Getting a good night’s rest isn’t always easy. Unfortunately, sleep-related problems are prevalent. They affect 50 to 70 million people in the United States alone and are estimated to cause more than $100 billion each year in sick leave, medical expenses, productivity, environmental damage and property. When left untreated, disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea take a serious toll on one’s health too. The risk of heart attack, stroke and cognitive decline is higher in those who can’t get enough sleep. Fortunately, there is hope.
Scheduling an appointment with your physician is crucial if you are suffering from severe sleep problems. However, there are also several other things you can try. You could replace your old mattress with a more comfortable Purple Mattress, or you could try eliminating caffeine from your diet. Keeping your bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature and making sure it’s as dark and quiet as possible might help too. Aromatherapy also alleviates sleep disorders in many people.
If you’re thinking about giving aromatherapy a try, it’s important to choose the right fragrances. After all, you need a scent that will soothe you, not one that will give you a burst of energy. Let’s take a look at some of the best scents to help you fall asleep faster, so you know what to buy when shopping for sleep accessories like essential oils and candles.
Lavender
Humans have used lavender for hundreds of years. It’s in soaps, cleaning products, perfumes, medications and more. It also has exceptional calming properties and may help you fall asleep faster. Research has shown that the scent of this flower reduces pain and stress, improves mood and increases sleep quality. It reduces anxiety too.
Lavender essential oil is one of the best ways to enjoy this remarkable herb for yourself. It’s inexpensive and safe to apply directly to your skin. You can also put it in a diffuser or mix the oil with water and spray it on your sheets and pillows. Lavender candles work well too. Just be sure to extinguish them before drifting off to sleep.
Clary Sage
Do you spend hours tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position? Or does restlessness make it difficult to lie still in bed? If so, clary sage may help. The scent of this herb calms the body and relaxes the central nervous system. Massaging clary sage essential oil into your shoulders, back, feet, neck or anywhere else you carry tension may also help you unwind and fall asleep faster.
Chamomile
A member of the daisy family, chamomile is a common herbal treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It’s extremely versatile and does an excellent job of reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Chamomile essential oils and candles are perfect for bringing this light, soothing fragrance into your bedroom.
Fresh and dried chamomile is often used in tea too. Sipping on a cup before you head to bed allows you to experience the benefits of this herb and set yourself up for a restful night. With warm chamomile tea in your cup and the lovely floral scent of this flower wafting through your bedroom, you’re almost certain to get the shut-eye you desperately need.
Rose
According to fossil records, roses have been in America for more than 30 million years. Over the years, this flower has become a symbol of unconditional love, but did you know it can also help you get a better night’s sleep? Its delicate aroma is very relaxing and can help you drift off to sleep faster.
Rose essential oil is, unfortunately, one of the most expensive oils available because it takes so many flowers to make. However, rose water is an excellent alternative that lets you enjoy the benefits of rose essential oil without the hefty price tag.
Bergamot
Many citrusy essential oils — like lemon — have energizing effects. That isn’t the case for bergamot, though. Made from the peels of bergamot oranges, this essential oil is known to reduce stress, improve mood and help people fall asleep quicker. Research indicates that inhaling the fragrance of bergamot lowers anxiety and cortisol levels in healthy women.
If you want to try this scent for yourself, don’t put bergamot oil directly on your skin. Like other citrus essential oils, it can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity. It’s best to enjoy this calming fragrance by diffusing the oil or purchasing a candle infused with it.
Jasmine
A member of the olive family, jasmine has been used in perfumes and teas for centuries. Thanks to its antidepressant properties, the scent of jasmine in essential oils and candles can also help you get a better night’s sleep.
Geranium
Geranium essential oil is derived from the geranium shrub native to South Africa. Like many of the other oils on this list, it has long been used in soaps and perfumes. Thanks to its sweet floral aroma, it’s also often used as a substitute for rose.
If you have trouble falling asleep because of all the thoughts running through your brain, this scent could help. It’s known to ease anxiety and depression, and it may also act as a sedative to help you fall asleep faster.
Conclusion
Don’t let sleep problems disrupt your life. If you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, the scents above could make a big difference. Everyone responds to various scents differently, so if one doesn’t work for you, don’t be discouraged. Just try another one and keep experimenting until you find something you like. Consider replacing your current mattress with something more comfortable and supportive too. The Casper mattress is a great choice. If nothing seems to help or your sleepless nights are taking a toll on your physical or mental health, reach out to your doctor for help.
