Holistic herbal remedies such as using sleep massage oils can help restore your health and deep sleep. Ancient civilisations have used herbal oils to relieve stress and relax their bodies. Modern research confirms the benefits of essential oils. Many studies have shown that certain herbs can influence the stress response by regulating cortisol levels and calming the nervous system.
There is no substitute for a good night’s sleep, and anyone who has ever had insomnia will understand. As a result of all the stresses of modern life, getting quality sleep can be challenging. When things aren’t going well, you’re having troubles at work, problems at home or whether you have chronic health problems like high blood pressure—your body struggles to relax.
The good news is that several natural remedies can help you sleep better. When used correctly and in the right amounts, certain sleep massage oils can transport you to a state of bliss. A few drops of the sleep essential oil and methods of ingestion, inhaling using air diffusers or steam from boiling water pots or simply massaging into the skin are usually all that is necessary.
Body massage with essential oils for sleep helps ease pain, stress, and muscle aches. Using essential oils on feet for sleep can have aromatherapy benefits, too.
What Is the Best Massage Oil to Induce Sleep?
1. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has a wide range of benefits, but it excels at sleep induction. Ingesting and inhaling lavender oil help with insomnia and sleep disorders in many trials. This is mainly because of the lavender oil’s health benefits including lowering heart rate and blood pressure, all of which, not coincidentally, mimic the stages the body goes through when falling asleep. This oil helps to relieve anxiety and unwind after a long day filled with various challenges. A recent study published in Nature showed that ingestion of Lavender oil as Silexan capsules is significantly effective in decreasing anxiety. Another study proved that inhaling lavender essential oil also promotes a restful night’s sleep by increasing sleep duration and quality.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
The essential oil of peppermint is one of the most effective sleep massage oils. It functions as an analgesic, cooling and disguising discomfort. Besides its fresh, minty scent, peppermint oil can help relieve tension and oedema while invigorating the body if you’ve been on your feet all day. You can discover more about essential oils here.
3. Bergamot Oil
Insomniacs will benefit from bergamot oil because it contains a little something for everyone. Like lavender oil and ylang-ylang oil, Bergamot oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. It also lowers blood pressure and pulse rate and prepares the body for sleep. Bergamot oil has been shown to lessen stressed thoughts, which are a typical stumbling block to getting a good night’s sleep. Put a few drops in a hot kettle of water and take long breaths in, and repeat that until you feel relaxed then go to sleep.
4. Sandalwood Oil
Sandalwood oil has a powerful aroma and, unfortunately, quality sandalwood oil has a high price tag. As with many things, you get what you pay for! This oil is one of the most efficient sleep massage oils for deep sleep, thanks to its mood-balancing characteristics. Santalol, the effective substance in sandalwood oil, is unique in having sedation characteristics. It causes a significant decrease in waking time and increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time. Keep that in mind when you need to relax and unwind. If you make sleep oil blends, consider adding a few drops of sandalwood oil.
5. Marjoram Oil
Many essential oils can help you fall asleep, but marjoram oil can help you stay asleep. The soothing scent can be relied on to relax you physically and mentally and induce a deep, restful sleep that allows you to recover and recharge completely. The sweeter the marjoram you choose as a sleep aid, the better. A study showed that marjoram oil aromatherapy was effective in improving sleep disturbances in older women.
6. Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil is more about the overwhelming effect than indulging in pleasant fragrances. This oil isn’t for everyone because of its deep, earthy scent, but the effects are hard to argue with. If you can’t seem to stop thinking about the events of the day and rest your mind, vetiver oil is probably what you need. When you diffuse it into the air before going to bed, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your worries fade away.
7. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a naturally calming scent and powerful sinus-clearing qualities. For individuals who have trouble sleeping because of excessive phlegm, eucalyptus oil has the dual benefit of calming you while also easing your congestion, allowing you to get the rest you need.
Keep a close eye on how you feel when you are using sleep massage oils. Each person has a different reaction to the scent. Experiment and test several aromas and the ones that relax and make you sleepy are those you should use for your daily aromatherapy routine. Trying out different oils may be necessary before finding the one that works for you.
You can read more about essential oils for sleep and check out another list of the best essential oils for sleep.