Does Lavender Make You Sleepy?

Aromatherapy is the practice of using oils derived from flowers, leaves, roots, and other plant parts to promote a feeling of health and wellness. These essential oils are said to produce a calming and soothing effect on the person when their scent is inhaled. Aromatherapists also say that the smells stimulate brain function to enhance physical and psychological health.

Each oil has certain attributes associated with it. For instance they are known to reduce anxiety, ease depression, boost energy levels, speed up the healing process. In case of Lavender, the essential oil is supposed to have a sedative and pain relieving effect. Does that means that if you sniff at the bottle of Lavender essential oil, it will make you sleepy?

Studies have shown that Lavender oil is primarily comprised of linalyl acetate and linalool. Both these chemicals are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and tend to inhibit a number of neurotransmitters. It lowers the heart rate and reduces anxiety. This means that the claims that Lavender is a soothing essential oil has scientific backing.

There is a lot of good in essential oils and aromatherapy that science projects are still working on proving. In the meanwhile if splashing a dash of Lavender essential oil on your pillow helps you sleep better, go ahead and do so.