Did you know lavender has been used for centuries as an herbal supplement?
Native to Western Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of the Middle East, it was first used by the Egyptians to scent their tombs.
Later, the Greeks used lavender for its healing properties–the first written record of lavender’s healing powers comes from the ancient Greek military physician Dioscorides. They used it for many purposes, and even placed lavender near their beds because they believed the smell helped bring pleasant dreams.
Medieval Europeans used lavender as an air freshener in their homes. In the 16th century, it was introduced to Britain and was used to treat headaches, skin infections, swelling and inflammation.
In more recent times, lavender was first used as an essential oil in France in the early 1900s. Its use as a sleep aid became more widespread when studies showed that people who slept with lavender-scented sheets reported reduced stress levels and improved quality of sleep.
Why is Lavender Such A Useful Scent?
It’s all about the science behind it.
First, lavender has been shown in numerous studies to reduce anxiety. When you're relaxed, your body produces more of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm, telling your body when it’s time to sleep.
Secondly, lavender has an overall soothing effect on the body. It reduces inflammation and pain, and has also been shown to lower both blood pressure and heart rate.
Finally, lavender has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain—and serotonin helps us feel happy. Those restless nights where you toss and turn, worrying all night? A little extra serotonin could make a huge difference.
How Can I Use Lavender For Sleep?
You can take lavender in a number of different ways to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here's how:
- Lavender tea: Heat 1 cup of water and steep 2 tablespoons fresh lavender or 1 tablespoons dried lavender flowers in a diffuser for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add lemon juice or honey to the tea.
- Lavender oil bath: Pour four teaspoons of lavender oil into a warm bath, or use lavender bath bombs.
- Lavender-infused bedding: Try rubbing a few drops of lavender oil onto your pillowcase or sheets before going to bed, or use a spray for an even mist of lavender scent. Check out SleepPak’s lavender aromatherapy spray recipe here!
- Aromatherapy diffuser: You don't even have to go out and buy a diffuser if you don't want to—just use an essential oil bottle with a cotton ball inside it and put it in your bedroom so that it can disperse its fragrance throughout the room!
What If Lavender Doesn't Work For Me?
Lavender isn’t the only naturally-occurring sleep aid. Many different herbs and compounds promote sleep, and if lavender doesn’t give you better sleep on its own, you might need a blend of all-natural ingredients.
SleepPak’s blend of all-natural ingredients work in perfect harmony to bring you the deep, restorative sleep your body craves.
Like lavender, It's all-natural sleep aid that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer—without putting any chemicals in your body.
Take the first step towards better sleep.
