Dreams can be amazing and unpredictable experiences. On any given morning you may recall dreams that were wonderfully entertaining, downright bizarre, unforgettably terrifying, or anything in between. Why our brain creates these stories during sleep may still be a mystery, but we do know that a healthy dream cycle relates directly to our emotional and physical well-being . If you want to know how essential oils can promote positive dreams or influence the way a dream plays out, read on!
Why would essential oils influence dreams?
Anything that impacts our emotional state is likely to shape the dreams we have. So, since smells are processed in the brain’s limbic system (which deals with our emotions and memories), even the slightest whiff can arouse powerful feelings. Also, getting to a state of deep sleep is necessary if you are interested in lucid dreaming – dreaming that you are consciously aware of and can, to some extent, control.
Research has shown that external stimuli present during sleeping can affect dream content , so let’s take a look at a few essential oils and blends that have been repeatedly linked to better sleep, improved dream recall, and may help create dreams that are vivid and pleasant – helping you get the most out of your nights sleep!
If you’re looking for a wonderfully crafted blend of essential oils to soothe your emotions and set you up for a night of positive dreams, Plant Therapy’s Sweet Dreams Synergy may be just right. Made with Orange Sweet, Juniper, Coriander, Blue Tansy, and Rose, this slightly sweet and spicy aroma is perfect for both children and adults. It is designed to keep bad dreams at bay so that you or your child can rest peacefully without the mental stormy stories that can destroy a good night of sleep. This synergy also comes in a super quick and easy pre-diluted roll-on!
Try this recipe to create an irresistible balm with Sweet Dreams Synergy:
What you’ll need:
- Sweet Dreams Synergy
- 2 oz. Cocoa Butter
- 2 oz. Beeswax
- 2 oz. Coconut Oil (solid)
- 3 – 2 oz. twist up tubes
- Fine glitter (optional)
What you’ll do:
- Melt beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil in a double broiler (or glass bowl over simmering water).
- Remove from heat and add 30 drops Sweet Dreams Synergy.
- Stir well!
- Add glitter (optional)
- Pour into tubes, cap it up, and allow to cool completely.
If you want to try single oils to make your dreams sweeter, give these a go in your diffuser or dilute with a carrier oil and use it as a chest or neck rub:
Rose: Popular for its distinct and unforgettable aroma, this essential oil demonstrated its ability to help people have rosier dreams in a study supported by the University Hospital Mannheim in Germany . The rich floral scent has calming properties and helps relax the mind before sleep.
Lavender: This sweet and floral goody is full of therapeutic benefits, particularly relieving restlessness and producing a perfectly calm and tranquil environment. Its use for sleeping has been recorded for centuries; John Parkinson, a famous 17th-century London botanist, wrote that lavender is “especially good for all griefs and pains of the head and brain.” This makes it ideal to put a positive spin on dreams and help you wake up feeling refreshed and positive.
Jasmine: Another sweet and flowery scent, Jasmine is known to aid in deeper and more restful sleep, which leads to pleasant dreams. One study conducted by researchers at the Wheeling Jesuit University found that Jasmine is almost as effective as conventional sleeping aids for falling and staying asleep. The study’s participants were also noted to wake up and remain more energetic, compared to participants who slept in an unscented room .
Sandalwood: Revered for centuries to help reduce nervous tension and quiet the mental chatter that often keeps us from falling asleep. The rich, sweet woody aroma is known to improve the quality and duration of sleep. One study published in 2000 by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health found that one of the natural compounds found in Sandalwood, called santalol, notably improved the test subject’s sleeping patterns. Regular deep and restful sleep will keep those happy dreams rolling along!
Got your oils? Don’t forget these tips for sweet dreams!
Keep it clean!
Wash your bedding regularly, at least once every other week. Not only will this keep your bed free of bacteria and fungi growth, it will keep it smelling oh-so-fresh!
Try this DIY linen spray for some extra sleepy-time goodness:
What you’ll need:
- 4 oz. Vodka or Witch Hazel
- 4 oz. Spray bottle
- 28 drops Mandarin
- 40 drops Lavender
- 12 drops Cedarwood Virginian
What you’ll do:
- Add Vodka or Witch Hazel to the spray bottle until almost full.
- Add the essential oils.
- Allow the oil to meld with the Vodka or Witch Hazel for at least one hour.
- Shake well and spray down your bed for a relaxing atmosphere!
Start a dream journal!
Keep a journal and a pen by your bed. When you wake up, write or draw about your dreams. Not only is this therapeutic to the mind, but you may see patterns in your dreams over time. This practice may also increase the intensity of your dreams and the brain’s recall ability when you wake.
Turn off the lights, keep it quiet, and take away any excess stimuli that may negatively impact your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Remember, dreams occur during deep sleep, so if you want to experience your dreams to the fullest, the first step is to focus on your quality of sleep! Check out these blogs to learn more about how essential oils can give you a better night of sleep:
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BETTER SLEEP
BEST ESSENTIAL OIL DIFFUSER RECIPES FOR SLEEP (KIDSAFE)
Have you ever tried using essential oils to influence your dreams? Have you noticed that certain oils affect your dreams more than others? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
Walker, Matthew. (2017, October, 24). Why your brain needs to dream. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/ item/why_your_brain_needs_to_dream
Schredl, M., Atanasova, D., Hormann, K., Maurer, J.T., Hummel, T., & Stuck, B. A. (2009, August, 11), Information processing during sleep: the effect of olfactory stimuli on dream content and dream emotions. Journal of Sleep Research, 18: 285-290. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2869.2009.00737.x
Carroll, Rebecca. (2008, September, 23). Smells Influence Dreams, Study Says. Retrieved from https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080923-smell-sleep.html
Freeman, Bill. (2002, October 27). Jasmine Found to Encourage Restful Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.worldhealth.net/news/jasmine_found_to_encourage_restful_sleep/
