Aromatherapy: How do fragrances help you sleep?

Fragrances help put us to sleep immediately but, opinions are divided. Can lavender, vanilla, and jasmine help you sleep?

Scents have medieval significance in improving sleep naturally. However, people are divided on whether the claim is supported by myths or scientific facts. Recent studies show that there are three popular fragrances that help in relaxing.

Lavender:

A purple flowering plant that is from the mint family, its floral scent is instantly recognizable because of soaps/perfume products. The scent is helpful in improving our sleep patterns, relieving stress, and mood stabilization, according to the CEO of MEVEI. Influencing deep sleep, studies show that participants reported feeling well-rested after lavender aromatherapy. Additional study on the subject showed lavender helps relieve anxiety similar to benzodiazepines. According to Avery Gilbert, lavender scent lowers your heart rate for relaxation.

Vanilla:

As a sweet and comforting scent, Vanilla is known to possess anti-depressant properties because of vanillin. According to a study, lab mice showcased similar properties from vanillin administration as they did with anti-depressant Fluoxetine. Another study from Germany showed that vanilla fragrance reduced startle reflex and helped people feel calmer. This is why it is perfect to lift your mood and relax through vanilla aromatherapy before you sleep. It might help you drift off more easily.

Jasmine 

Lavender 

Vanilla 

Jasmine:

The delicate, white flower’s scent follows lavender in its benefit through aromatherapy. The calm, sleep-inducing influence helps people get a good night’s sleep through exposure. Studies show that having a jasmine-scented space helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression effectively. The research was also conducted on mice to check how Jasmine essential oil influenced their nervous senses. It helped them calm down. According to Science Daily, Jasmine helped users relax in a similar manner as barbiturates. Barbiturates are often used as sleeping pills. It has proved significant in reducing medicinal consumption for sleep induction over the recent years.