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114 Comments | |    Last Updated: October 13, 2021

8 Essential Oils for Sleep

essential oils for sleep

Falling asleep is generally not something I have a problem with…

Between chasing three Prairie Kids, running a booming online business, and keeping up with this crazy homestead life, I’m usually half-asleep by the time my head hits the pillow.

Now getting enough sleep? That seems to be my struggle right now, but I have yet to find an essential oil that can add additional hours onto a 24-hour period… So I suppose I’ll just keep working to pare down my schedule. 😉

But just because sleep is not an issue for me, doesn’t mean that many other folks don’t struggle with it.

In fact, it’s an issue that I hear come up very, very frequently on my essential oil team’s Facebook support group. It seems that between stress and hormones, there are truckloads of people who are continually eluded by a good night’s sleep.

The good news? I have an oil for that! Actually, not just one oil. There are, in fact, numerous essential oils for sleep.

The trick is finding exactly which essential oil your body likes best. Since every person is different, an oil that might send one person straight to dreamland, might not do a thing for someone else.

Sometimes finding the best oil for you just takes a little bit of trial and error. However, once you find that magic combo, life will never be the same.

8 Essential Oils for Sleep

1. Lavender
I’m betting you probably aren’t surprised to see lavender at the top of the list, huh? Most people are aware that lavender is somehow related to sleep, but what most people don’t know is that this has been studied extensively and its effectiveness is more than just an Old Wives Tale.

One study done in the United Kingdom showed promising results in using the aroma of Lavender oil for better sleep (1).

And another study observed  that inhalation of lavender and several other essential oils improved sleep qualify of 56 ICU patients (2).

So as innocent as lavender may seem, it packs an impressive (and very scientific) punch in the sleep department.

2. Vetiver

Vetiver essential oil is distilled from the roots of the plant. It’s rich and earthy smelling, and it’s my go-to oil when I need to help my brain “shut-off” for the night. It took me a while to get used to the smell, so if you are a vetiver newbie, you might try mixing it with a “lighter” oil, such as lavender or roman chamomile.

3. Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile essential oil is known for is calming, soothing, and relaxing properties. It has a light, floral scent and is wonderful for creating a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom.

4. Ylang Ylang

I’m glad I get to type this one today instead of trying to say it out loud. I honestly look like a dog with peanut butter stuck on the roof of its mouth whenever I try to pronounce it, but regardless, ylang ylang is a wonderful choice if you are looking to improve the quality of your sleep. It’s very floral and smells a bit fruity (at least to me).

5. Bergamot

I’ve had a strange attraction to bergamot ever since I opened my first bottle. Bergamot is a citrus fruit and the oil is cold-pressed from the rind or peel. Most citrus oils (like grapefruit or wild orange) tend to have a bit of a stimulating effect, but bergamot is different. It’s bright, yet calming at the same time. It’s one of the first ones I reach for when I need a bit of “emotional balancing,” and I add it to ALL of my sleep blends.

**Note** Bergamot is extremely photosensitive, which means it can make your skin very sensitive to the sun. Therefore, avoid applying bergamot before going outside, or only apply to covered skin.

6. Sandalwood

I love the rich, woodsy oils, and sandalwood is no exception. It is a pricier oil, but a little bit goes a long way, so it’s one I keep around at all times.

Click Here to Get Jill’s Free Essential Oil eBook >>

7. Marjoram

I know, I know… The first time I heard of marjoram essential oil, all I could think of was using it in cooking. But its benefits go far beyond that! Not only is marjoram essential oil wonderful for muscles and joints, but it also excels in creating peaceful sleep.

8. Cedarwood

I adore the earthy, woody smell of cedarwood essential oil. I frequently reach for it if I need to calm my brain down after a busy day. I like to use it topically, or put it in my diffuser. It blends well with lighter, floral oils, or is great on its own, too.

How to Use These Essential Oils for Sleep

When I’m using my essential oil stash to create a more peaceful sleeping atmosphere, there are two main methods that I use:

1. Topical Use

Applying oil topically can be a wonderful way to reap their benefits. I generally rub oils on the back of my neck, or on the bottoms of my feet before bed. I usually use a vegetable oil of some sort (like sweet almond oil– affiliate link) to dilute them, and then rub them into my skin.

