Essential oils for better sleep: how to help your child (and yourself) get a good night's rest
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Your child is tossing and turning and unable to sleep through the night, and you're beside yourself with exhaustion. Essential oils can be an effective way to help your child get more restful sleep, but figuring out how to use them properly may seem overwhelming. Here's how to get started with essential oils to help your child get the rest they need.
1. Room sprays
Combine Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils in a small glass spray bottle with distilled water. Shake well and spritz around the room before bedtime. The Lavender oil will help relax and soothe while the Cedarwood oil will ground and calm.
2. Massage therapy
One of the best ways to relax before bed is by getting a massage. Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. And what better way to enjoy a massage than with essential oils? Essential oils are great because they are safe, nontoxic, and effective. Plus, you know exactly what you're using! You should dilute them in carrier oil before applying them on skin. For children, it's especially important to keep the dose very low so that they don't have any adverse reactions to it. For older children, dilute 1-2 drops of essential oil with 1/2-1 tsp. of carrier oil. For newborns and infants, dilute 1-2 drops in 2 Tbs. of carrier oil.
3. Aromatherapy diffusers
Aromatherapy diffusers are an easy and effective way to use essential oils for better sleep. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil (or blend of oils) to the diffuser, set it on the nightstand, and let it do its work. Inhaling the calming, relaxing scent of eucalyptus or lavender can help ease you into a deep slumber.
4. Calming blends
Lavender, cedarwood, eucalyptus, and sweet orange essential oils are all great for promoting relaxation and sleep. To use them, simply add a few drops of each oil to a diffuser or diffuser bracelet and inhale as needed. You can also add these oils to a bath before bedtime or mix them with lotion and massage into the skin. If you're using these oils with children, be sure to diluted them first.
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