health guides

On the lookout for a better night’s rest? If so, you may want to try these essential oils that, among others, have been studied for their sleep-aiding properties:

• Bergamot. In one animal study, bergamot essential oil helped induce relaxation.
• Ylang-ylang. In another animal study, ylang-ylang essential oil appeared to help relieve anxiety.
• Lavender. Lavender essential oil has been studied extensively for its effects on the nervous system. One animal study found inhaling lavender oil helped reduce anxiety by acting on the brain’s serotonin receptors in the same way as many anti-depressants. Another study, this time in humans, found inhaling lavender oil helped the body enter a relaxed state. Numerous other human studies have found that lavender helps with insomnia, and a recent study found that lavender inhalation together with sleep hygiene improved sleep quality in college students with self-reported sleep issues.

Source: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine