Viktor Bartak 8 mins read 16 Feb 2023

Does lavender improve sleep?

Verbessert Lavendel den Schlaf?

Important points:

  • Lavender is a popular natural sleep aid most commonly used in aromatherapy. It is also available in the form of dietary supplements and personal care products.
  • Lavender has many health benefits and not only improves your overall sleep quality, but also reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, relieves pain and improves cognitive function.
  • Lavender oil is generally safe and does not cause side effects. However, it can cause headaches, constipation and increased appetite if you take it in supplement form. When used topically, some people may experience skin irritation.
  • Lavender can interact with certain medications and supplements, so it is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive cancers or upcoming surgeries. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also not use lavender oil.

A good night's sleep is just as important to your health as exercise and a healthy diet. But unlike eating healthy and going to the gym, many people don't give sleep much importance. That's a bad idea. Sleep directly affects your productivity and overall well-being, so it's important to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. But what if you can't fall asleep or wake up tired? In that case, there are hundreds of different oils, medications, supplements and other remedies that can help you. In this article, we'll take a look at lavender - one of the most popular natural remedies for sleep.

Lavender is the name of a group of perennial plants that includes more than 40 different species. Lavendula angustifolia is used specifically for medicinal purposes. The plant is native to North Africa and the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated in all parts of the world, making it an easily accessible sleep aid.

Health benefits of lavender

For sleep

As a sleep aid, lavender is used in aromatherapy. Not only does it smell good, but it also has some powerful properties. Several scientific studies suggest that lavender improves overall sleep quality by helping you stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Lavender acts on the central nervous system and promotes slow-wave sleep by interacting with the neurotransmitter GABA, reducing restlessness, aggression and fatigue.

Studies suggest that lavender improves sleep quality in people of all ages and may even be effective in babies and the elderly. For example, infants bathed in water with a few drops of lavender oil are more relaxed after bathing and sleep more deeply at night. Lavender may also help with mild insomnia in students.

For anxiety and stress

Lavender is also known to boost mood and promote relaxation because it acts as an anxiolytic and sedative. One study that looked at oral lavender supplements found that they could be as effective at improving sleep quality as taking a low dose of the sedative lorazepam. A small study conducted at an Indianapolis hospital found that aromatherapy with lavender helped reduce anxiety and depression in women with postpartum depression.

For mental health

There is evidence that aromatherapy with lavender and taking lavender supplements can improve cognitive functions such as memory and relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Relieve menstrual and menopausal symptoms

Recent studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy can also relieve pain and other symptoms associated with menstruation. Research suggests that lavender may help with menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, restlessness, and hot flashes.

Pain relief

Oral lavender preparations can be taken for physical pain such as headaches, pain during labor, osteoarthritis pain, ear pain associated with an ear infection, pain after surgery, and toothache. The herb acts as a natural analgesic and antibiotic. It is also used in skin care products to treat wounds as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Against high blood pressure

The positive effect of lavender on the nervous system could be the reason why lavender lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate.

Possible side effects of lavender

Lavender is considered safe as an oral, topical, or aromatherapy supplement. Potential side effects of lavender taken orally include headache, constipation, and increased appetite. Skin irritation may occur when used topically.

Keep in mind that lavender oil can disrupt hormone levels and affect estrogen and testosterone levels in the body. Therefore, parents should avoid or be cautious about exposing young boys to lavender oil.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also not use lavender oil because there is insufficient information about the safety of lavender for these women.

People who are about to undergo surgery should also avoid lavender because, when combined with anesthetics or other medications related to the surgery, it can slow down the nervous system too much.

Because lavender interacts with hormones, it is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive cancers.

Interactions of lavender with medications

Lavender may also interact with certain medications and supplements. People taking the following medications and supplements should talk to their healthcare provider about taking lavender in oral form:

  • Antihypertensive medications
  • Chloral hydrate
  • Pentobarbital
  • Sedative medication
  • Medicinal herbs and nutritional supplements for better sleep
  • Medicinal herbs and dietary supplements to lower blood pressure

How to use lavender oil for sleep

There are two ways you can use lavender oil for better sleep - you can apply it topically or inhale it as part of aromatherapy. When used topically, you should feel the effects of lavender about 20 minutes after application as it absorbs quickly into the skin. Although lavender is a non-allergenic essential oil, if you have sensitive skin, you should do a 24-hour test on the inside of your upper arm. If you notice skin irritation, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba oil. You can also apply the oil by mixing it with your body lotion or body cream.

Inhaling lavender has an immediate effect. You can either put a drop of lavender oil on your upper lip just below your nose, rub it on your hands, or use a cold diffuser. You can also put a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue and place it in your pillowcase.

You can also use dried lavender bags and store them with your bedding. This will give your bedding a subtle lavender scent.

Try B・SYNC ON

If you're looking for natural ways to improve your sleep cycle, it's a good idea to combine different supplements and essential oils. For example, you can use lavender oil to help you fall asleep and take B・SYNC ON to wake up energized.

With its innovative formula, B・SYNC ON is a natural supplement that helps you wake up easier every morning and gives you a boost of energy for your day. When you use B・SYNC ON together with aromatherapy, you can be sure that you will sleep well and start the day feeling refreshed in the morning.

B・SYNC ON contains natural active ingredients - vitamin B5, vitamin B12, zinc and caffeine, which are released 7-8 hours after taking the supplement, so you can take a pill before bed and be ready to take the day by storm. Try B・SYNC ON tablets today!

FAQ

How do I use lavender oil for sleep?

There are several ways you can use lavender to improve your sleep. For example, you can apply it directly to your skin, put a few drops on a tissue and place it in your bedding, or use a cool air diffuser.

Can I apply lavender oil directly to my skin?

Yes, you can apply lavender oil directly to the skin and it usually does not cause irritation. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a 24-hour patch test first.

What are the side effects of inhaling lavender oil?

Lavender promotes relaxation and sleepiness and slows breathing. It can also interact with some medications and supplements, so if you are already taking something to relax and sleep, lavender may increase the effects of the medication and cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Do you need to dilute lavender oil?

In aromatherapy, you do not need to dilute lavender oil as it is considered non-irritating and safe. However, if you have sensitive skin and lavender oil causes irritation, dilute it with any carrier oil.

Who should not use lavender?

Lavender is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with hormonal cancers or upcoming surgeries, and people who are already taking blood pressure medications, pentobarbital and sedative medications, herbs or supplements. Lavender also acts as a hormone disruptor and is not recommended for young boys.

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