Insomnia is probably one of the most common problems of the modern world and, at some time or another, most people will suffer from insomnia in their lives. Insomnia has many causes, and often it is just a temporary problem. However, it can impact your life quite substantially – and leave you tired, irritable, forgetful, and confused during the day; essential oils may be able to help relieve some of these symptoms.

Using Essential Oils for Insomnia

Many of the relaxing essential oils might be able to help with insomnia. The most effective way to use essential oils for insomnia is through diffusion; either with a personal mist spray, or with an aromatherapy diffuser. Diffusion allows the essential oils to enter the nasal passages and reach the required parts of the body the quickest, by triggering a signal to the brain.

Use two or more essential oils in a blend for the most effective relief. Consult a certified aromatherapist on dilution rate if you are unfamiliar with the use of essential oils.

Lavender Essential Oil Blend for Insomnia

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is the most common essential oil used for insomnia. It is gentle enough for all age groups to use and has few (if any) contra-indications. Mix lavender essential oil in an insomnia blend with Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) essential oil and/or valerian (Valeriana faurieri) essential oil.

If you are using the blend with young children, I recommend that you mix lavender and Roman chamomile essential oil in a 1% dilution distilled water personal mist spray. Spray lightly on the child's pillow before bed time.

If you are making the insomnia aromatherapy blend for an adult, you may prefer to mix lavender essential oil with valerian essential oil. Valerian essential oil has a warm, woody, balsamic aroma. Keep the amount of valerian essential oil in the mix low. Use an overall 2% dilution rate for the blend for a normal, healthy adult.

Vetiver Essential Oil Blend for Insomnia

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil is a deeply haunting, earthy-smoky aroma which is recommended for insomnia, too. It is strongly advocated for stress, nervous problems, and depression, making it a great essential oil to add to an insomnia blend.

Combine vetiver essential oil with sweet marjoram (Origanum marjorana) essential oil, an essential oil with a warm, woody, camphoraceous aroma. Although sweet marjoram essential oil is recommended for use with insomnia, it is best avoided during pregnancy.

I would recommend this particular blend for adult use at a 2% dilution rate in a distilled water personal mist spray. Alternatively, add to an aromatherapy diffuser before bedtime, following the manufacturer's guidelines on dilution rates.

Essential Oils for Insomnia

If you are suffering from insomnia, try one of the above essential oil blends. Alternate the blends periodically for greater effectiveness. Consult a certified aromatherapist for further advice.

The advice given in this article is for informational purposes only.

References:

• Lawless, Julia, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, UK: Thorsons
• A decade of the international training and experience of a certified aromatherapist.