Is Lavender Essential Oil Effective for Sleep?
Essential oil therapy is a method used by some insomnia patients, and this question is often asked in bed, so is there any scientific evidence to support it?
A recent comprehensive review of the literature has shown that lavender can help improve sleep in patients with cancer, end-stage renal disease, neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, dementia, autism), and respiratory, cardiac, or metabolic diseases. The most common way to use lavender is through the inhalation of essential oils (aromatherapy), alone or with massage.
Is Taking Lavender Capsules Also Effective in Improving Sleep?
A study conducted in a randomized controlled trial of people with anxiety disorders found that it did improve sleep.
The results showed that taking 80 mg of lavender capsules daily for 10 weeks significantly reduced anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale decreased by 59.3%) and improved sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index decreased by 44.7%), which was significantly better than a placebo.
