KEY POINTS

  • The inability to sleep has become a global problem, especially with so many people living a hectic lifestyle
  • Hope is not lost though because you can still do something  that would help you get a good night's rest
  • One oil may be the only solution to help you get that restful sleep

Sleep deprivation can seem like an integral part of modern-day living, with deep-rooted habits interfering with your body clock. At best, this disorder can be very frustrating, and at worst, it can become life-threatening because sleep loss can trigger mechanisms that cause chronic complications like heart disease.

While it is very important to know the exact cause of sleep deprivation, it is more vital to reverse the condition without getting to the core of the problem. Good thing that implementing even a few lifestyle changes can help reset your body clock back to normal.

sleep oil to help good night's rest
sleep oil to help good night's rest xiangying_xu - Pixabay

A Promising Solution

Among all the available remedies to solve sleep deprivation, there is often an unnoticed but promising solution that can help. According to a recent study, inhaling essential oils can aid you in getting that elusive good night’s rest.

One of such essential oils that have been proven to improve the quality of sleep is lavender oil. Extracts of the fragrant flower Lavandula, more popularly known as lavender, can help you get better sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation revealed that lavender has long been used for its calming effects on agitation and anxiety, two factors that can upset the sleep-cycle. The NSF stated that the scent of the lavender slows down your nervous system, which in turn relaxes your mind and body, leading to improved sleep quality.

In a report published by Holland and Barrett, the flower’s fragrance is also believed to lower blood pressure and heart rates, helping you fall into a deep slumber. A growing body of evidence from studies examining the sleep-inducing properties of Lavandula fragrance strongly supports these claims.

In one such study, researchers looked at the impact of lavender essential oil on 31 young, healthy sleepers. Researchers discovered that essential oil from the fragrant flower improved the amount of slow, deep wave sleep of volunteers.

Slow, deep wave sleep is that phase of sleep when the body and brain waves decelerate, allowing your body to reset and relax. All of the volunteers also said they felt more energetic the next morning.

Using Lavender Essential Oil

Swirling a couple of drops of lavender oil, according to Holland and Barrett, in a soothing bath, can calm the mind. You can also add a couple of drops to the pillow to encourage your body to unwind. The NSF also recommended integrating the scent into a soothing massage by using a lavender-laced massage oil can also help in promoting better sleep.