Sleep Better - Feel Better        Essential Oils Help with Insomnia and Depression             by Melodie Kantner There is a close relationship between depression and lack of sleep. Lack of sleep saps your energy, makes you irritable and sucks all the joy from your life. Insomnia disrupts the normal way of life. This can become a vicious cycle. You have insomnia. You worry because you can't sleep. As the worry increases, your insomnia escalates. Leading to depression. If you are already depressed, then the depression deepens. If you are recovering from depression, insomnia can cause a relapse. A number of long term studies indicate that insomnia, far from being a symptom or side effect of depression, may actually precede it, making some people more likely to become and remain depressed. The world we live in is fast paced and full of stress. Stress can contribute to sleepless nights. Lack of sleep can also cause problems in dealing with the stresses of day to day living. A good night's sleep is essential for a healthy body and emotional wellbeing. Improving your insomnia will have a positive effect in two ways. First you will feel better when get a good amount of sleep. Life looks brighter and stress is handled easier when you're well rested. Second, you won't be worrying about not sleeping. For a person who would rather use natural means to help relieve insomnia, therapeutic grade essential oils can be quite helpful. Try some of these Restful Sleep Ideas: Lavender is very calming and is often used for treating insomnia. Why? Because it contains esters and aldehydes that are calming to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Lavender is very effective in achieving restful sleep. Massage 3-5 drops of lavender on the back of neck or down your spine. 1-2 drops on the bottom of each foot, hop in bed. Cup your hands and inhale the remaining oil. You can also diffuse lavender in the room before you are ready to go to sleep. Other essential oils you could use to aid in a good night's sleep are tangerine, valerian, Peace & Calming, Valor and RutaVala. (See article below on RutaVala) The oils can be rubbed into the temples, back of your neck, up and down the spine, just before bedtime. Their amazing calming and relaxing effects can really aid a sound night's sleep. For a wonderfully relaxing sleep aid, add 10 drops of lavender oil to the bath and soak for fifteen minutes before going to bed. Recipe for a Peaceful Night's Sleep A Tip from Christine: I've found this combination has worked for me: I totally depend on my diffuser for a good nights sleep. As I was filling my diffuser this morning (for my next several nights of blissful sleep), I got to thinking about the wonderful combination I will be enjoying while in slumber land. Just through experimenting! Here's what I combine: 15 drops of Lavender 10 drops of Frankincense 5 or 6 drops of Tangerine This mixture of oils is a wonderful combination. I diffuse in 15 minutes intervals, 3 times while sleeping. The aroma is heavenly not to mention very therapeutic. Give this a try! You will not only love the aroma of this combination, and have a heavenly nights sleep, but just think of the healing benefit to your whole system. As we all know, our body does the most healing while asleep! Christine Insomnia Recipe 4 drops clary sage 2 drops lavender 3 drops Valerian 3 drops Vetiver Use 6 drops in a bath or 3 drops in 1 teaspoon carrier oil for a body rub. More Articles on Essential Oils Enroll in Young Living Now!