chamomile

The Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation

The Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation
The Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for maintaining our health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, with our busy lifestyles and non-stop digital stimulation, getting restful sleep can be a real challenge for many people. Fortunately, essential oils offer a natural solution that can help promote relaxation, calmness and restful sleep.

How Essential Oils Promote Relaxation and Restful Sleep
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including relaxation and sleep. They work through a process known as aromatherapy, which involves inhaling the scent of the oils. The aroma of essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, sending signals to the brain that can have a direct impact on our emotions, mood and energy levels.

Popular Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation
There are many different essential oils that can be used for sleep and relaxation, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most popular options include lavender, chamomile, vetiver, frankincense, bergamot, and ylang ylang.

Lavender is perhaps the most well-known essential oil for sleep and relaxation. This gentle and soothing oil is known for its calming properties and can help to ease anxiety and stress, promoting restful sleep and a sense of tranquility.

Chamomile is another popular choice for sleep and relaxation. This gentle and calming oil is often used for its soothing effects on the nervous system, helping to promote a sense of calmness and relaxation. It is particularly effective when used before bedtime to help wind down after a long day.

Vetiver is a deeply grounding and calming oil that is ideal for promoting relaxation. It has a woody aroma that is often used in meditation and yoga practices to help promote inner peace and calmness.

Frankincense is another popular choice for relaxation, with a sweet and warm aroma that helps to calm the mind and ease the body. It is often used in spiritual practices to promote a deeper sense of peace and connection.

Bergamot is a bright and uplifting oil that can help to ease the mind and promote relaxation. Its fresh and fruity aroma is often used to lift mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

Ylang Ylang is a sweet and floral oil that is known for its calming and balancing effects. It can help to promote a sense of peace and relaxation, making it an excellent choice for use before bedtime.

How to Use Essential Oils for Sleep and Relaxation: Diffusion, Topical Use, and Massage
One of the most effective ways to use essential oils for sleep and relaxation is through diffusion. A diffuser works by releasing tiny particles of essential oil into the air, which can be inhaled and absorbed by the body. This can help to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere that promotes restful sleep and stress relief.

Essential oils can also be used topically, although it is important to dilute them properly with a carrier oil before use. This helps to ensure that the oils are properly absorbed and that the skin is not irritated by the concentration of the oils.

A simple and effective way to use essential oils topically is to dilute a few drops of oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to pulse points such as the wrists or temples. Alternatively, essential oils can be added to bath water or used in a relaxing massage to help promote relaxation and calmness.

Try Young Living Essential Oils for Optimal Relaxation and Support
In conclusion, essential oils can be an effective and natural solution for promoting sleep and relaxation. With a wide range of oils to choose from, there is an option to suit every preference and need. By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, you can create a peaceful and calming environment that promotes restful sleep and a sense of wellbeing. I highly recommend trying out Young Living's selection of high-quality essential oils for ultimate relaxation and support - that's the only brand I use because they offer the purest essential oils on the market





If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.


Want in?

You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).

This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.

 Click here to subscribe and come along for the ride. I’d love to have you in my corner.

Have a question or something to share?

✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.
 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.

Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.

 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.


Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there — I’m AJ.

I’m an empty-nester and a widow who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products most of us grew up using. Our parents didn’t know. We didn’t know either. But once you start paying attention, it’s hard to ignore.

Life shifted in 2018 when my husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia — and again in 2023 when we faced a second cancer diagnosis. Supporting him through treatment changed how we looked at just about everything, including how we cared for our home, our bodies, and our day-to-day routines.
We didn’t aim for perfection or extremes. We focused on simple, meaningful changes — reducing toxic load in our home, choosing better ingredients, prioritizing nourishing food, and building calmer rhythms into daily life. Tools like aromatherapy, music, meditation, and intentional rest became part of how we coped and stayed grounded.

Caring for Eric deepened my commitment to living well — not as a trend, but as a way of showing up with intention and grace, even in the hard seasons.

Now I share our story, the lessons we learned, the small changes that made a big difference, and how I'm moving forward. My hope is to make wellness feel more approachable, less overwhelming, and rooted in real life — especially for anyone who wants healthier options without pressure or perfection.

If you’re here to find what actually works for you, you’re in the right place.

Contact

Copyrights © 2026 held by respective copyright holders, including AJ Flanagan.