Unlocking Tranquility: The Best Essential Oils for Sleep
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of a health lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. But despite its importance, many of us struggle to reach sustained levels of quality sleep, leading to adverse effects on our overall health. And if you’re like me, you might want to take a more holistic approach to solving the dilemma of not getting enough sleep, including not getting enough deep sleep. I have good news for you! There is a natural option in the form of soothing and relaxing essential oils. In this article we’ll explore some ways you can not only better prepare for sleep but also what essential oils are good for sleep.
Why is Quality Sleep Crucial?
Before we delve into the specifics of the best essential oils for sleep, let’s first understand the profound significance of getting enough shut-eye. btw: Who came up with that term? Shouldn’t it be shut-eyes? Anyways…
Quality sleep is not merely about feeling well-rested—it actually plays a pivotal role in several important body functions, from consolidating memory to repairing tissues and boosting immunity. The lack of quality sleep can lead to various health challenges, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and so many other issues. So, finding effective ways to get better sleep is vital for overall health.
Getting enough deep sleep has the power to rejuvenate you from the inside out. When you prioritize a good night’s sleep, you’re allowing your body to repair and your brain to consolidate memories and process information and so much more.
“Sleep is the best meditation.”
–Dalai Lama
“The best bridge between dispair and hope is a good night’s sleep”
–Matthew Walker
Essential Oils For Sleep:
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- Lavender
- Roman Chamomile
- Bergamot
- Sandalwood
- Ylang-Ylang
- Jasmine
- Marjoram
Benefits of Sleep
Here are some of the incredible benefits of getting a good nights sleep:
Improved Concentration and Productivity:
Sleep is pivotal for various aspects of brain function. This includes cognition, concentration, productivity, and performance. All of these are negatively affected by sleep deprivation.
Emotional Wellbeing:
Adequate sleep has a profound impact on your mood and emotional resilience. It supports your mental health and helps mitigate mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
Physical Health:
During sleep, your body heals itself and restores its chemical balance. Your cells produce more protein, your tissues grow and repair, and your energy is restored.
Immune Function:
Sleep can improve your immune function. Even a small loss of sleep has been shown to impair immune function.
Weight Management:
Sleep affects the levels of two hormones, leptin, and ghrelin, which control feelings of hunger and fullness. Getting enough sleep can help you maintain or lose weight.
Lack of Sleep
So what happens when you don’t get enough sleep?
Cognitive Impairment:
Lack of sleep can lead to problems with thinking and concentration, making decision-making and problem-solving more challenging.
Mood Changes:
Sleep deprivation can make you irritable, short-tempered, and vulnerable to stress. Chronic sleep deprivation can even lead to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Health Risks:
Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
Immune Deficiency:
Insufficient sleep impairs your body’s ability to fight off infections, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Weight Gain:
Sleep affects the way your body reacts to insulin, the hormone that controls your blood glucose (sugar) level. Sleep deficiency results in a higher than normal blood sugar level, which may increase your risk for diabetes.
Remember sleep is not a luxury, it’s a fundamental aspect of your holistic wellbeing!
How To Get Ready for Sleep
One of the best ways to get a better night sleep is to prepare for it —this includes preparing your mind and your body. This is where essential oils can play a role in creating a good “pre-bedtime routine.”
Many of us forget that preparing for bed is a critical part of achieving a restful night’s sleep. We need to signal to our minds and bodies that it’s time to “power down” and prepare to engage in “sleep mode.” Integrating a wind-down routine before bed can significantly enhance the quality of your sleep. Let’s explore a few key practices supported by evidence-based research that can help you prepare for a rejuvenating night’s sleep.
Getting Off Screens
In case you haven’t already heard, research suggests that exposure to the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. If you feel a pang of guilt, don’t worry, you’re not the only one who stays on screens too long into the night. But consider this, the blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. Yes, you could take those melatonin gummies, but why not just turn off your electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. Instead of being on screens you might consider the amazing health benefits of reading a book, practicing meditation, or engaging in light stretching.
