Bedtime Aromatherapy

Your sense of smell is such a huge part of your life.  It is said to be the most memorable of your senses; you are more likely to retain the smell of something from your childhood than you are to remember how it looked or sounded.  Your sense of smell can also be a factor in your sleep.  While it may not cure your insomnia, aromatherapy can help to relax you, make you sleep deeply, calm babies, and even influence your dreams.  We’ve compiled a list of the best and most common scents to include in your bedtime routine.  You can use them in whichever way is your preference: room sprays, air fresheners, candles, essential oils, lotions, or even sachets. 

Lavender

Lavender is a well-loved scent, not only because it smells amazing, but also because it has been the most studied.  It has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature.  Lavender is also a favorite scent for use in reducing anxiety and depression. 

Vanilla

Vanilla is another favorite scent of many.  It has been linked to hormones that help you feel good.  People taking a stress test in a room scented with vanilla had better-regulated heart rates and blood pressures than those in an unscented room.  Vanilla is also a great scent for anxiety sufferers. 

Chamomile

You are probably familiar with chamomile tea, but chamomile used solely in aromatherapy can also help to give you a good night’s sleep.  It contains compounds that have a sedative effect and calms your nervous system.

Jasmine

Surprisingly enough, jasmine has been found to have more powerful effects on your sleep than even lavender.  You can experience less movement during your sleep and better sleep efficiency while using jasmine. 

Clary Sage

Clary sage is a close relative to the herb sitting in your pantry.  It has been shown to calm the mind and even carry some of the same effects as anti-depressants. 

Your Personal Favorite Scent

Your olfactory system and emotional center in your brain are directly linked.  Scents that remind you of wonderful memories or favorite places, such as the beach or a mountain retreat, release feel-good hormones that can help you relax and have a great night’s sleep.  Surround your bedroom in the scents that produce these personal memories for you. 

Aromatherapy works best with the proper environment.  Always go to bed in a clean room with fresh sheets.  Simply Organic Bamboo sheets are a great start because of their antimicrobial properties that prevent unpleasant scents from hanging around in your bed.  According to a study, 71% of Americans get a better night’s sleep on fresh sheets.  Find the right scents that work for you and make your bedroom a relaxing oasis you can look forward to retreating to each evening.

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