Picture yourself gliding through waves of uninterrupted rest, moving through those REM cycles softly and waking up refreshed, calm and completely energized.  This is the gentle but mighty power of essential oils. 

Essential oil recipes for sleep have been proven to deliver deep feelings of calmness, and a few drops on your pillow or simply having a light inhale before bed can provide a relaxing bedtime experience. 

Never underestimate the power of a good bedtime blend

To understand how essential oil recipes for sleep actually work, it's important to know the foundations of these oil blends and where their power originally comes from. 

Essential oils are highly concentrated and have been extracted from plants, making them particularly powerful and full of magical scents. 

A variety of studies over the years have shown that because smell has been proven to affect sleep, using certain blends close to your bedtime will have you feeling your most relaxed and therefore, in a position to fall asleep quicker than one might without the help of essential oils.

The connection between the science of scent and sleep

Have you ever wondered why a certain scent from your childhood, a home you once lived in or even just a period of your life can quickly evoke memories or specific feelings? 

Of all our senses, scent is the only one that has a direct effect on our brain. Your sense of smell is connected to a larger system called the ‘olfactory system’, which connects the special cells in your nose with the rest of your neurological system. 

Studies continue to show that when we experience certain scents, they can have an effect on the way we react, respond and behave. 

Our top essential oil recipes for sleep

At L'Beauxtique, we know the true value of being whisked away to dreamland every night, so we’ve come up with some tried and tested bedtime blends to support you in getting the most out of your evening routine. 

Enhance the power of Cedarwood for unwinding and relaxing

Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil is a CNS (central nervous system) sedative and contains an ingredient called “cedrol” which has been shown to increase feelings of relaxation . Perfect for those needing a little support with quieting our mind before bedtime. 

The blend: 

• 3 drops of Cedarwood  (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil 

• 2 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)  essential oil

• 2 drops of Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) essential oil 

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a well-known relaxation favorite and has been used for centuries to help troubled sleepers calm their nervous systems. From ancient Greeks to nurses in hospitals, lavender essential oil is universally recognized for its calming and healing qualities. 

The blend: 

• 3 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil

• 2 drops of Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil

• 2 drops of Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil 

Vetiver is nothing short of tranquil and will quickly calm your nerves, whilst Ylang Ylang is a deep yet exotic scent that will change your mood and take you to a more peaceful mental environment.

If you're not a fan of Lavender, here's an essential oil blend without it

If Lavender isn’t to your liking, there are other essential oil recipes for sleep that will still support you in getting a peaceful slumber. 

The blend:  

• 3 drops of Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis) essential oil

• 2 drops of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil

• 1 drop of Rose (Rosa x damascena) essential oil  

Roman Chamomile has a way of making you feel deeply looked after, whilst Bergamot is used for inducing positive thoughts, allowing you to wash away a stressful day if you need to. 

Rose will help you to feel like you’ve laid your head down on a soft bed of roses. Need we say more? 

If you want to explore more scents check out our ingredient greenhouse for more inspiration to learn more about the perfect natural ingredients that will help you relax and recharge. 

Soundful sleep is just one inhale and exhale away

Committing to an evening essential oil routine that works for you will have you moving through those restless nights and waking up refreshed in no time.  Whether you feel a diffuser is the right choice for you, a spray with your desired scent or a product that has been infused with essential oils, stepping forward with this level of self-care will have many positive effects on your everyday life. For more holistic living advice, sign up to the L'Beauxtique weekly newsletter below.