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Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep for the best health and wellbeing. If we don’t get this amount of sleep it can negatively affect our health. Read this research data from the Center for Disease Control regarding sleep duration. We all struggle with our sleep now and again. As an avid essential oil user, I have researched which oils are most beneficial to aid our sleep. Several of these oils I had heard about in conversations with other essential oil enthusiasts. Others I just learned about in my recent research!
I am NOT a fan of using OTC sleep aids and I will only use natural remedies to help with sleep if needed. My body is very sensitive to medications and when I tried OTC sleep aids years ago, they did not work for me, and made me feel worse! I have been using essential oils for the past 6+ years for wellness and I continue to learn ways to use them to support the health of myself and my loved ones.
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I have used several of the oils listed below to assist in getting to sleep. Some I have yet to try. As with any condition, it will be trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another person, as we are all different.
In addition to using essential oils, try using yoga and meditation to help you be able to relax, declutter your mind, and rest peacefully. Check out my posts, Mindful Breathing Meditation and 6 Yoga Poses for Better Sleep.
I have also written a more detailed post about Lavender, entitled The Many Uses of Lavender Essential Oil if you are interested in learning more about it.
10 Best Essential Oils for Sleep
- Lavender – This was the first oil I tried to assist with sleep and it is still my go-to oil when I need some help getting to sleep. This oil is commonly used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, headache, and pain. The chemical constituents in lavender essential oil have sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties (as well as many others) which may improve sleep. I use this Lavender essential oil.
- Cedarwood – This is another oil that I have used when I needed some help relaxing before bed. I love the scent – warm, fresh, and woodsy! The natural sedative properties of Cedarwood essential oil have a calming effect and help relieve stress, helping to prepare you for a good night of sleep.
- Vetiver – This oil is known in India as “oil of tranquility.” This oil has calming, grounding, and sedative properties. Vetiver essential oil has an earthy, sweet scent that is reminiscent of patchouli with lemon undertones. As a natural tranquilizer, it can help induce restful sleep.
- Peace and Calming – This is the oil of choice for my daughter to promote restful sleep. The oils in this blend have historically been used to help reduce depression, anxiety, stress, and tension. This oil may be useful at the end of a stressful day to promote relaxation and peace and aid in getting a good night of sleep. Peace and Calming Essential oil blend contains these oils: Tangerine, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Blue Tansy.
- Roman Chamomile –Â Because it is calming and relaxing, chamomile can be beneficial for insomnia and stress. It helps eliminate some of the emotional charges of anxiety, irritability, and nervousness. Soothing and calming to the mind, it helps create a mindset more conducive to sleep. Roman Chamomile essential oil has a fresh, sweet, fruity-herbaceous scent.
- RutaVaLa – I have not personally tried RutaVaLa Essential Oil, but I know it is recommended for inducing better quality sleep. RutaVaLa Essential Oil is a blend of Ruta, Lavender, and Valerian essential oils. Lavender and Valerian oils are well known for their sedative properties. Ruta oil is not only relaxing to the mind and body but is also rebalancing to the energies of the body. The three oils together make a perfect recipe for an excellent night of rest.
- Bergamot – I was not surprised to find that Bergamot Essential Oil was included together with the other oils touted for sleep. This oil has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and uplifting properties which are helpful in regard to sleep issues. It has historically been used for insomnia, nervous tension, depression, anxiety, and stress. It has a pleasing light, sweet, citrusy aroma.
- Marjoram –Â Marjoram Essential Oil induces a calming, relaxing, and sedative effect on both the mind and body while relieving nervous stress and anxiety. It is helpful in dealing with insomnia and stress.
- Valerian – Well known for enhancing sleep, Valerian Essential Oil has sedative and antianxiety properties. This oil is known to be calming, relaxing, grounding, and balancing. Through the centuries it has been used for insomnia.
