Lavender oil is used for many purposes. You have wonderful massage oil, tasty air fresheners, body lotion, you name it. Some simply like the smell of it while others swear by the medicinal properties of lavender. Does it seem that this oil can help you sleep better, but is this the case?
Today we look at what lavender oil is, how it works and how it can help you sleep better at night.
What is lavender oil?
Lavender oil is an essential oil derived from a lavender blossom. It has a strong, floral scent and is used in many products today. The oil is created as a final product of the distillation of the flowers.Lavender has been used for centuries. For example, the ancient Greeks and Romans used it to relieve pain, the French Marguerite Maury developed a massage oil with this scent and Cleopatra used it in the love letters to her loved ones.
There are over 400 different varieties of lavender, each of which has a distinct scent. Nevertheless, the Lavandula angustifolia is most common in the Netherlands, because this plant suits our climate best.
How Does Lavender Oil Work For Your Sleep?
When you're looking for ways to sleep better, you're often told that lavender oil is a great way to fall asleep faster. This is because lavender has various medicinal properties that have a good influence on our mood and also the sleep rhythm.A study among Japanese students shows that the scent of lavender had a positive effect on their sleep quality. It also emerged that nighttime exposure to lavender would contribute to the students' cheerful feeling during the day.
Lavender could have a positive effect on the nervous system of people so that they relax faster and fall into a deeper sleep. This is due to the linol fabric. This substance helps to calm the nervous system more, which may make it easier for you to fall asleep.
To use lavender oil for your sleep, you can add the essential oil to an oil diffuser. But you can also drink lavender tea, or rub massage oil on your skin before going to bed. Never put undiluted essential oil directly on your skin or in your mouth. This can be harmful to your health or skin. On the other hand, always dilute it with a safe (read: mild) oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
Other effects of lavender oil
Besides the fact that lavender oil helps with sleep, it also has several other effects that can contribute to better sleep and general feeling. For example, lavender oil can:
- relieve pain
- Repel insects, such as mosquitoes and flies
- Have a positive effect on your memory
- Improve your mood
- Making it easier to breathe
- Relieve symptoms of anxiety or panic
However, lavender oil is not the only oil that helps promote sleep. You can also use chamomile, rosemary, and the scent of frankincense.
If you continue to suffer from a bad night's sleep for a long time, then there may be more going on. Then contact your doctor to find out where your sleeping complaints may come from so that you can find a suitable solution.