Using Essential Oils to Improve Your Sleep

If sleep apnea has been making it difficult for you to get the rest you deserve, you will naturally want to take steps to address it. In addition to seeking professional forms of treatment such as a personalized oral appliance, you may also want to consider home remedies for improving the overall quality of your sleep – which can include the use of certain essential oils. Below is a closer look at how essential oils can help you enjoy better sleep.    

How Can Essential Oils Help with Sleep?

There are many kinds of essential oils that can be used for a variety of health purposes. Below is a list of some notable examples of essential oils that can be beneficial for those who want to improve their sleep:

• Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has properties that can help you relax, and it encourages the brain to produce more melatonin (a hormone that prepares the body for sleep). As a result, it can make it significantly easier for you to fall and stay asleep.
• Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil: These two essential oils are known to help relieve congestion. This is significant because congestion can potentially block your airways and increase your risk of suffering from sleep apnea episodes; thus, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil can sometimes help with your nighttime breathing difficulties.
• Clove Oil: Clove oil is often used for clearing mucus from the lungs and airways. In other words, it provides another way to fight the congestion that can potentially contribute to sleep apnea.
• Lemon Oil: The scent of lemon oil can reduce any feelings of anxiety that may make it harder for you to fall asleep. It can also go a long way toward helping you feel more relaxed in bed.

How Should You Use Essential Oils to Improve Your Sleep?

Some essential oils are meant to be inhaled through a diffuser while others are applied directly to the skin. Thus, if you’re interested in using a particular kind of essential oil, it’s important to do your research on the most effective way to use it to improve sleep quality. Be sure to talk to your doctor to see what they recommend.

Bear in mind that if you currently have sleep apnea, essential oils are no substitute for professional care. They can make your nights more restful, but they won’t necessarily solve the true underlying problem. Don’t forget to schedule a visit with your sleep apnea doctor to discuss what treatment options are available for your sleep-disordered breathing.

About the Author

Dr. Ivan Paskalev has more than two decades of dental experience and has practiced in Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He is currently pursuing the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine’s Mastery Program, and he is able to help his patients find relief from sleep-disordered breathing with customized oral appliances. If you need a solution for sleep apnea, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Paskalev at Better Sleep Eugene by visiting his website or calling (541) 246-8284.