The Best Scents for Better Sleep

People have used scents to lull themselves to sleep for thousands of years. Aromatherapy has proven to promote deeper sleep and reduce fatigue. This works because our sense of smell is directly wired to the brain’s centers of memory and emotion. You’ve probably had the experience many times of encountering a smell that instantly evokes a strong feeling or memory. A waft of perfume may remind you of a loved one, or the scent of banana bread takes you back to baking in the kitchen with a your family.

There are many ways to introduce scents into your bedroom. Such as using a diffuser with scented sticks, an electric diffuser with scented oils, a spray scented mist, a scented candle, or a incense oil/stick burner. All these methods are for the individual to choose from based on their personal preference and the aesthetics of the room.

Types of Scents for Better Sleep

Lavender – Eases restlessness and agitation. It is used to treat insomnia and promote deeper, longer sleep. Lavender is known to decrease the heart rate and lower blood pressure, which results in relaxation and falling asleep naturally.

Vanilla – Used for relaxation and stress relief. Vanilla has a sedative effect on the body and can reduce hyperactivity and restlessness, quiet the nervous system, and lower blood pressure.

Sandalwood – Increases brain activity, which directly links to drowsiness and deep sleep. It also eases the effects of a cold or allergies.

Jasmine – Has serious sleep-promoting capabilities. It improves the quality of one's sleep, cuts down on restlessness during sleep, as well as increasing daytime alertness.

Roman Chamomile – Helps one to fall asleep, while promoting sleep and warding off insomnia. Roman Chamomile can improve overall daytime functioning and lessen the feeling of fatigue during the day.

Rose – Can be used to treat depression, grief, nervous stress and tension. It can also relax the body and soothe pain, making Rose a very powerful sleep aid.

As you’re using these various scents, make sure to pay attention to how it makes you feel. A scent is a highly individual experience therefore each of us reacts to a smell very differently. The right scent for you will be the one that makes you feel relaxed and sleepy! You may need to experiment with a variety of different scents before you find the perfect one that improves your sleeping and overall mental well-being.