Mindful Eating Habits
Eating heavy meals or consuming caffeine and sugar too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep. It’s best to have your last big meal of the day at least 2-3 hours before you plan to sleep. This gives your body enough time to digest the food. If you’re hungry right before bed, opt for a light snack that’s easy on the stomach, such as a banana or a small serving of almonds. Being mindful of what and when you eat can have a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Create a Sleep-Promoting Environment
Make your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep. How? Keep it cool, dark, and quiet – all factors that have been shown to support better sleep. Consider using blackout curtains, eye masks, and earplugs if needed. And try diffusing dōTERRA Serenity Restful Blend about 30 minutes before bedtime to help improve your sleep environment.
Relaxation Techniques
Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep. Incorporating mindful practices such as meditation or the deliberate act of slow, gentle breathing can serve as a powerful signal to your body that it’s time to power down. This subtle yet effective signal communicates that it’s time to transition from the activities of the day, to begin the process of winding down, and to fully embrace the restorative power of rest.
As part of your relaxation phase of preparing for sleep you might try applying the Serenity Sleep Stick which I’ll talk about in the next section.
Physical Activity in The Day Time
Regular physical activity during the day can promote better sleep at night. However, it’s best to avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime as they can increase energy levels and make it harder to wind down.
By incorporating these pre-sleep hygiene practices into your routine, you set the stage for a night of deep, restorative sleep.
Essential Oils for Sleep
Now that you know the benefits of sleep and a few ways on how to prepare for a good night sleep, let’s talk about what essential oils are good for sleep. Utilizing the best essential oils for sleep is easier than you think! Something I love about dōTERRA is the Serenity Sleep System which combines the best essential oils for sleep plus some other calming ingredients for a better nights rest.
Why use essential oils for relaxation and sleep?
Inhaling essential oils can help activate the olfactory system, which is directly linked to parts of the brain involved in emotion regulation, such as the limbic system. This interaction may influence the brain’s release of certain neurotransmitters. Evidence suggests that this process can have a calming effect and might assist in relaxation.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of essential oils in promoting better sleep can depend on individual responses and the specific type of oil used. So try different essential oils to improve sleep and experiment with your bedtime routine.
Favorite Essential Oils for Sleep
What are the best essential oils for sleep? The following list offers some of the tried and true essential oils for relaxation and sleep:
Lavender: Widely known for its calming properties, lavender is often the go-to essential oil for sleep and relaxation.
Roman Chamomile: Renowned for its soothing effects, chamomile is used in tea as well as in essential oil form to promote relaxation.
Bergamot: A type of citrus, bergamot oil has a calming effect and is often used in aromatherapy for stress relief and improved sleep quality.
Sandalwood: Praised for its grounding, earthy aroma, sandalwood can be helpful for quieting the mind and promoting a restful state.
Ylang-Ylang: Known for its relaxing properties, ylang-ylang is often used to alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm.
Jasmine: While more stimulating than some other oils on this list, jasmine is often used for its soothing and sleep-promoting properties.
Marjoram: Sometimes used for its ability to relax tense muscles and calm the nerves, marjoram can be beneficial for sleep.
dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System
For those seeking an easy all-in-one solution, the dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System offers a comprehensive approach to getting better sleep with essential oils.
This system includes the Serenity Restful Essential Oil Blend, Serenity Restful Complex Softgels, and the Serenity Stick + Valerian. Not only are you getting access to the best essential oils for sleep, this system also includes some additional ingredients that prompt getting a better nights sleep.
Let’s explore each one further.
Serenity Restful Blend
The dōTERRA Serenity Restful Blend is a delightful blend of CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® essential oils including, the calming scent of Lavender, the warm embrace of Cedarwood, the sweet touch of Coriander, the exotic whispers of Ylang Ylang, the comforting essence of Marjoram, the peaceful caress of Roman Chamomile, the earthy presence of Vetiver, and the rich tones of Sandalwood.
This blend also has a hint of Tonka Bean and the creamy richness of Vanilla Absolute.
How do you describe the experience of this essential oil blend in words? You can’t really. You’ll just have to try it for yourself.
Primary Benefits Serenity Restful Blend:
- Creates a calming atmosphere.
- Provides a relaxing aroma.
