There are so many products on the market created from the knowledge that scents can influence our sleep. From pillow sprays to essential oils to fabric softeners to roll-on sticks, there are so many ways to integrate certain scents into our bedrooms and nighttime routines. Sleep experts at the mattress stores in Orange County say that about 71 percent of Americans sleep better on fresh-scented sheets.
From a biological standpoint, sense of smell has always been a tool for humans to ascertain whether their environment was safe. Without this sensory indication, many early humans would not have been able to survive. The smell of smoke was a clear warning signal for fire and the smell of dewy earth meant rain was coming. In both these cases, people could take action to protect themselves from the elements.
Smelling cells in the nose are connected to the limbic system in our brain. This is one of the oldest cognitive structures that we have held on to as humans. It is responsible for emotions, behaviors, and long-term memory. Since our sense of smell is so connected to these instinctual and impactful brain functions, it is no wonder that certain smells can influence our day to day lives.
Research conducted in Las Vegas casinos found that, after spraying a nice smelling scent in the gambling sections, individuals were more likely to gamble more money than before. This proves that not only can scents serve to warn us of danger, but they can also affect what decisions we make with our money and our time.
With this background of information, sleep experts at Orange County mattress stores know that scents have the ability to trigger certain responses. So, the question is, how can we use these natural reactions to promote better sleep?
According to a study at the Sleep Disorders Centre of the University of Heidelberg, scents can have a direct effect on people’s dreams. During the research process, individuals were exposed to 3 different scent options: flowers, hydrogen sulfide, and neutral. The results showed that those who smelled flowers had good dreams while those who smelled hydrogen sulfide had nightmares. This study’s findings were such a revelation for researchers that they went on to explore the correlation between unpleasant smells and bad dreams.
Knowing that certain smells can impact our quality of rest, sleep experts at mattress stores recommend that people in Orange County try different pleasing scents in order to see what works best for them. Some people have different associations with certain scents, so they may react more positively or more negatively than someone else.
Here are some scents that are known to have a positive impact on sleep for most people:
- Coffee – Studies at UCLA have shown that this scent can have a relaxing effect on some people.
- Rose – When applied in moderation, rose scents can calm your breathing and lower your blood pressure. This makes it a wonderful scent for falling asleep.
- Lavender – One of the most widely used bedroom scents, lavender is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.
- Geranium – This scent can be used as a natural antidepressant because of its positive effect on mood. Falling asleep becomes easier once you can disregard worries or negative thoughts and become more at ease.
- Clary sage – Like geranium, clary sage can be used as a natural antidepressant, specifically for women going through menopause. It is known to have a calming effect on people and smells slightly different than normal sage.
- Sweet marjoram – In the past, this aroma was used as a mark of class for wealthy women. Now, it is often recommended for people that suffer from insomnia.
- Jasmine – The sweetness of this scent is used to minimize anxiety and maximize sleep. You can find this plant nearly anywhere and even have it in your tea!
There are many different scents that are known to promote better sleep, but these are just a few of the options. If you would like to target certain issues like snoring, you may find use in peppermint or chamomile smells, while smells like olive oil have been known to help those with sleep apnea. Whatever kind of sleep you are looking to achieve, you can find the answer in many herbal remedies.
Research at the University of Maryland discovered that lavender aromatherapy can relax the activity in the nervous system, which helps calm the mind, lift the spirits, and promote deeper sleep.
Once you have chosen the right scent for you, you can start to incorporate these scents in your nighttime habits. Plants like jasmine and lavender can add a nice decorative touch to your windowsill or nightstand. You can also buy many scents as essential oils. Clary sage, geranium, and sweet marjoram are easy to find in essential oil form. Then, you can dab them on your wrist like perfume or add them to a diffuser to incorporate the scent in your sleeping space. For an aromatherapy bath, consider adding a few drops of your favorite scent to your bathwater.
Candles, air fresheners, and fabric softeners are another way to add a calming scent to your room. Rose smells can be found amongst many of these products.
If you want to direct your scent to the place you lay your head at night, then you can browse the options of pillow sprays.
Once you find a scent that is pleasing and relaxing, you will be on your way to a better night’s sleep.