Falling asleep and staying asleep can be a challenge. Stress, anxiety, and discomfort can all interfere with a good night’s rest.
For centuries, people have used essential oils and other natural sleep aids to relax and improve sleep quality. Certain scents are known for their calming and sleep-promoting properties.
doTERRA offers a variety of essential oils and pre-made blends that are designed to help you sleep. They’re a natural and effective way to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your sleep, this article explores a variety of doTERRA sleep blend recipes, including DIY diffuser blends, and tips for creating your own personalized sleep solutions.
The science of sleep and essential oils
Before we dive into a DIY sleep blend, let’s talk about why sleep is so important and how essential oils can help.
Why good sleep is so important
When you sleep, you cycle through different stages, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. Each stage has its own important job to do, like restoring your body and mind.
When you don’t get enough sleep, you might notice it’s harder to think clearly. Over time, sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of chronic illnesses.
How essential oils can help you sleep
Aromatherapy, or the use of scents to influence your mood, works by interacting with your brain’s limbic system. This system controls your emotions and memories. Certain essential oils can help you relax and reduce stress, which in turn helps you drift off to sleep.
A few of the essential oils known for their sleep-promoting properties are:
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Roman chamomile
These oils have calming properties that can help you fall asleep more easily.
Key Essential Oils for Sleep: A Detailed Look
Many essential oils are believed to promote relaxation and sleep. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular options:
Lavender: The Sleep Superstar
Lavender is probably the most well-known essential oil for sleep, and for good reason. Studies show lavender can help with anxiety, postpartum depression, and even insomnia. It’s a true powerhouse when it comes to promoting relaxation.
You can diffuse lavender oil into the air, apply it topically with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath before bed. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Cedarwood: Grounding and Calming
Cedarwood is known for its grounding and calming properties. It can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and well-being. This is helpful for anyone who struggles with racing thoughts at night.
Many people find that cedarwood helps them regulate sleep patterns and improve their overall sleep quality. Try diffusing it or applying it topically before bed.
Roman Chamomile: Gentle and Soothing
Roman chamomile has gentle and soothing effects on the nervous system. It’s known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it ideal for promoting sleep. It’s a good choice if you find lavender too strong or stimulating.
Roman chamomile can help ease tension and promote a sense of calm, leading to better sleep. You can diffuse it, apply it topically, or even add a few drops to a cup of chamomile tea (for an extra boost!).
Other Beneficial Essential Oils
While lavender, cedarwood, and Roman chamomile are some of the most popular choices, other essential oils can also promote sleep. These include valerian, neroli, and ylang ylang. Experiment with different oils and blends to find what works best for you.
DIY doTERRA Deep Sleep Diffuser Blend Recipes
Creating your own diffuser blends is a fun way to experiment with essential oils and find the perfect scent to help you drift off to sleep. The general rule of thumb is to combine oils that smell good to you and that you find relaxing. Start with just a few drops of each oil and adjust to suit your preferences.
It’s important to use high-quality essential oils, especially if you’re using them for therapeutic purposes. Look for pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from a reputable brand like doTERRA. These are less likely to contain additives or fillers that could irritate your airways or diminish the oils’ benefits.
Here are some DIY doTERRA deep sleep diffuser blend recipes to try:
Sweet Winter Dreams
- 3 drops doTERRA Wild Orange
- 2 drops doTERRA Frankincense
- 1 drop doTERRA Cinnamon
Benefits: This blend is warm and comforting, perfect for a cozy winter night. The orange is uplifting, while the frankincense and cinnamon create a grounding and relaxing atmosphere.
Sleep All Night
- 4 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Cedarwood
Benefits: This is a classic sleep blend. Lavender is known for its calming properties, and cedarwood adds a grounding, woodsy note that promotes relaxation.
Good Night
- 3 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Roman Chamomile
- 1 drop doTERRA Vetiver
Benefits: This blend is gentle and soothing, perfect for those who have trouble winding down at night. Roman chamomile is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while vetiver adds a grounding, earthy note.
Soothing Slumber
- 3 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Bergamot
Benefits: A simple blend that’s both calming and uplifting. Bergamot is known to reduce stress and improve mood, making it a good choice for those who have racing thoughts at bedtime.
Sleep Tight
- 3 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Ylang Ylang
Benefits: This blend is floral and relaxing, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. Ylang ylang is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety.
Spa Slumber
- 2 drops doTERRA Eucalyptus
- 2 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Lemon
Benefits: This blend is fresh and clean, creating a spa-like atmosphere that promotes relaxation and restful sleep. The eucalyptus can also help clear nasal passages, making it a good choice for those with congestion.
Power Down
- 3 drops doTERRA Lavender
- 2 drops doTERRA Copaiba
Benefits: This blend is designed to calm the nervous system and ease racing thoughts. Copaiba is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which can also contribute to a more restful sleep.