2. Aromatic Use

My other secret essential oil weapon is my collection of essential oil diffusers. As you know, I have *cough* several and I use them ALL. THE. TIME. If you are having a hard time deciding on a diffuser, my essential oil diffuser review post will point you in the right direction.

It’s easy to add just a few drops of any of these oils to a bit of water in your essential oil diffuser, set by your bedside, and you’ll be in dreamland in no time.

Where to Buy Essential Oils for Wholesale Prices

There are new essential oil companies popping up everyday, but I’ve used doTERRA essential oils for four years now, and I’ll never go anywhere else. The oils are third-party tested for purity, ethically sourced around the globe, and I love working with a company that is humanitarian-minded as well. 

 

doterra liquid sleep recipe

Click Here to Get Jill’s Free Essential Oil eBook >>

Sources

1. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2005.11.631

2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3588400/

Chickens in Your Future, Perhaps?

You’re ready to add a small flock to your homestead (or backyard) and you want to do it right. But where do you start? What’s the first step? And what the heck are you going to do about a chicken coop? Consider this your great-big-everything-you-ever-needed-to-know-about-chicken-coops resource. It includes lots of photos, as well as plenty of dos & don'ts I've gathered over the last 9 years of keeping chickens!

Send me the checklist!

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Reader Interactions

114 Comments

  1. Therese Bizabishaka says

    Hi. Love your site. I have 5 kids including a toddler and 4 yr old who insist on sleeping in our bed so you think I would have no problems sleeping. However my mind races and I am having hormonal issues as well. What oils do you think will help and are oils available in Australia?

    reply to comment

    • Jill Winger says

      Hey there! Yes, it is definitely available in Austrailia. 🙂 In fact, I already have several team members down there. Clary sage is an excellent oil for hormonal support–and any of these others might help in your situation as well!

      reply to comment

      • Julia Trilla says

        I’m just now coming across your post and have tried lavender for my daughter but it hasn’t helped her sleep. Are there any other oils that can help?

        reply to comment

          • Lyn Geib says

            I fall asleep quite easily; however after three to four hours, I am awake and cannot fall asleep again. This is a common side effect of drinking alcohol, but I wake up if I have had a glass of wine, milk or water. Any oils especially effective to keep one sleeping? I currently use a diffuser and have tried several oils.

  3. Sara says

    Wonderful information here! My 7-year-old has had such a hard time falling asleep lately and I’ve wondered what natural options may be available for her. Do you recommend any one in particular over the rest? I’m hesitant to just run out and grab a bunch because they’re so darned expensive!

    reply to comment

  4. Heather says

    I have had issues sleeping since I was 20. I have been using mostly Lavender at night for the last 2 months. My boyfriend also says that it has helped with my teeth grinding. But the last few nights (while I waited for my lavender to come in) I was using serenity, which does not help me. What other combos can I try that may help. I use a diffuser and I am starting to use a lil lavender on my feet as well. Thanks!

    reply to comment

  5. Sheri says

    I bring lavender with me when I need to sleep in a strange place and I know I will need help getting to sleep. I just sprinkle the oil on my pillow case. (I bring my own pillow.) I have used orange or tangerine too. For me, whatever lets me relax, because I enjoy the smell I can drift off. One of my favorite smells to fall asleep to is damp dirt under my window!

    reply to comment

  6. Kathy says

    i cannot sleep for more than 5 hours at a time. is there a recipe for these oils? do you put so many drops on a cotton ball next to your bed? do you blend a few of them together or just one at a time? thanks!

    reply to comment

  8. Mon says

    I use lemon, 5 drops, 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of frankincense in a diffuser and it has improved my sleep 100%
    But you must use a good quality, like “youngliving” which you can get in Australia where I live, but are quite costly
    Essential Oils of Australia are also very good and cheaper.
    Both are ABSOLUTES which means pure, nothing added Oils.

    reply to comment

  12. Dawn Reynolds says

    Hi, I just bought a diffuser and I have no idea what to purchase for oils. Could you send me some samples so I can try some out. I am looking for a variety for sleep, stress, calming, etc. Any you can spare is greatly appreciated. thanks so much.