- Tranquil –Â A blend of essential oils that are highly regarded for their calming and relaxing properties. This blend of oils has been formulated to ease tension and anxiety, reduce restlessness, and to stabilize and balance the emotions and the physical body. Tranquil Essential Oil Roll-On contains essential oils Lavender, Cedarwood, and Roman Chamomile. This blend also contains carrier oils of fractionated and virgin coconut oils.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
How to Use the Essential Oils
- Lavender – Place 1-2 drops on the palm of your hand and rub the palms together. Swipe the hands across your pillowcase, dispersing the oils across the pillow. Diffuse the oil in an Ultrasonic diffuser, such as the Sweet Aroma Diffuser. Fill the diffuser with water and put 4-6 drops of essential oil in the water, replace the top and diffuse. You can also rub a drop between the palms and rub them into the bottoms of the feet. Have your spouse/partner mix 1-2 drops of Lavender oil with a carrier oil (4-5 drops) and rub along the spine.
- Cedarwood – Diffuse in an Ultrasonic diffuser. Rub 1-2 drops into the bottoms of the feet.
- Vetiver – Diffuse in Ultrasonic diffuser. Rub 1-2 drops onto the bottoms of the feet.
- Peace and Calming – Diffuse or rub onto the bottoms of the feet.
- Roman Chamomile – Diffuse or rub into the bottoms of the feet.
- RutaVaLa – Diffuse or rub into the bottoms of the feet.
- Bergamot – Diffuse or rub into the bottoms of the feet.
- Marjoram – Diffuse or rub onto the bottoms of the feet.
- Valerian – Diffuse or rub onto the bottoms of the feet.
- Tranquil Roll-On – comes in a bottle with a roller ball applicator. Apply to neck and shoulders, the bottoms of the feet, and/or the wrists prior to turning in for the night.
* The most cost-effective way to purchase a diffuser, and get a fabulous collection of oils to start with, plus receive 24% off the retail price (of all Young Living products) is to purchase a Starter Kit (click on the link to see what’s included!)and become a member of Young Living. You do not have an obligation to buy anything thereafter. The Starter Kit itself is a fabulous deal and would make a wonderful gift! You can also just purchase the diffuser here, Desert Mist Diffuser, or Sweet Aroma Diffuser. Contact me to learn more if interested.
Here is another awesome diffuser I found on Amazon.
To stay well and live our best lives we need to get adequate sleep. There are times for all of us that sleep can seem elusive. Try using essential oils, a natural alternative to OTC sleep aids. I use Young Living Essential Oils. I choose to use this brand due to its high-quality standards and therapeutic grade oils. I have been using them for 6+ years and I am impressed with the quality of their oils. Check out my essential oils wall rack, full of Young Living Essential Oils!
I am not a healthcare professional. The information provided here has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and their uses described here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness or disease. Essential oils work with the body to assist in bringing the body back into balance.
I have used several of these oils in this list to help me relax and drift off to dreamland. Which ones have you tried? Which ones would you like to try? Please share in the comments below.
Sleeping Woman Photo by Ivan Obolensky from Pexels
Featured Cover Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Janeane M Davis
April 12, 2021 6:30 pmThere seems to be an essential oil for almost everything. It was nice to see your list of oils that help you sleep.
Julie
April 15, 2021 11:14 amIt does seem there is an oil for almost everything! 🙂
Danielle
April 9, 2021 7:47 pmI love essential oils and learning about them. We use lavender all the time.
Julie
April 15, 2021 11:17 amLavender was the first oil I used!
Hege Rebecca
April 8, 2021 9:06 amEssential oils are great for sleep. I love all the oils you mentioned in your post, and another one of my favorites is Juniper Berry.
Julie
April 8, 2021 4:23 pmI haven’t tried Juniper Berry. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Briana Baker
April 1, 2021 8:33 pmThank you! I didn’t know that there were so many other oils that helped with sleep! I love lavender but my husband hates it! I use lavender for my girls but I need to find one that the hubby doesn’t mind!
Julie
April 3, 2021 10:35 amI hope a few of these will work for you guys!
Jacqueline
April 1, 2021 11:58 amBergamot is SO lovely. I love that it made it on this list! I particularly love it when I’m feeling stressed or anxious.
Julie
April 3, 2021 10:36 amI agree! I have Bergamot in my diffuser right now! Blend – Bergamot, Patchouli and Myrrh. 🙂
Chloe Chats
February 5, 2021 1:58 amGreat post, really helpful information on what oils are good to use for help sleeping. I’ve only ever used lavender oil before, the smell is so lovely and I felt it definitely helped with my sleep. Perhaps I’ll have to try some others out and see what they’re like!
