Sleep has been linked to so many issues in health. If you are not getting enough sleep, chances are, your body is feeling it. According to the Scientific American, over 8.5 million Americans take prescription sleep aids. If you go over to CVS alone, there are countless sleep remedies that you will notice. For mothers, sleep may seem like a distant thing of the past. I understand this completely since I have five children that have all disrupted my sleep.
Today I want to give you some diffuser blends to use when you want to improve the quality of your sleep. Essential oils are great to use for sleep since they have been shown to improve rest and put your body in a more calm state. Pick one to try tonight and you will likely see an improvement right away.
It is important to note here that the quality of your sleep is not just about diffusing oils and what routine you have at bedtime. How you go through your entire day sets you up for a restful sleep during the night.
Oils to Consider
- Lavender (lavandula agustifolia) – Has an established tradition as a remedy. Blends well with most oils, especially citrus and florals; cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, vetiver, patchouli.
- Patchouli (pogostemon cablin) – Used in the East and is believed to help prevent the spread of disease. Blends well with vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood, geranium, clove, lavender, bergamot, myrrh, clary sage and oriental type oils.
- Cedarwood (cedars atlantica) – The oils from the Lebanon cedars was probably the first to be extracted. Blends well with rosewood, bergamot, clary sage, vetiver, ylang ylang and other floral bases.
- Sweet Marjoram (origanum majorana) – A traditional culinary herb, blends well with lavender, rosemary, bergamot, chamomile, cedarwood, cypress, tea tree.
- Vetiver (vetiver zizanoides) – The roots have been used for their fine fragrance. Blends well with sandalwood, patchouli lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang.
- Sandalwood (santalum album) – One of the oldest known perfume materials. Blends well with clove, lavender, black pepper, vetiver, patchouli, myrrh.
- Ylang Ylang (cananga odorata) – Was used in Victorian times for hair treatment. Blends well with bergamot, vetiver, jasmine.
- Bergamot (citrus bergamia) – Named after the Italian city Bergamo. Blends well with lavender, geranium, lemon, chamomile.
Diffuser Blend #1
Frankincense is often used as incense that goes back to many traditions. It has a very grounding, spiritual aspect to it and combined with the oils below will provide a very peaceful environment.
- 6 drops Frankincense
- 5 drops Myrrh
- 4 drops Sweet Orange
Diffuser Blend #2
This combination is one of my favorites, as vetiver provides an earthy grounding base while lavender and chamomile alone can put anyone to sleep. Some people do not like the intensity of vetiver, if that is the case for you then just leave it out.
- 2 drops Vetiver
- 2 drops Chamomile
- 9 drops Lavender
Diffuser Blend #3
Sweet Marjoram really does not smell sweet but instead has an earthy aroma which promotes relaxation. The two other oils in this combo do have a sweet scent and together create a really calming environment.
- 4 drops Sweet Marjoram
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 3 drops Lavender
Diffuser Blend #4
Some people are not fans of patchouli because of its earthy scent. Paired with the right oils such as the ones below, they can really complement each other. If you would rather not use patchouli, chamomile can be used instead.
- 4 drops Sandalwood
- 3 drops Patchouli
- 3 drops Bergamot
Of course, this is not the whole story to improve your sleep. Looking at things like bedtime hygiene, how you eat and how you live makes a huge impact on your sleep and overall health. You can stay relaxed throughout the day with four keeping calm techniques throughout your day with a FREE printout.
Along with the relaxation techniques, included also are extra inhaler blends which I use for my clients that can be incorporated into diffuser blends and massage oils.
