Oils & Sleep

Sweet Sleep

Believe it or not, sleep and hormones are intricately linked. Hormonal imbalances disrupt sleep. Lack of sleep, in turn, hinders hormone production.

The reverse also holds true: It can begin with a sleep problem, which then causes the hormone imbalance. In either case, the cycle has been set in motion. And so it begins: a classic “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” dilemma.

Finding a resolution can be like trying to untangle a long rope of Christmas lights that was stripped from the tree and thrown into a box and then rifled through several times while looking for something else, creating a complete knotted mess.

This cause-and-effect cycle continues until hormones are brought back into line and evasive sleep is once again restored. The best plan is a multi-pronged approach.

How to Balance Your System For Sleep

To begin this natural approach to addressing chronically elevated cortisol levels that hormone imbalances cause, nutrition plays a huge role. Vitamin B6, vitamin B5 and vitamin C often become depleted with prolonged hyperactivity of the adrenal cortex and increased production of cortisol.

Young Living Super B and Super C, available in both tablet and capsule form, play a critical role in the optimal functioning of the adrenal glands. Getting those levels up is a good foundation to build on.

• Endoflex is an excellent essential oil blend to use since most of the oils in it promote sleep and its design is to support the endocrine system. Geranium, Myrtle, Nutmeg, and German Chamomile are all known to possess sedative properties. This is like a one-two punch.
• Progessence Plus can also be of invaluable support as a dual approach to this problem. Not only can it bring hormones back into balance, it also can improve sleep because of the specific essential oils included. These include Frankincense, Cedarwood and Bergamot, all excellent oils to promote restful sleep.

Our Favorite Oils For Sleep

In addition to EndoFlex and Progessence Plus, here are other oils and products that can support healthy sleep. You may notice that a number of sleep oils also are listed in hormone support products as well as DIY recipes. Here are some classic oils for sleep:

• Marjoram
• Lavender
• Cedarwood
• Roman Chamomile
• Orange
• Bergamot
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Yep, you read that right. Numerous blogs list Marjoram as a better oil for sleep than Lavender. But, if Lavender works for you, no need to fix what isn’t broken.

Marjoram, Lavender, Orange and Bergamot also come in the Vitality line, meaning you can ingest them at bedtime to support sleep if you so desire. Put drops in a capsule, or in a nighttime tea. Also, the following supplements can be very effective.

Sleep and Stress

Another factor affecting sleep is our stress level, which includes inflammation in the body (often caused or exacerbated by synthetic products in our food or environment, such as scented candles, air fresheners, etc.) Inflammation and free radicals are linked.

Sulfurzyme works to scavenge free radicals and equalize water inside cells, supporting better sleep for many. Some people do better taking their Sulfurzyme early in the day, because it also supports energy, and you don’t want that at bedtime.

These amazing Young Living products can be of great support for sleep:

• ImmuPro
• Sulfurzyme
• Super Cal
• MegaCal