Julie
February 7, 2021 3:52 pmRecently I have been using Peace and Calming, or Cedarwood alone or with Lavender!
Lori
October 28, 2020 8:33 amI love essential oils and use them for many things. Most commonly I use lavender for sleep, but I look forward to trying some of these other oils! Thank you!
Julie
October 28, 2020 10:44 amMy favorites for sleep so far have been Lavender, Peace and Calming, and Cedarwood. Essential oils are wonderful for so many things. I am still learning! 🙂
Gina Abernathy
October 9, 2020 7:40 pmI love my essential oils. Lavender is my favorite.
Julie
October 12, 2020 10:10 amI have Lavender with me at all times 🙂
Erika
October 9, 2020 5:16 pmIt is so cool to see all the different uses all the essential oils can have. I for one only used them at home for diffusing but may have to look into them a little more for the other uses! Thanks for sharing
Julie
October 9, 2020 7:04 pmI have been using them for several years and I am still learning about their many uses!! I have some other posts on specific oils if you’re interested: Orange oil, Thieves oil, Peppermint oil, Lavender oil and Lemon oil. Happy reading!
Roejai
October 9, 2020 9:22 amI’ve been loving using essentials oils lately. Lavender smells so good 😊
Julie
October 9, 2020 11:12 amLavender is a staple in our home. I have written a post all about Lavender! Multipurpose oil! 🙂
Susannah
October 8, 2020 8:09 pmOooh these all sounds lovely. Sleep is so elusive to me these days with a 21 month old that doesn’t want to sleep ever !! I’ve tried all the oils with her but they don’t seem to make a difference yet. Here’s hoping !
Julie
October 9, 2020 8:48 amWishing you some much needed rest Susannah! Thank you for reading and commenting! 🙂
Uma
August 17, 2020 8:10 amI started using essential oils only recently. Good to know about these oils. I really need some quality sleep. Thanks for sharing.
Julie
August 17, 2020 11:30 amHi Uma! I like using oils as natural remedies for various issues. I hope you find 1-2 that work well for you! 🙂
Jamie
August 17, 2020 7:44 amGreat information! Thank you for sharing.
Julie
August 17, 2020 11:30 amYou’re welcome! Thanks for reading 🙂
Em Hopkins
August 17, 2020 7:38 amI love this post. Thanks for sharing some tips, always looking for new ways to use my oils!
Julie
August 17, 2020 11:32 amHi Em,
I have been using them for quite a while and I am continually learning more about their uses! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Abigail Balingasa
November 30, 2019 4:36 pmThis is really helpful. I’ve been using Lavender but after reading this blog post I want to try the other essential oils you mentioned. And just recently I’m into yoga, it does have a holistic therapeutic effect. I’m loving it!
Julie
December 1, 2019 8:55 amHi Abigail! I am an essential oil believer! So many great benefits from the oils. The practices of yoga are magical 🙂
Samantha
November 30, 2019 8:42 amI’ll definitely be trying these. I’ve had so much trouble sleeping lately. Thanks for sharing!
Julie
November 30, 2019 10:09 amI hope you find some relief! Different oils work for different people, so if one doesn’t work, try another! Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
Tabatha Hull
November 15, 2019 2:56 pmThank you for such a thorough and helpful list on essential oils to try for sleep! I’ve struggled with sleep for years and love going the natural route!
Julie
November 16, 2019 9:23 amThank you Tabatha,
I hope you find some relief with some of the oils! 🙂
Melissa
November 15, 2019 8:37 amThis is great information. I have always struggled with sleep and like you, OTC sleep aids just leave me feeling worse. I had no idea you could use essential oils for sleep. I will definitely give this a try. Thank you!
Julie
November 16, 2019 9:25 amHi Melissa,
I hope you can find some relief with some of the oils! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Kelli
August 26, 2019 2:18 pmI use both lavender and vetiver to promote restful sleep, and I just purchased eucalyptus oil because I heard that it has calming properties. I had a pretty bad headache yesterday and used my new eucalyptus oil and within 20 minutes my headache had subsided. I really enjoy using essential oils as natural remedies and I’m excited to try your other recommendations!
