Chamomile Oil” />
Introduction
Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep through the night can be frustrating and leave you feeling tired the next day. Chamomile oil is a natural remedy that can help you get a good night’s sleep. As someone who has struggled with insomnia, I’ve found using chamomile oil to be very effective.
How Chamomile Oil Works
Chamomile oil contains compounds that have a calming and sedative effect. When inhaled or applied to the skin, these compounds enter the bloodstream and travel to receptors in the brain that control sleep and anxiety. Specifically, chamomile oil:
- Binds to GABA receptors: GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces neuron activity and has an inhibitory, calming effect. The compounds in chamomile oil bind to these receptors amplifying the sedative properties.
- Relieves anxiety: For many people, anxiety and stress prevent the brain from settling down for sleep. The mild sedating action of chamomile oil relieves anxiety levels, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
- Eases insomnia: Insomnia makes it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. By alleviating anxiety and inducing relaxation, chamomile oil helps ease the symptoms of insomnia.
So in summary, chamomile oil works by reducing neuron firing activity and anxiety levels while promoting relaxation – all of which enable restful sleep.
Using Chamomile Oil for Sleep
There are a few ways I’ve successfully used chamomile essential oil to get better sleep quality:
Diffusing the Oil
Diffusing chamomile oil an hour before bedtime fills my room with a light, floral aroma that I find very calming.
To use:
- Add 5-7 drops of oil to your diffuser as per instructions
- Diffuse for 1-2 hours before sleeping to fill room
- Diffuse intermittently through the night if desired
Applying to Skin
Applying diluted chamomile oil directly on my skin allows my pores to absorb the active compounds. The oil creates a cooling, tingling feeling that I find soothing.
To use:
- Dilute with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil
- Massage a few drops onto skin behind ears, temples, wrists
- Can reapply as needed through the night
Spritzing Linens
Creating a chamomile linen spray is an easy way to scent my sheets and pillow with its relaxing aroma all night long.
To make:
- Fill spray bottle with water and add 8-10 drops oil
- Shake well and lightly mist pillows and sheets
- Allows you to inhale scent all night
Additional Tips for Good Sleep
To make the most of using chamomile oil, there are some additional habits I follow to promote good sleep:
- Establish a regular sleep routine going to bed and waking the same time
- Avoid screens/TV for 1 hour before bedtime
- Do relaxing stretches or read before bedtime
- Use blackout curtains and keep bedroom cool
- Reduce external noise with ear plugs or white noise
Combining these tips with any of the chamomile oil uses should help induce relaxation and provide a peaceful night’s sleep.
Overall
As someone who has dealt with insomnia and anxiety, I highly recommend trying chamomile essential oil as a remedy for better sleep quality. Its natural soothing and sedative properties can help your mind unwind, fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Experiment to find which application method – diffusing, topical use or linen spray – works best to give you a good night’s rest.
