Modern life is full of pressures, with all of us having to meet many commitments and complete so much work. This can affect our sleep. Sleep can be hard to come by if we struggle with work problems. Those who have trouble sleeping know its importance as there is no substitute for a good night’s sleep.
A vast number of people worldwide reportedly do not get enough sleep. They may struggle to stay asleep or get to sleep in the first place. Essential oils greatly help as they have relaxing or soothing properties. These oils are not difficult to make, and a distiller for essential oils could be all they require for making them.
Essential oils can help you sleep better.
Essential oils are extracted from plants and have the essence of scent or flavor of that plant. They have several medicinal benefits and are very popular among people. These oils are very strong or flavorful due to being highly concentrated.
They are most commonly used in aromatherapy. However, it is effective in alleviating pain, relieving depression, and reducing blood pressure. And most importantly, these oils also help with promoting sleep.
There hasn’t been a lot of research about how these oils work. However, it is believed that the molecules of essential oils attach to the nose’s olfactory bulb if they inhale it. These molecules then transmit signals to areas of the brain which have the function of producing behavioral responses.
These parts then release different neurotransmitters that induce various effects. For example, serotonin promotes sleep, while endorphins also have a sedative effect.
How to make essential oils?
Making essential oils isn’t very complex and involves a few simple steps. Below we have mentioned some standard methods.
1- Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is the most common method of making essential oils. You require a crockpot or a still for this method. Start boiling the herbs until the oils separate and float in the water. You then acquire the oil from the water’s surface and collect it in a blue glass bottle.
2- Expression
The expression method is mainly employed for making citrus oils. In this method, you put the peel of citrus fruits into a commercial press and slowly squeeze out the essential oils. A good press and filtering system are crucial for this technique to work.
3- Solvent Expression
The solvent expression method is not recommended if you are just a beginner. This is because you need to make use of dangerous chemical solvents. Only an expert knows how to handle these nasty chemicals; otherwise, they could cause serious injuries.
Best essential oils for sleep
1- Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is famous among people for its various medicinal benefits. It has also been found to be very effective in promoting sleep. Numerous researches have proved its effectiveness in curing insomnia.
Lavender oil lowers heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure, easing a person to sleep. This essential oil is also said to reduce anxiety and depression.
2- Ylang Ylang Oil
Lavender oil is the most famous when it comes to sleep remedies. However, ylang ylang also provides excellent therapy for people who have insomnia. It also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, thus helping to promote sleep. Inhaling ylang ylang is calming as it has a very fruity and pleasing scent.
3- Chamomile Oil
If we are talking about the role of essential oils in helping in sleeping, then it won’t do to exclude chamomile oil. Unlike the other two essential oils mentioned above, it doesn’t directly affect the body’s rhythms and temperature. Instead, chamomile has a floral aroma that can produce a calming effect when diffused in the air. It is said to be perfect for reducing anxiety as well.
4- Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is not a traditional sleep aid but helps create the perfect conditions. This essential oil is found to be effective in promoting restfulness by clearing your head. Diffuse some peppermint oil in the air, and you will feel highly relaxed. Some people have seasonal allergies, and for them, peppermint is particularly effective.
5- Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil is also very famous due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is also said to be beneficial for people with insomnia.
This essential oil effectively lowers blood pressure and heart rate, thus easing a person to sleep. It works similarly to lavender oil and ylang ylang oil in promoting sleep. Bergamot oil is also said to reduce stressful thoughts, a common hurdle to a good night’s sleep.
6- Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil is rich in scent but the downside is that it is very expensive. However, you will find that this essential oil is worth every penny. It is very effective at promoting rest due to its mood-balancing qualities.
Other oils could reduce heart rates or clear your mind of troubling thoughts but sandalwood oil is different in that it evens you out emotionally. Always keep this oil with you when you need to rest as it is very effective.
7- Marjoram Oil
Many face trouble in falling asleep while others have problems in staying asleep. Marjoram oil is effective in keeping you asleep. Its sweet fragrance soothes you both physically and mentally. The sweeter this oil is the better it will help you to sleep.
8- Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil may not be suitable for everyone but you won’t be able to find any faults with its results. Its deep, earthy smell is unlikely to be pleasing for many. If your mind is full of thoughts about the events of the day, then take some vetiver oil and you will feel relaxed soon. You can diffuse it into the air and you will be surprised how quickly it starts to work for you.