Julie
August 26, 2019 7:36 pmHi Kelli,
I love my essential oils! I too enjoy using natural remedies as much as possible. There are SO many uses for the oils. I have been using them for years, but I am still learning! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Katja
May 8, 2019 8:54 pmI use essential oils almost on an every day basis. They are amazing.
Julie
May 9, 2019 8:44 amMe too! So many amazing benefits! Thanks for reading 🙂
Kimberly
May 8, 2019 8:53 pmEssential oils are one of my new favorite things! Lavender is my go to! But the Peace & Calming definitely has my attention!
Julie
May 9, 2019 8:45 amI love, love, love Lavender. My daughter swears by Peace and Calming to help her sleep! Thanks for reading 🙂
daisy andrea
May 8, 2019 6:04 pmI cant sleep without lav, frank, and cedarwood!
Julie
May 9, 2019 8:46 amThree great choices!! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Katlyn Brown
May 8, 2019 11:03 amI haven’t heard of Rutavala!! I’ll have to check that one out 🙂
Julie
May 9, 2019 8:46 amIt is one I have yet to try myself! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Angela C.
May 8, 2019 10:29 amI am sending this info to my friend who is looking for ways to sleep better! Actually, her son is having a hard time so I hope this helps him. Thanks for all this great information!
Julie
May 9, 2019 8:47 amExcellent! The oils should help! Thanks for reading and sharing 🙂
Shar
March 23, 2019 4:21 pmI’ve heard good things about essential oils but I’ve always been skeptical to try them myself. I see you recommended starting with the lavender so I may give that one a try. Love this information.
xx,Shar
Julie
March 23, 2019 4:26 pmHi Shar!
I love Lavender essential oil and use it often! It’s a great oil to start out with. Thanks for visiting 🙂
P.S. Don't Read This
March 12, 2019 6:28 amI have tried Lavender essential oil and I love it. It definitely helps me to calm down and to fall asleep. I haven’t tried Valerian as an essential oil, only on tablets with mint. I didn’t know there is a valerian essential oil. I have one Ylang Ylang and I like that one as well.
Julie
March 12, 2019 8:01 pmThat’s awesome that Lavender helps you to fall asleep. I have been trying different blends in the diffuser with some of these 10 oils, and others! So great to have the essential oils to aid sleep among other benefits! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Claudia
March 10, 2019 9:02 pmI have always wanted to try essential oils. Thank-you for this. I will check it out.
Julie
March 11, 2019 11:38 amHi Claudia!
I think you will love them! The oil I started out with was Lavender. I highly recommend starting out with this oil. I have written a post all about this oil, check it out if interested. The title is ‘The Many Uses of Lavender Essential Oil.’ Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Lanesha
March 1, 2019 3:46 amI’m going to bookmark this page I do want to order some essential oils thanks for the information
Julie
March 2, 2019 3:21 pmI love my essential oils. They have become a part of my daily life for so many things! I hope you find some that you LOVE! 😀
Joan
February 25, 2019 10:48 amJulie, I’m always looking for new ways to improve my sleep and I can’t wait to give some of these suggestions a try. As usual, your post has inspired me to try something new!
Joan Senio
My Best Friend Adeline
https://kindness-compassion-and-coaching.com
Julie
February 25, 2019 10:55 amHi Joan,
I’m glad I have inspired you to try the essential oils to help with sleep! I hope you find them to be helpful 🙂 Thank you for visiting 😀
Kymber
February 24, 2019 11:13 amThis is important information. I’ve had trouble with sleep for years and like you, I tried otc products which didn’t work at all. Prescriptions didn’t help either. Instead, I continued to lie there awake feeling even more anxious. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from melatonin to Nyquil and absolutely nothing worked. I found that lavender helps me a great deal though. And I’m interested now in trying your other suggestions, too. I found your entry on the comment 4 comment post and am so glad I followed your link. Thank you for the information! 🙂
Julie
February 24, 2019 9:40 pmHi Kymber,
I continue to learn about the many uses of the powerful essential oils! I’m glad that Lavender has worked for you! Enjoy trying some of the other wonderful oils. I’m glad you found me on the comment 4 comment post! Thanks for visiting 🙂