Does Lavender Help You Sleep?

Found in various home scents, bath and body products, and gardens, lavender is a widely used plant with numerous benefits. For centuries, it has been a go-to remedy for healing wounds, easing aches, and, more recently, promoting relaxation and sleep.

In this article, we dive into why lavender has become one of the most trusted natural sleep aids, explore how it works its calming magic, and share simple ways you can enjoy the soothing benefits of this dreamy plant.

Lavender is a fantastic natural sleep aid due to its calming and relaxing fragrance. The soothing scent of lavender has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxation and stress reduction. This helps lower heart rate and blood pressure, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep. The same study also found that lavender can help stabilise mood, alleviating feelings of depression and negative emotions that can contribute to sleep disorders.

Not only does lavender help you drift off, but research also suggests it can enhance the quality of your sleep. It does this by increasing the amount of deep sleep, the stage responsible for energy and repair, leaving you feeling truly refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Lavender has also been found to ease symptoms of anxiety, quieting the mind and reducing the worries that can keep you tossing and turning.

For more tips on how to reduce feelings of anxiety at night, read our article on how to calm the mind for a better night’s sleep.

Thanks to its many forms, lavender is incredibly versatile and can be used in several ways to promote sleep and relaxation. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular methods for using this calming plant to help you enjoy a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, lavender body oil is gentle and easy to apply – ideal for those looking for a simple yet effective addition to their routine. For a truly calming experience, massage the lavender-infused oil into your skin before bed. Your skin will feel nourished, and the soothing scent will linger through the night, helping you unwind and ease into restful sleep.

Discover more tips on creating the perfect evening routine and how it can benefit your sleep.

Whether you make your own with a couple of drops of pure lavender oil and water or choose from one of the many ready-made options, a lavender sleep spray is an effortless way to enhance your bedtime routine. A quick spritz onto your pillow or bedding creates a calming, cosy atmosphere that promotes relaxation and helps you drift off peacefully.

A lavender diffuser is a much safer alternative to candles and makes the perfect addition to your bedroom while you sleep. It gently fills the air with the soothing scent of lavender, creating a calming environment for rest. Simply add a drop or two of pure lavender oil to your diffuser, or opt for a lavender-scented oil designed for your specific model and let the calming aroma work its magic.

While lavender-scented candles may offer a more subtle aroma than a diffuser or directly applied oils, they still fill your space with the soothing scent of lavender, making them the perfect companion for your bathtime ritual or evening wind-down. Just remember to always use your candles safely and be sure to blow them out before heading to bed.

Lavender offers a wide range of benefits, from soothing skincare to easing pain. Whether you’re looking to relax, improve your skin, or find natural relief, lavender can help:

• Promote sleep: As discussed, lavender, especially lavender oil, is a go-to choice in aromatherapy for promoting restful sleep. Thanks to its calming properties and ability to encourage deep sleep, it’s perfect for anyone struggling with insomnia or simply looking to unwind before bed.
• Reduce feelings of stress and anxiety: Lavender can act as an anti-anxiety agent, working on the brain’s receptors that are responsible for relaxation.
• Pain relief: Lavender is a natural pain reliever and antibacterial. Used topically, it can help treat a number of aches and pains and heal wounds. If the pain persists, make sure to talk to your doctor.
• Improve memory: Studies have found that lavender may be able to boost cognitive function and memory. Though there’s not enough research yet, there’s promising evidence that it could help with conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• Hormonal support: Thanks to its natural pain-relieving properties, lavender has been found to reduce symptoms of PMS and menopause, such as pain, anxiety, restlessness and hot flushes.
• Lower blood pressure: The purple plant not only creates feelings of calm but may actually help reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure, putting the body in a more relaxed state.

While lavender is generally safe for most people, some may need to take precautions when using it, such as:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Although lavender is often considered safe, using lavender oil may cause irritation, so it’s best to consult your GP before using new products.
• Young children: Lavender oil is not recommended for children under 2, as it can irritate sensitive skin.
• Those with allergies or sensitive skin: If you tend to react to new products, consult a professional and always test a small amount of lavender oil on your skin before use.
• People on certain medications: If you’re taking medication, particularly for conditions like hormone-sensitive issues, it’s wise to consult your doctor, as lavender may interact with some medications.
• Individuals with hormonal imbalances: Some studies suggest that lavender oil might have mild estrogen-like effects, so those with conditions sensitive to hormonal changes may want to avoid it.

Incorporating lavender into your routine can be a simple and natural way to enhance your sleep and overall well-being. Whether you choose to use lavender oil, a calming diffuser, or indulge in a relaxing lavender bath, this versatile plant fits perfectly into any bedtime routine, helping you achieve a peaceful night’s sleep.