Does Lavender really help sleeping?

Question

I don't have a sleeping disorder but one or twice a month I have a bout of insomnia. i had been advised by family that the best way to drop off to sleep is use Lavender oil on my pillow or bed clothes. Is this true if not anything else that you can suggest.

Answer 1

I think lavender is useful for relaxation - it also happens to be very handy to have around as a cleansing spray for those with curly hair (mix 5-10 drops in a spray bottle of water), as well as vital to use on skin burns (use straight). It's a must in my medical kit.

For occasional bouts of insomnia though, I'd make sure you also elminate as many sources of light in your room as possible (or wear an eye mask), as melatonin levels are dramatically affected, even by a little night light. Chamomile tea and Rooibos teas are also good relaxation aids before bedtime as is a foot massage with warm sesame oil. If you need *sleep*, not just a little nudge though, valerian root capsules should do the trick!

Answer 2

Yes, it does. In July I went to Barcelona by coach on a college trip. On the way back we were travelling through France during the night and we couldn't sleep. We picked some lavender at one of France's many dirty motorway service stations and it really helped us to sleep.

As you only suffer from insomnia occasionally there are other things you can do. Take a warm bath before bed. This helps to keep cool during the night as you radiate out more heat. Have a warm, milky drink like Horlics or chocolate made with warm milk rather than water. Jerk off before going to sleep as any sexual activity is thought to help you sleep more naturally due to hormonal changes. One more thing, DO NOT READ IN BED. It doesn't help you get to sleep. Reading is a waking activity, not a sleeping activity.

Answer 3

Hi, fellow occasional insomniac,
Yes,every now and then I get that 'when the hell am I going to sleep' feeling.
A few drops of lavender oil (a spray is even better) across the pillow works a treat.
Very relaxing.
Just don't try it while your'e driving.

Answer 4

You can buy lavender pillows....They really do help. Also if it's only for the odd night buy an oil burner and put it in your room for half an hour before you go to sleep xx

Answer 5

I guess it works. I have the same problem as you. My shampoo is by Aromatherapy and it's scented Lavender Vanilla and it even says so on the bottle that it's supposed to help sleeping.

So yes, buy some lavender oil!

Good luck :)

Answer 6

yes appartently it has a calming effect but if ya have trouble sleeping, people say if u are in bed longer than 15 mins and not sleeping then u should get out of bed and do something like reading then go back to bed after 30 mins to 1 hour

Answer 7

Melatonin is a great help; lavendar helps me relax but I wouldn't say it helped me sleep. You can take 1 or 2 tablets of melatonin at bedtime and sleep well, and wake up naturally with no headlag like you get with sleeping pills.

Answer 8

Anything that will comfort you is the trick. 1-keep a log for 6 weeks of what you eat-drink-stress-tv,....etc. Find out what triggers it. 2-relax 30 mins before bed: no tv, phone calls, text msgs, etc. Strictly, clear your mind. 3-try meditating before bed. Certainly wont hurt you. 4-Don't anticipate the next days worries. Leave that for tommorow. My best to you.

Answer 9

Yes it does, try a drop in a bath before bed or on your pillow.
You could also try masturbation, sex or smoke a little weed or crumble some into yoghurt before bed.

Answer 10

Is is true!- A drop of lavendar oil or dryed lavendar can help you get right of to sleep.