? What essential oils or other natural methods do you like to use to help you sleep? Which ones of these recipes do you like the best? Tell us in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Each one of us is going to need something slightly different than the person next to us and it's good to share what works for you because it might help someone else. And happy sleeping! (This article does not address sleep apnea issues. That is a separate medical issue that needs to be addressed by a medical doctor) Disclaimer: Rocky Mountain Oils is not liable for any damage caused by use of these recipes.

Each recipe was tested by employees of RMO and did not cause damage to home or person, but we still implore our customers to use caution before trying a recipe in their home. Test recipes on small areas before applying them to the entire surface and do not apply recipes to areas that are potentially sensitive (i.e. priceless Victorian tubs, Baby Grand pianos, etc.).