Essential oils act quickly on the brain and nervous system to induce relaxation and also help to ease muscle tension that can interfere with sleep. Taking a warm aromatherapy bath at night is a wonderful way to prepare for a restful night's sleep. Sip a cup of relaxing herbal tea, dim the lights, and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to slip right into bed after your bath-don't distract yourself with other tasks that might stimulate your nervous system. The following essential oils are especially helpful for relieving insomnia.Chamomile has a herbaceous, sweet and slightly tart fragrance that helps to relieve insomnia caused by nervous tension. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) tends to have a sweeter fragrance than German chamomile (Matricaria recutita).
Clary sage has potent sedative effects on the nervous system and has a slightly euphoric effect that is helpful for relieving insomnia. It also has muscle-relaxing properties. Clary sage has a warm, sweet, musty scent.
Lavender has soothing, sedating, and balancing effects on the mind and body. It has a floral, herbaceous fragrance with sweet or balsamic undertones.
Marjoram eases muscular and nervous tension and has relaxing and sedative effects. It has a sweet, spicy herbaceous fragrance.
