The Benefits of Sandalwood as a Sleep Aid

Many people are starting to use essential oils as healing methods because they are more natural. One of the extremely useful essential oils that can be used for various types of mental and physical health conditions is the sandalwood essential oil. Sandalwood is a popular fragrant wood that comes from India and Australia. The essential oil that can be extracted from it has a bright and fresh smell that can give us relaxation.

Sandalwood essential oil has been used in foreign lands for centuries and now, people from different countries are learning how it can help remedy different health issues. One of the popular benefits we can get from sandalwood essential oil is that it’s a natural sleep aid. It is known to be a natural remedy for insomnia.

Sandalwood oil contains alpha-santalol and beta-santalol compounds that have an impact on the user’s central nervous system. Based on a study in 2007, inhaling sandalwood caused a sedative effect on a lab rat. Inhaling the sandalwood oil was shown to increase the duration of non-REM sleep, which is helpful for individuals who find it difficult to stay asleep at night.

The researchers even impaired the rats’ ability to smell and they found out that the lack of fragrance did not change the results. This means that the therapeutic action of santalols worked through the user’s circulatory system and was absorbed into the blood through respiration.

The best way to use sandalwood oil as a sleep aid is by adding a few drops to your hands or to a piece of cloth and placing it over your nose. You can breathe in deeply for about thirty seconds. The fragrance of sandalwood essential oil will trigger the endorphins in your brain which will cause you to calm down naturally. Learn more about Sandalwood at SandalwoodHeaven.com

Other Natural Sleep Aids

Having a good night’s sleep helps our body and brain to function properly. It can improve our learning, memory, decision-making, and creativity. Getting sufficient sleep can also lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and stroke.

Aside from using sandalwood oil as a sleep aid, there are also other natural sleep aids you can use to avoid insomnia. If you’re having difficulties in sleeping at night and you need a little help, here are some of the natural sleep aids you can try.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by our body naturally. It is responsible in signaling our brains that it is time to sleep. Its production and release are influenced by the time of the day. In the evening, the levels of melatonin naturally rise and naturally falls in the morning. Due to this, melatonin supplements became a popular sleeping aid, especially to those whose melatonin cycle is disrupted, such as having a jet lag from traveling.

Melatonin can also improve daytime sleep quality which is best for those whose work schedules require them to sleep during the daytime such as shift workers. It can also improve overall sleep quality in individuals suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia. It reduces the time people need to fall asleep and increases the total amount of sleep time. This is a safe natural sleep aid when used for short periods of time.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that contains hundreds of processes in the human body. It is important for brain function and heart health. Based on studies, magnesium levels can help induce a deeper sleep due to its ability to regulate the production of melatonin.

When the levels of magnesium in our body are insufficient, it can result in troubled sleep and insomnia. Therefore, increasing your magnesium intake by taking supplements can help in optimizing the quality and quantity of your sleep. Some of the foods loaded with magnesium are spinach, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.

Calcium

Calcium also has an effect on our sleep cycle. Based on the European Neurology Journal, during our deep rapid eye movement or REM sleep periods, calcium levels are at their highest. This means that if you never get to the REM sleep phase, you might have calcium deficiency.

Calcium helps the cells in the brain to create melatonin, therefore, increasing it is important for you to get a good night’s sleep. The best source of calcium is a glass of warm goat’s milk. It can provide both calcium and magnesium which work best when consumed together.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is an herb that is usually found in Asia and Europe. It is commonly used as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression, but it is also a popular herbal supplement in the US that promotes good sleep.

Its roots contain many healing properties, particularly for relaxation and sedative effects. It is best combined with chamomile in a tea. Valerian root can increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA which helps calm the nerve cells in the brain. If you’re not into drinking tea, you can also go with Valerian root capsules which can be bought in health food stores.

There are indeed lots of natural sleep aids we can try to get a good night’s sleep. They are a healthier option compared to over-the-counter medicines such as sleeping pills. But keep in mind that when trying any new food, herb, or essential oil, make sure that you start with small amounts first. And if you notice any discomfort, try to stop using them immediately. Also, if you’re on prescription medication, it’s important to consult with your doctor first before trying any of these natural sleep aids.

Sleep is a crucial part of our overall health as well as healing, therefore, it’s important to take it seriously, and we should always find ways on how we can improve our sleep quality.

Aside from these, you may also try using Wheatgrass for Sleep Issues.