Trouble Sleeping? Consider This Aroma
If you experience anxiousness or troubled sleep, but don’t want to use prescription or over-the-counter sedatives, consider jasmine. Researchers have found that the scent of jasmine is as effective as Valium and similar drugs for relieving anxiety, promoting more peaceful sleep, and reducing anxiety upon waking. Jasmine fragrances were even shown to have the same neurochemical mechanism of action as barbiturates, without the groggy, hungover feeling in the morning.
You can get the benefits of jasmine by taking a warm bath or shower with jasmine-scented soaps before bedtime, spraying your bedding with an organic essential oil like jasmine prior to getting in, or placing a diffuser containing jasmine in your bedroom. Make sure you use products that have actual jasmine as one of, if not the only ingredient and not just the scent or essence of jasmine.
Other recommendations for getting quality rest include paying attention to your sleep hygiene – don’t drink anything containing caffeine or alcohol for several hours before bedtime, keep your bedroom at a comfortably cool temperature, reduce screen time as you start winding down for the night and make sure there is minimal or no light where you sleep. It’s also helpful to moderate your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates. Also try to spend time outdoors (especially in the morning light) and continue to be active throughout the day.
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