WELLCARE Blog

Aromatherapy For Sleep: Everything You Need To Know

Written by Wellcare | Aug 27, 2018 9:32:21 AM

Different people do different things when preparing to sleep. There are people who like to fall asleep while reading a good book, and there are those who like taking warm, relaxing baths. There are also people who prefer to listen to soft, soothing music as they try to sleep.


One of the most popular methods of getting ready for bed, though, is aromatherapy. If you’re currently having trouble sleeping and can’t figure out what to do about it, you might want to give aromatherapy a try. But what is aromatherapy exactly? How does it work and how can it help you sleep. This blog will answer those questions for you. So read on.


What is aromatherapy?


Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils, aromatic plant oils and materials, and other aroma compounds for the improvement of one’s physical or psychological well-being. It can be used to induce relaxation of the mind to help an individual sleep better.


How does it work?


You can use essential aromatherapy oils through inhalation or topical application. Either way, the smell of the oil is sensed by your olfactory system, which then transports it directly into your brain’s limbic system. This is a set of structures on both sides of your brain’s thalamus, and it is responsible for your motivation, emotion, and learning. The scent of the essential oils can trigger either your alpha (relaxing) or your beta (stimulating) brainwaves.


When doing aromatherapy, the first thing you need to remember is that it is not a medical treatment, and there is no scientific evidence that it prevents any disease. It is mostly just used as a method of relaxation to help one’s general well-being. This means that if you are suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, aromatherapy will not cure you.


That being said, research has found that your body’s reaction to the smells of aromatherapy oils can produce the following positive effects, depending on which oils are used:


  • Relaxation of the mind

  • Sedative effects on the body

  • Temporary pain relief

  • Feeling energized and stimulated

While aromatherapy doesn’t exactly cure you of any illness or disorder, its effects do help in balancing the mind and body. This resulting balance is what can help you sleep better and be more well-rested when you wake up.


What essential oils can I use for sleep?


The great thing about aromatherapy is that you don’t have to stick to just one oil. There are plenty of oils you can choose to help you sleep including:


  • Lavender - This is one of the most popular types of oil because of its anxiety-reducing effects.
  • Jasmine - This has been found to have the same calming effect as jasmine tea, which is typically consumed by people before they get to bed.
  • Bergamot - Unlike most citrus-based oils which have a stimulating effect, bergamot has a bright scent that is best suited for relaxation.
  • Roman chamomile - If you want to create a peaceful sleeping environment, then you need this essential oil, which is known for its soothing properties.
  • Clary sage - Extracted from the clary sage herb, this type of oil is known for its anti-depressant qualities.

What other things can I do to help me sleep?


You can maximise the effects of essential oils by following these tips.


  1. Take a warm shower about one hour before using your essential oil and preparing for bed. It will relax you even before your aromatherapy session starts.

  2. Avoid stimulating essential oils before bed such as rosemary, peppermint, grapefruit, or lemon.

  3. Create a comfortable sleeping environment with high-quality sleeping products like electric heating blankets and heating cushions.

 

Choose Wellcare for better sleep

 

For maximum rest, use your aromatherapy oils while in a comfortable sleeping environment. From heating cushions to electric underblankets, Wellcare has a wide range of products that can provide you with an environment much more conducive for sleep.

 

However, the best thing about our products is that they are also equipped with 4D Dynamic Warmth Flow (4D DWF) technology, an innovation in the world of electric heating. With the 4D DWF system, heat is evenly distributed throughout the product to give you a level of warmth and relaxation that you can’t find in other sleeping products.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a Wellcare product today.