Have you heard about the recent craze of using essential oils to help you ease into better sleep? This unique trend is catching on quickly, with many individuals turning to these gentle aromas to experience greater relaxation before (hopefully) drifting off to sleep. Is there something to these oils? Are they safe and effective to use? Keep reading to learn the truth.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are those that come from pressed, aromatic plants. They’re commonly used as part of massage treatments when incorporating aromatherapy into a session.
Many individuals have diffusers in their homes that emit these scents to create a calming and pleasant aroma. Some of the most common ones include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, orange, and chamomile.
Which Scents Can Help with Better Sleep?
When it comes to using essential oils as part of your sleep routine, you may be asking whether they’re safe to use and if they’re effective.
While professionals in the medical field remain uncertain about their efficacy, it is believed that their use can help, not cure, sleep apnea. In fact, a 2020 study found that these oils not only relieve stress but also improve symptoms of depression and insomnia, and they provide anti-inflammatory properties.
If you are living with sleep apnea, you first need to meet with a skilled professional who can recommend appropriate treatment. This may include CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, or a custom oral appliance. In addition, you can incorporate the following essential oils into your nightly routine:
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Tea Tree
- Orange
- Chamomile
How to Use Essential Oils
If you plan to use essential oils at night, make sure you do one of the following to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
- Place the diluted oil in a hot bath and give yourself time to soak
- Add it to your in-home diffuser so that you can breathe it in throughout the night
- Incorporate it into a carrier, like olive oil or coconut oil, and massage it onto various parts of your body
- Add a few drops to the bottoms of your feet
Don’t look to essential oils to cure your sleep apnea. You can, however, add them to your nightly routine for a more enjoyable, aromatic, and luxurious night’s rest.
About the Practice
Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in McKinney is here to not only provide accessible treatment to help you quit snoring and ease your sleep apnea symptoms, but we also offer additional tips to improve your sleep quality. If you are interested in discussing the idea of incorporating essential oils to help you rest, contact us to schedule an appointment.