Many people today have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep.
Whether your mind is buzzing with fearful thoughts, you are a shift worker, or hourly wailed by a newborn baby, falling asleep – and staying – can be difficult for many.
Make sure you set a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. For example, “catching up” on sleep by lying down can sometimes only make things worse!
Relax for at least an hour before bed – that is, without a TV, phone, or laptop – and create a relaxing ritual or two for yourself before bed.
Soothing and relaxing essential oils
Essential oils are a great pre-bed relaxation tool.
You can use them in a diffuser to create a calm atmosphere in your bedroom. Alternatively, a few drops can be mixed with a neutral oil and placed in a warm bath before heading to the land of napping.
Here are some of the best essential oils for a good night’s sleep.
lavender
Lavender is the most popular and widely used essential oil when it comes to relaxation and a good night’s sleep. In addition, it smells divine and romps about on a summer meadow.
Try putting a few drops directly on your pillow before bed.
If you wake up often at night, put 10 to 15 drops in a diffuser and put it on an intermittent setting just before bed.
Geranium Bourbon
Geranium Bourbon produces a fresh, rosy scent and is another great essential oil for relaxing.
Distilled from the small pink flowers and tiny leaves of the geranium plant, it is a rich “balancing oil” with a multitude of uses.
Put a few drops in a bowl of steaming water and take a deep breath for 5 to 10 minutes to feel super relaxed and refreshed.
Bergamot
Bergamot orange is a fragrant citrus fruit that is common in perfumes as it can be mixed with a variety of other fragrances.
If you’re not a lavender fanatic, this might be the perfect citrus-based essential oil for you.
Try a diffuser a few hours before bed while relaxing with a book or relaxing music.
Sweet marjoram
Sweet marjoram is a great alternative to the typical floral and citrus scents associated with essential oils. It has an herbaceous and nutty aroma.
As the perfect essential oil for those struggling to fall asleep initially, it is ideal for those who work irregular patterns or night shifts.
Mix up to 10 drops of this essential oil with two teaspoons of almond oil (or any other carrier oil) for a relaxing pre-bed massage – if you can convince someone, then!
For more information or to buy essential oils and accessories, visit kotanical.ie
