Did you know that you can use peppermint oil for sleep? If not, maybe that’s because lavender is usually promoted as the best essential oil for sleep. And lavender does work for many people! We made lavender a star ingredient in our Divine Dreams sleep+relax blend because we believe in the power of lavender to help the mind and body relax. But what if you don’t enjoy the smell of lavender? Or what if it’s not working for you? The good news is that there are a lot of other essential oils that promote sleep. We’ve compiled a list of non-lavender essential oils for sleep. So even if you're not a fan of lavender, or if you just don’t have any on hand at the moment, you can still use aromatherapy to promote a restful night of sleep. 

Peppermint – While some people use peppermint to promote alertness, peppermint can also promote restful sleep. Studies have shown that peppermint can help improve insomnia. Because peppermint is anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce conditions such as snoring or sleep apnea that might be disrupting your rest. Peppermint also promotes rest by relaxing the bronchial muscles, and increasing oxygenation in the lungs and brain. If you tend to deal with congestion at night, peppermint can bring relief! Peppermint’s cool, calming aroma helps set the scene for a dreamy night. 

Eucalyptus – Like peppermint, eucalyptus helps soothe and clear the sinus system. So if you’re losing deep sleep because of snoring, sleep apnea, or another respiratory condition, eucalyptus can help. Eucalyptus also produces a calming aroma which many people find relaxing.  

Cedarwood – With a calming, woodsy scent, cedarwood can help you turn your bedroom into a sleep haven. Cedarwood has a sedative effect due to a compound called cedrol. Studies have shown the effectiveness of cedarwood for improving sleep. Many experts recommend using cedarwood for 20 consecutive nights to experience the best results. 

Frankincense – Grounding and calming, frankincense can help you get into the headspace needed for a good night’s sleep. Frankincense helps reduce stress – one of the most common culprits for poor sleep quality.  

How to Use Essential Oils for Sleep

Diffuse them, make a pillow mist, add them to a nighttime bath (make sure to dilute them with a carrier oil first!), or make a calming massage oil.