- Creates a restful environment at bedtime.
- Encourages a tranquil atmosphere.
Serenity Softgels
As part of this sleep system, the doTERRA Serenity Restful Complex Softgels offers a wonderful fusion of time-honored ingredients revered for their soothing effects and the latest scientific advancements, crafted to help you enjoy a tranquil and restorative night’s sleep.
At the heart of these softgels are the CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® Lavender essential oil, L-Theanine, and tart cherry, which are key players that invite a state of calm and foster a good night’s rest. Alongside these key ingredients, you’ll find lemon balm, passionflower, and chamomile, all of which work in harmony to support relaxation and sound sleep.
Studies have shown that consuming Lavender essential oil can have a soothing impact on the nervous system, promoting a serene state and healthier sleep patterns. L-Theanine has been linked to stress reduction by increasing GABA levels in the brain, which aids in relaxation and helps you fall asleep more swiftly while enhancing the overall quality of sleep. While further research is ongoing, early findings suggest that tart cherry, which is a natural source of melatonin, can contribute to falling asleep quicker, maintaining sleep for longer durations, and enhancing sleep quality.
The softgels are made with vegan-friendly tapioca, which means you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day, without any grogginess.
Primary Benefits Serenity Restful Complex Softgels:
- May support healthy sleep patterns.*
- Help relieve occasional sleeplessness.*
- Support healthy relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.*
- Provide refreshing sleep without aftereffects the next day.*
- May improve sleep quality.*
Serenity Stick + Valerian
And finally, my new favorite product from dōTERRA the Serenity Stick with Valerian! This has made getting ready for bed effortless and enjoyable. Our family loves it. Its rapid-absorbing formula glides on smoothly for a delightful application experience which is perfect to include as part of your nighttime routine.
The dōTERRA Serenity Restful Blend is enriched with CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade® Lavender essential oil, which not only calms the skin with topical use but also surrounds you with a soothing, stabilizing fragrance that helps foster a serene setting. Everyone I’ve spoken with who has used the Serenity Sleep Stick loves it.
When paired with good sleep practices, the stick’s blend of the Restful Blend and Valerian essential oil helps to cultivate a tranquil atmosphere, setting the stage for a rejuvenating sleep.
Primary Benefits of Serenity Stick + Valerian:
- Conveniently delivers Valerian essential oil and doTERRA Serenity Restful Blend for a comforting, soothing aroma when used topically.
- Applies smoothly without greasy residue.
- Is free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
How to Purchase
The dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System is more than just a set of products; it’s a commitment to your health and well-being. Embrace this opportunity to transform your sleep, and awaken to a life of vitality and tranquility.
The best way to purchase this system is through a wholesale account (similar to a Costco membership). See my exclusive offer below.
dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System
Item: 60226817
Exclusive Offer:
Incorporating the dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System into your daily routine can be an effective way to improve sleep quality and achieve a better night’s rest.
I have created this special offer to help you get started with this Sleep System.
Here’s what this exclusive offer will give you:
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- FREE one year membership as a dōTERRA Wholesale Customer ($25 value).
- FREE issues of dōTERRA’s award winning wellness magazine.
- Continuing education and support from myself and our dōTERRA community!
- FREE access to my 30 Day program: Restful Rhythms: A 30-Day Journey to Transformative Sleep. ($150 value)
Restful Rhythms: A 30-Day Journey to Transformative Sleep
$150 Value
This online program is tailored for busy parents and professionals, offering practical, mindful techniques for better sleep and guided meditations. Learn how to prepare for restful nights, manage nighttime awakenings, and incorporate daytime habits that enhance sleep quality. Restful Rhythms will guide you towards understanding your unique sleep needs and experiencing quality rest.
“Living Magazine” – Your Guide to a Wellness Lifestyle
As a dōTERRA Wholesale Customer, you gain access to dōTERRA’s exclusive “Living Magazine.” This publication is a fantastic resource for anyone passionate about natural wellness and essential oils.
Click Yes If You Are Ready!
Become a member today and claim this amazing offer to transform your sleep with the dōTERRA Serenity Sleep System.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.