Using Aromatherapy to Relieve Insomnia

Difficulty in sleeping is normal for most people and it can be brought about by some problems that we are currently experiencing. However, when this difficulty in sleeping happens every night and it already affects your health and daily activities, you must do something about it.

Insomnia may be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, work and family problems, change of working schedules, use of stimulants, medications, and illnesses. There are also cases wherein insomnia is caused by an imbalance in the neurotransmitters of the brain. Neurotransmitters are hormones that allow information in the form of impulses to be relayed to and from the brain. Although aromatherapy cannot cure these root causes of the sleeping problem, it can help induce sleep which can somehow relieve insomnia.

Aromatic Herbs and Oils

• Lavender is a popular herb with calming and soothing properties and it is recommended for people with sleeping difficulties. Inhale or massage lavender oil onto your skin for a good night’s sleep. You can also mix it in your bath water to relax your nerves and muscles.

• Chamomile has a sedative property which is perfect for children and adults who experience insomnia. This herb is also great for relieving restlessness and irritability. Mix a few drops of chamomile oil in your bath or massage it on your skin to soothe tired muscles.

• Passion flower is considered to be an important herb in alleviating anxiety and exhaustion. It also has sedative properties to help promote sleep in both children and adults. Passion flower has no known side effects when used in large quantities.

• Valerian’s potent sedative properties are widely used to treat anxiety, nervousness, and difficulties in sleeping. Unlike other synthetic sedatives like Valium, it has no reported side effects and can be used safely in combination with other aromatic herbs.

• St. John’s Wort is gradually becoming popular in the field of herbal medicine due to its sedative properties. It can relieve hormonal imbalances in the brain and can therefore be used to fight insomnia and depression.

How to Use Aromatherapy before Bedtime

• Have a relaxing bath by mixing a few drops of your chosen aromatic oils in your warm bath water. To make the mood more relaxed, try to dim the lights and light up scented candles in your bathroom.

• After bathing, you can also massage aromatic oils onto your skin to relax tired muscles. Also, if you like drinking teas, try to have a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime as its sedative properties can help you sleep soundly.

• Spray aromatic herbs on your pillow cases and bed sheets so you can calm down and eventually doze off.

Aromatherapy has been proven to be an effective way to help induce sleep but remember that to fully cure insomnia, make the necessary lifestyle changes. Avoid smoking and stimulant drugs. Eat a balanced diet and make it a point to exercise. Avoid stressing yourself out on small things and do not think too much to avoid creating problems that are not even there in the first place.