The study found that both essential oils improved reported sleep quality compared to the control. However, there was no significant difference in sleep quality between the peppermint and lavender essential oil conditions. This suggests that both essential oils are equally effective at improving sleep quality.
Not a traditional sleep aid, peppermint oil nonetheless is great for promoting restfulness by clearing your head, both figuratively and literally.
Lavender essential oil is a proven, gentle way to fall into a relaxing sleep. It can be used in a variety of different ways, including putting a few drops on your temples or spraying it on your pillow as pillow mist. Lavandula Angustifolia is the best type of lavender oil to use to help you fall asleep.
Lavender oil can help promote relaxation and peace, while peppermint oil can help improve energy levels and focus.
While you may be skeptical that an oil can actually help you stay awake and be more alert, study after study has demonstrated that peppermint oil can trigger your brain to wake up and be more alert, improving your ability to focus and perform better athletically.
Rub a few drops on certain parts of your body such as your chest, wrist, neck, forehead, hands, or feet. Before applying the essential oil, we recommend mixing it with a carrier oil like olive, grapeseed, coconut, or sweet almond oil, because your skin may be sensitive to undiluted essential oils.
Not the best for sleep: Peppermint oil
Do not use it as one of your essential oils for sleep. “It's wonderful for sore muscles and cramps, as well as digestion and congestion—it will instantly open airways and act as a scented wake-up call,” says Bryn Ewing, wellness coach with DoTERRA Essential Oils.
If you pair a couple of drops of peppermint with the lavender-oil blend, it can be extra soothing for headaches because lavender is a proven stress reliever, Goldman says.
Topical Application
For a good night's sleep, you can massage essential oil onto your forehead, wrists, and neck. Through topical application, you will not only inhale the oils but they will also enter your bloodstream quicker because they are transdermal and they get absorbed through skin.
The best ones to help foster relaxation and sleep are Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose and Sandalwood. Normally you dab a bit on your wrists, rub them together and take a bunch of deep breaths, or you can add them to your bath or release the scent by buying candles with those oils.
Pouring a few drops of Lavender Oil onto your pillow is how the majority of people use Lavender Oil to help them to sleep, however, to avoid staining your sheets and bedding you can put the drops on a hanky or facecloth placed over the pillow.
Sleep doctor recommend using lavender oil for 30-minutes in a well-ventilated room. Use a few drops in an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser.
Symptoms of lavender oil poisoning include: Blurred vision. Difficulty breathing. Burning pain in the throat.
They also provide some pain relief. However, peppermint works better for relieving respiratory and skin symptoms, whereas spearmint can function as an anticonvulsant and helps activate the white blood cells in a person's blood. Peppermint is a stimulant, while spearmint is a sedative.
Research has shown that essential oils made from peppermint, sweet orange, spearmint, rosemary, and lemon extracts may increase energy and relieve fatigue. Peppermint essential oil has been found to be effective for preventing fatigue and improving exercise performance.
Peppermint oil is associated with anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and pain-relieving properties due to its inherent content of menthol. Lavender has been shown to reduce labor pain, and is also recognized among aromatherapists as having anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities.
Avoid Stimulating Essential Oils Before Bedtime:
Some essential oils can be particularly energizing and stimulating (i.e. cypress, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint). Avoid using these oils and products containing them before bed or they may make your insomnia worse.
Many essential oils may help to promote relaxation and sleep. Examples include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint. Essential oils may not work for everyone, and a person may need to try several before finding one that works best for them.
The commonest essential oil for inducing deep sleep is lavender oil. The oil is extracted from the lavender shrub, and it has a delightful scent of floral and pine aroma. It's great for aiding sleep by calming the body.
Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil. Little is known about whether it's safe to use peppermint oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Lavender might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking lavender with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
One study found that lavender may also be effective in the management of migraines. Other research suggests that lavender can improve sleep quality in people,4 a possible benefit for those who suffer from sleep deprivation-related headaches. Peppermint: If you suffer from tension headaches, peppermint oil may help.
In short, they hate these natural essences. Peppermint in particular has a strong scent bed bugs can't take. Spraying an ample amount of diluted peppermint around your bedframe or mattress can help keep bed bugs at bay while you're enjoying your well deserved sleep.
As long as you're using a high quality diffuser and high quality,all natural essential or aroma oils, there's likely no risk to diffusing your oils overnight. However, if you'd like to take extra precautions, the easiest safety solution is to get a diffuser with an automatic shut off feature.