Dreading another night of tossing and turning thanks to scorching summer temperatures? You're not alone. Many people struggle to catch those precious Zzzs when the heat cranks up. But before you resign yourself to a summer of sleep deprivation, consider the power of essential oils. 

These potent plant extracts can create a calming atmosphere, promote relaxation, and even address issues like allergies that might be disrupting your sleep. In this blog post, we'll explore how incorporating essential oils into your summer bedtime routine can help you drift off peacefully and wake up feeling refreshed, even on the hottest nights. 

Why Are Summer Nights So Hot?

It might sound counterintuitive, but the hottest your body feels doesn’t necessarily coincide with the highest temperature of the day. In fact, oftentimes the summer heat doesn’t begin to grate until near bedtime. This can occur because the sun’s heat is stored in asphalt, which then emanates up from the ground, settling into your home. Once this happens, it can be hard to get a good night’s rest.

Sedative & Cooling Essential Oils

Melatonin Blend

While summer nights can disrupt sleep due to heat, the Melatonin Sleep essential oil blend offers a two-pronged approach to combating this. The calming aromas of Lavender, Chamomile, and other natural ingredients promote relaxation and ease the mind for sleep.  

More importantly, melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone included in the blend, gently nudges your body towards a normal sleep cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night, even during hot summer weather.

Good Night Blend

Good Night essential oil blend tackles summer sleep troubles with its tranquil synergy of oils. The calming aromas of Sweet Marjoram, Sandalwood, and other sedative essential oils work together to create a tranquil atmosphere that lulls your mind and body into a relaxed state. This aromatic experience primes you for sleep, while the soothing properties of the oils further promote restful slumber, helping you drift off to dreamland and wake up feeling refreshed, even on those hot summer nights.

Best Sleep Ever

Unlike traditional sleep aids, Edens Garden's Best Sleep Ever essential oil blend uses a natural approach to combat summertime sleep disruptions. The floral blend, rich in linalool, fosters a calming atmosphere that eases restlessness and promotes deep relaxation. 

Key ingredients like Ylang Ylang and Sweet Marjoram work together to create a tranquil environment, while also promoting smooth airflow – a common hurdle during hot summer nights. This multi-faceted approach helps you drift off to sleep peacefully and wake up feeling refreshed, even on the warmest nights.  

Peppermint

While peppermint oil might seem counterintuitive for sleep due to its invigorating aroma, it can actually be beneficial for summer nights. Its refreshing menthol aroma can be clarifying and focus your mind on winding down.[1] This can be particularly helpful if summer heat and humidity leave you feeling sluggish or restless. Peppermint oil's natural decongestant properties may also be helpful if allergies are contributing to your sleep troubles.[2]

Eucalyptus 

Along with Peppermint, Eucalyptus oil's ability to clear congestion can be a major benefit for summer sniffles and allergies that disrupt sleep.[3] Easier breathing promotes relaxation and can help you fall asleep faster.

Using Essential Oils To Cool Down at Night

Once you’ve chosen your ideal essential oil for hot summer nights, here’s how to incorporate them into your bedtime routine. 

• Diffusion: 30 minutes before bedtime, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your essential oil diffuser and inhale the goodness. 
• Spritz your pillow: Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your pillow before bedtime.
• Take a cool, relaxing bath: Dilute a few drops of calming essential oils and combine with Epsom salt, then add the mixture to your bathwater for a luxurious and sleep-promoting pre-bedtime ritual.
• Dot on your wrists or temples: Dilute a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like Jojoba and dab it on your wrists or temples for a calming effect before bed. Alternatively, opt for a prediluted Roll-On essential oil. 
• Create a sleep-promoting compress: Soak a washcloth in cool water with a few diluted drops of Peppermint or Eucalyptus oil. Avoiding direct contact with eyes, place the compress on your forehead for a refreshing and decongesting effect that can aid sleep, especially if allergies are keeping you up.

SOURCES: 

1. Effects of Peppermint Essential Oil on Learning and Memory Ability in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9000406/
2. Peppermint. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/peppermint
3. Antiviral Activities of Eucalyptus Essential Oils: Their Effectiveness as Therapeutic Targets against Human Viruses. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706319/