Diffusing Essential Oils for Sleep

Essential oils are so versatile and have so many great uses. In my opinion, one of the best is helping to promote sleep and relaxation!

I never really had trouble sleeping until I had children. I had the occasional restlessness that comes from work stress. My husband travels for work, so sometimes he has trouble adjusting to new time zones or schedules. We both pretty much fell asleep and stayed asleep when we wanted to. Then came babies. As any parent knows, babies totally change the game when it comes to sleeping. I was willing to try anything to help everyone in my house get more sleep. A friend mentioned their bedtime routine using lavender oil and swore to me that it changed her baby’s sleep routine - allowing everyone in their family a more restful night’s sleep.

We incorporated essential oils into our baby’s nighttime routine (see how below) and never looked back! My husband and I are seeing added benefits as well. From a more relaxing bedtime, to reduced anxiety and stress at night, and an overall improved sleep quality - adding aromatherapy to your sleep routine can help with mood, amount of sleep, and general wellness.

Here are my favorite oils for sleep and relaxation, and how to use them.

Lavender Oil - No surprise here! This essential oil is well known for its relaxing properties and has been used to help promote sleep for centuries. It’s also incredibly versatile (use it as an air freshener, in cleaning products, and for skin care also) so I recommend always having a bottle or two on hand. Add 5 drops to your Young Living diffuser and let the mist gently wash away worries and help you drift off! This oil is safe for any age, so I love adding it to my children’s diffusers at bedtime. You could also add a few drops of the oil to a nighttime bath. When my children were babies, I would add a drop or two to a carrier oil and rub it on their feet and legs as part of a baby massage before getting pajamas on.

Frankincense Oil - Many people consider this their go-to essential oil, for a variety of ailments. Whether your child is awake due to fear of the dark, or you can’t shut off a racing mind at the end of a busy day, diffusing this oil will help to ease troubled minds and busy bodies, supporting overall mental health and restful sleep.

Cedarwood Oil - This oil is a sleep helper because it supports the pineal gland, which controls the release of melatonin (the body’s natural sleep inducing hormone). The oil has a distinct woodsy scent, which some people find very soothing (especially in the chilly winter months). On the other hand, it’s not everyone’s favorite scent. I like to mix a single drop with a carrier oil, sometimes adding a drop of lavender, and then rub on the bottom of my feet before putting socks on and getting into bed. This is particularly helpful on cool nights or when you have a cold!

Peace and Calming Essential Oil - This proprietary Young Living blend is great for creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in your home. This is another one we used a lot in our children’s bedtime routine - either using a little as part of baby massage, or adding a few drops to the underside of their crib sheet so they could breathe in the soothing vapors all night. Now, it works well diffused in their rooms when they have a cold, are overtired, or just had a busy day and need a little extra support in relaxing before bed. I like to diffuse this oil in my room when I have a headache or any time I’m not feeling well. It creates a spa-like atmosphere that helps me drift off when I’m not feeling my best.

Stress Away Essential Oil - Sometimes you can feel very tired and not fall asleep because of mental or emotional stress. I think lots of busy working professionals or parents - almost everyone, really - has been there! In these cases Young Living’s Stress Away blend is perfect for helping you to shut off your brain and soothe your spirit so you can actually rest. Simply diffuse in your bedroom or use in a calming massage about 30 minutes before bedtime to stop tossing and turning and drift off into dreamland.

Chamomile Oil - This oil has been used for years to help with relaxation and calm anxiety. Just consider the popularity of chamomile tea! The oil has the same properties, and it’s particularly helpful for families because it’s safe to use on all ages. It’s light floral scent will create a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom. To immediately relax, try mixing one or two drops with a tsp of coconut or olive oil, rubbing it on the back of your neck and wrists, and putting your hands to your nose and breathing deep.

Overall, whether you are looking to improve your own sleep, or that of family members, a consistent bedtime routine will help. Add oils to that routine - either through massage, adding them to night time skin care products, or diffusing them - and sleep quality is sure to be improved.

Pet Poison Helpline

Always store essential oils out of the reach of pets and children. If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned by essential oils, immediately contact your veterinarian or the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Bring the suspected essential oil offender with you to the vet in a sealed container. Seeking treatment as quickly as possible will typically lead to a better outcome for your pet. If you believe your pet swallowed the oil, inducing vomiting or giving activated charcoal are not recommended as this may make the situation even worse.

Disclaimer: We are avid essential oil enthusiasts and not medical professionals. We do not attempt or proclaim to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Any health and wellness products - including all natural, holistic, and essential oil remedies - should be discussed with your doctor prior to use. All information and content on this site are for purely informational purposes and should not be treated as medical advice or to self-diagnose or self-treat. Please read all product labels carefully as specific information might differ from this website. Call a medical professional immediately if you suspect that you have a medical or health issue. Information on this website has not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration and should be taken as such.