    reply to comment

  13. Rhonda says

    Just got a diffuser. I am not sure what oils to use for sleep, stress, calm? I am on a fixed income and would love to have some samples. I just can not buy a bunch to experient with.

    reply to comment

  14. Julie says

    Would love to try Melissa. Lavender hasn’t worked at actual sleep. If there are samples I’d love to try. Just getting into brands of essential oils. Thanks Jill.

    reply to comment

  16. Mary says

    I would love to try some samples that would possibly help with sleep. I’ve been using 100% pure lavender & it helps some, but I still wake several times through the night. My diffuser is lasting about 5 hrs. I’ve been using 2 drops of lavender, any suggestion?

    reply to comment

    • Donna Warters says

      Jill
      I have lots of DoTerra oils (in AUstralia) – what do you recommend for staying asleep. I have been diffusing Lavender Peace and Cedarwood but dont find they are really helping. I can go to sleep but only for 4 hours or so then I struggle.

      reply to comment

  21. helene Donaghy says

    I would love some saple to help me sleep, I average maybe 2-3 hours a night. I have tried melatonin but does not help. even over the counder things do not help.

    reply to comment

  24. Buffy says

    Hello Jill,
    For the Liquid Sleep Blend, may I use Sweet Almond oil instead of the fractionated coconut oil?
    Thank you for all your wonderful information…eye opening and educational!

    reply to comment

  25. Rosie says

    Just found your sight and am looking to try essential oils for sleep. How much of the fractionated oil would you use with the essential oils? And my problem is that I am a newly postmenopausal woman with sleeping issues. Some times thoughts keep me awake or sometimes I wake up too early and/or I wake up feeling like I have been running a marathon all night? Any suggested oils? Thanks.

    reply to comment

  26. Katherine Dilworth says

    Very well-researched article. I truly agreed & believe that essential oils can really work for snoring solution. My husband was suffering from this same issue after so long. We tried so many things to reduce this issue and at last, we tried some of these the essential oils & it really worked like a magician. Thanks for sharing this article with all of us, Best wishes and Regards.

    reply to comment

  27. Veronica says

    This is pretty good information. I knew lavender was going to be on the list ha. It’s pretty popular, I guess it’s cause it works though right?

    I love ylang ylang too so I might try that. Thank you very much, this was nice.

    reply to comment

  30. TAMMY HENDRIKSEN says

    Hi Jill
    I’m chasing some good mix’s for making my own sleep remedy to put in my kids oil diffusers. I have kids with Autism & ADHD and they wake frquently. Not good at going to sleep either. I have used melatonin which is not working anymore, thought I would try doing a cleanse with White Sage in their rooms and burning essential oils to help them sleep. I have Cedarwood, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot. Just wandering what I dilute them with to make the mix to add to diffuser. Thanks So much

    reply to comment

  32. Alaya Rivers says

    Hello Jill,
    My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. One of the treatments was a hormone shot that he will have to take every 6 months. It have him having hot flashes everyday all day and he get no sleep at night. What is the best essential oils I can use to help him get some sleep at night and to be able to relax? And, can I use it with a diffuser?

    reply to comment

  34. Shirley says

    I usually have problem with sleeping too. Sometimes, I just don’t know why. Maybe too much worry about what my blog earns tomorrow and how I can increase my earnings. I never thought essential oils can be these powerful in calming you down.

    reply to comment

  39. Kaylee Fisher says

    I love essential oils! I use them not only for restful sleep and wellness. I also use it to clean my house without chemicals and achieve a fresh and clean scent at home. Sich eco-friendly cleaning products as baking soda, essential oils, and vinegar will help everyone to keep the health of every member of a family in safe, protect your children and pet from harmful chemicals and allergens.

    reply to comment

  40. Eliza Davis says

    One of the most grounding essential oils for sleep, organic cedarwood essential oil has a comforting, woodsy scent that is perfect in a diffuser before bedtime to help you drift off. Cedarwood is proven effective as a sedative and has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, not only maintaining its usefulness as a sleep aid but also in alleviating hypertension and anxiety.

    reply to comment

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