Lavender, Sleep and the Science
Lavender is an affordable aromatherapy oil. This essential oil can be found easily in the supermarket or online. Buy the real thing, and try it in a bath, shower, in massage oil or wafted over candle heat in a burner – or plugged into an electric oil burner. Where will it take you? Well, science has some interesting answers, if you are at home now.
Better Sleep for Students
Lavender and sleep hygiene together improved sleep quality in a study of college/university students, over a five-night test. Sleep hygiene involves a regular sleep schedule, controlled naps, not exercising too close to bedtime, limiting worry, getting out of bed if sleep does not come, not using bed for anything but sleep and sex, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed, and so on.
The student study of the oil, helped trigger a trend in lavender research. So if you burn the oil, or bathe in it/shower in it, massage it in – or wear a patch on your chest (which the students did) – how are your chances? Read more here
What the Nurses Say
Nurses said their sleep improved and anxiety was helped by lavender oil. Read more here
The Midnight to 4.00am Effects of Lavender
Blood pressure was significantly lower between midnight and 4 am in the lavender oil treatment group, in this study in a care unit. Read more here
What They Found in Japan
Results showed that lavender aroma improved sleepiness for a Japanese test group. Read more here
Sleep Quality in Patients
Massage and aromatherapy massage can improve the sleep quality, even in cardiac patients. Read more here
The Elderly and Lavender Essential Oil
Aromatherapy with lavender essence can have a positive effect on improving sleep quality and other aspects related to sleep in elderly people, according to this study. Read more here
Mothers and Babies
Another study found lavender increased the relaxation of the mothers and their infants. Read more here
Lavender, the Mild Sedative
Lavender served as a mild sedative helped in promoting deep sleep in young men and women in this study. Read more here
Lavender and Sleep Apnoea
Finally, the inhalation of lavender oil reduced the stress levels of people with sleep apnoea (problem snoring) in this study – and helped to maintain a regular sleep cycle. Read more here
Over to You
Has lavender essential oil in your bath, shower, in massage, on the burner in your bedroom (or with any other method) definitely helped your relaxation or sleep? Let us know @HolidayGoddess.