Delicious Dreams
- 3 drops doTERRA Vanilla
- 2 drops doTERRA Cedarwood
Benefits: This blend is warm, sweet, and comforting, perfect for creating a sense of security and relaxation. Vanilla is known for its calming properties, while cedarwood adds a grounding, woodsy note.
Sleep for Daaaayyyyssss
- 4 drops doTERRA Serenity Blend
Benefits: Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. This blend is already formulated to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Liquid Sleep
- 3 drops doTERRA Marjoram
- 2 drops doTERRA Lavender
Benefits: Marjoram has traditionally been used to promote relaxation and calm anxiety. It’s a great option to help you drift off to sleep.
Sleepy Thyme
- 3 drops doTERRA Thyme
- 2 drops doTERRA Lavender
Benefits: Thyme essential oil may calm the body and reduce anxiety. It’s also believed to help reduce nightmares.
Night at the Spa
- 3 drops doTERRA Eucalyptus
- 2 drops doTERRA Peppermint
Benefits: This blend can help you relax and breathe more clearly. It also helps to humidify your sleep environment.
Using pre-made doTERRA sleep blends
If you’re not into mixing your own oils, doTERRA has some fantastic blends already formulated to help you catch some Zzz’s.
doTERRA Serenity: The Restful Blend
doTERRA Serenity contains a dreamy mix of lavender, cedarwood, ho wood, ylang ylang, marjoram, Roman chamomile, vetiver, vanilla bean extract, and Hawaiian sandalwood.
This blend is designed to help you relax, reduce stress, and sleep better. The calming scents create a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for drifting off to dreamland.
doTERRA Balance: The Grounding Blend
doTERRA Balance is another great option. It’s made with spruce, ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, and blue chamomile.
Balance is known for its grounding properties. It can help you feel calm and balanced before bed, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.
Other doTERRA sleep-supporting products
doTERRA also offers other products that can support sleep, like Serenity Softgels (easy to swallow capsules) and Serenity Linen Mist (spritz it on your pillow for a calming scent). These can be great additions to your sleep routine, especially if you’re always on the go.
How to use doTERRA sleep blends effectively
You can use essential oils in a variety of ways. Here’s how to get the most benefit from your doTERRA sleep blends.
Diffuser guidelines
Most diffusers work best with 3 to 5 drops of oil per 100mL of water. You can adjust the amount of oil depending on the size of your diffuser and how strong you want the scent to be.
Run the diffuser for 30 to 60 minutes right before you go to bed to fill the room with a relaxing aroma.
Topical application tips
It’s really important to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before you put them on your skin. Some good options for carrier oils are coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil.
Apply the diluted oil to pulse points, like your wrists, temples, or the back of your neck.
Other ways to use essential oils
You can also add essential oils to a warm bath or use them in a massage to help you relax and fall asleep, but consider your sleep position as well.
A Word About Safety
Essential oils can be a great addition to your bedtime routine, but it’s important to use them safely. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil) before applying them to your skin.
Before using any new essential oil, test a small, diluted amount on a patch of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, talk to your doctor before using essential oils. Some oils can interact with certain medications or exacerbate certain health conditions.
Finally, make sure you store your essential oils properly in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve their potency and prevent them from degrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a homemade sleep essential oil blend?
Creating your own sleep blend is easy! Start with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. Then, add a few drops each of calming essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and sandalwood. Experiment with different ratios to find what works best for you. Always test a small amount on your skin first to check for sensitivity.
What is the doTERRA blend for sleep?
doTERRA’s most popular blend specifically formulated for sleep is Serenity. It combines lavender, cedarwood, ho wood, ylang ylang, marjoram, Roman chamomile, vetiver, vanilla bean extract, and Hawaiian sandalwood. Many users find it effective for promoting relaxation and a restful night’s sleep.
What is the calming blend in doTERRA?
While Serenity is often used for calming and sleep, doTERRA also offers Balance, which is specifically marketed as a grounding and balancing blend. It includes spruce, ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, and blue chamomile in a base of fractionated coconut oil. Many find it helpful for reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
What is the best essential oil combination for sleep?
There’s no single “best” combination, as individual preferences vary. However, a popular and effective blend combines lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood. Another good option is vetiver, frankincense and bergamot. Experiment to discover which scents create the most relaxing and sleep-inducing atmosphere for you. Remember to dilute properly and use safely.
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a natural way to unwind and improve your sleep, doTERRA essential oils might be just what you need. Many people find that doTERRA essential oils and blends are a great way to relax and get a better night’s sleep.
There are so many different DIY recipes and ready-made blends to try, so don’t be afraid to experiment. What works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for you, so finding your perfect sleep solution is key.
And don’t forget the importance of a relaxing bedtime routine. Using essential oils alongside other good sleep habits, like going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, can make a big difference in how well you sleep. Sweet dreams!