Someone recently asked me if all of the aromatherapy stuff really helps you to fall asleep. I knew certain scents can induce calmness, but actually helping one fall asleep? I wasn’t sure. The Sense of Smell Institute (I didn’t know even they existed ) recently reported new research indicating that lavender and jasmine scents can improve sleep.
A study by Dr. Namni Goel at Wesleyan University showed that the scent of lavender increased the amount of time subjects spent in deep sleep, which, for the brain and body, is the sleep cycle that is the most restorative. Jasmine has positive effects as well, although different from lavender. Dr. Bryan Raudenbush at Wheeling Jesuit University found that the light smell of jasmine caused subjects to sleep more peacefully and made them more alert in the afternoon than those who drifted off with the scent of lavender.
One thing I noticed in these articles was the adjective “faint”. The “faint scent of jasmine”, the “faint scent of lavender”.
The article I read fromThe Sense of Smell Institute gives these suggestions :
- Tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow.
- Spray the bedroom with a light fragrance containing jasmine or lavender a few minutes before bedtime.
- Add a few drops of lavender or jasmine scent to the rinse water when washing the bed linens, or use detergents and fabric treatments containing these scents.
- After an evening shower or bath apply a soothing body lotion containing a sleep enhancing scent.
I’ve tried a pillow spray scented with warm milk and honey from Bath and Body Works a relative gave me for Christmas. I can’t say for sure if it’s helped me sleep, but I ‘ve enjoyed it. I plan on trying some lavender and jasmine scented products soon. Let me know what products work for you!
By Emily S.
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