When one is facing the desperation of another sleepless night, it may be natural to wonder if treating insomnia is possible with the use of aromatherapy.
The human brain is an extraordinary thing, and it is not uncommon for us to strongly link memories with our senses, including smells. For example, a whiff of a familiar perfume may bring your grandmother promptly to mind. Any number of other scents may cause memories and feelings to envelop you. Are there certain scents that can likewise induce sleep?
Certainly sleep is a physiological process, but it is also has many behaviors associated with it. Good sleep habits, sometimes called sleep hygiene, involve conditioning to put us in the right frame of mind to sleep. Part of this process is calming ourselves, slowing our activities as we prepare ourselves to rest. There may be cues that tell our bodies that it is time to sleep. These may include nightfall itself, bedtime routines and rituals, and the familiarity of our bedroom space. It is almost as if we subconsciously tell ourselves, “This is my time and place to sleep.”
As part of this routine, it may be possible to incorporate soothing scents. It is hard to recommend one over another strictly on a scientific basis. Truth be told, there aren’t research studies that investigate which smell may encourage better sleep. But for those suffering from insomnia, aromatherapy may be a tempting option.
What scent is best? There are certainly many to choose from, and one might just as well choose something that you individually find relaxing and soothing. There are favorites that are purported to be helpful with insomnia, however. Lavender is often touted as having soporific (sleep-inducing) qualities. Other possibilities include: sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, sandalwood, clary sage, and jasmine. Each is variously described as calming, soothing, relaxing, and warming by those promoting the products. Essential oils of the fragrances may be purchased at health food stores or at locations that supply bath and body items.
Placing a few drops of a favorite scent on your pillow may be just the thing to put you in a sleeping mood.
