Essential Oils for Restful Sleep
Natural Relief for Insomnia, Snoring, Aches and Pain Aid Slumber
Dec 17, 2007
Disturbed sleep is a perennial problem for those suffering from insomnia, restlessness, sleepwalking, nightmares, night terrors, nighttime aches and pains, snoring, or a partner or family member's loud snoring. Essential oils may bring relief and peaceful sleep to insomniacs.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are fragrant liquids pressed from the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of plants. They are rich in molecules that have medicinal qualities and may be helpful for anything from pain relief to clearing a sore throat and from stopping a migraine to healing sunburned skin.
Most aromatherapy involves inferior grade essential oils - oils that may have ingredients added to extend the amount of oil, or chemicals to "improve" the aroma or appearance (see The Real Quality of Essential Oils). Yet even adulterated oils may have pleasant aromas that trigger healing in the brain and nervous system - the kind of changes that have a profound impact on stress levels and how well people sleep.
Essential Oils for Insomniacs
Do you toss and turn restlessly at night? Have trouble falling asleep... or staying asleep once you're there? Sleeplessness can be due to a number of factors, but it's often related to nervous system excitement or stress.
Because of the profound impact of essential oils and other aromas on the brain, essential oils are one of the most powerful natural tools that aid in relaxation, lowering stress levels, and getting a good night's sleep.
- Oils such as lavender, citrus oils (e.g. lemon, orange), blue tansy, rosewood and sandalwood are soothing and calming.
- Frankincense, spruce tree oils, and patchouli are more robust and also relaxing.
- Some find that peppermint, often touted as an energy booster, does the opposite and helps them sleep soundly.
These oils, or any other that you finding relaxing, can be applied to pillows, bedsheets, or your shoulders, neck, chakras, or the bottoms of your feet before bed.
Another helpful trick for those who have trouble sleeping is to sedate overenergy in the triple warmer meridian.
Essential Oils for Snoring
Whether your sleep is troubled by your own snoring or the snoring of a roommate, family member, or partner, look no further. Thyme, applied on the bottom of the feet, clears the nasal passageways and quiets most snoring.
If you are concerned about the "heat" of thyme oil (like oregano, thyme is a "hot" oil), mix the essential oil 50-50 with olive oil or another natural oil before applying to the body. Do not apply thyme on or near the face or throat, since hot oils may sting.
Essential Oils for Nighttime Aches and Pains
Trouble sleeping due to aches and pains during the night? Essential oils such as clove, peppermint, and wintergreen provide pain relief so that sleep is less disturbed.
If you do wake during the night, applying more of the oils will allow you to quickly roll over and fall asleep again.
Nightmares and Night Terrors
The same oils discussed above for insomnia and restlessness may help with nightmares and night terrors (frantic nightmares during which a child or adult may talk, walk around, and be nearly impossible to wake).
Nightmares and night terrors may require other therapies and personal work on a deeper level, or essential oil blends specifically attuned to the person having nightmares. It may be a good idea to consult an aromatherapist for guidance.
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