Sleep represents a vital component of our health. Though a great night of sleep may seem extravagant, a Harvard study reveals that sleep deficiency over time causes serious health problems, including the following:
- A compromised immune system
- Heart disease
- Weight gain due to a slowed metabolism
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Increased depression and stress
- Slows reflexes for driving and other machinery operations
Ironically, our busy lives which require us to get more sleep also keep us awake at night. Other factors disturbing our sleep include alcohol and caffeine too late in the day, severe pain, lack of exercise, and stressful bedtime routines, including violent or disturbing television.
What is aromatherapy?
Many ways exist to battle sleep problems. Of course, the pharmaceutical industry offers many options to help us get our rest both with over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
But, popping pills to induce sleep often comes with adverse side-effects, so many people choose to try healthier options to improve sleep, such as a healthy bedtime routine.
Aromatherapy represents one example of relieving stress and naturally promoting sleep. Though one may associate aromatherapy with the new-age health craze, its history goes back thousands of years.
You see, aromatherapy played an important part in religion and healing in India, China, and Egypt for millenniums, but the term aromatherapy was not coined until 1937 when Rene Maurice Gattefosse wrote a book about it. This book was initially written in French and translated into English remains available today.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils as the base for its healing and medicinal practices. Oils which derive from the flowers, leaves, stems and roots of odoriferous plants define as essential oils.
These volatile oils come from steam distillation or extraction methods. It requires a tremendous amount of plant material to make these oils. As an example, over 60 roses exist in one drop of rose oil.
Additionally, the process to extract the oil remains tedious and painstaking, even today. These potent oils represent a very effective healing option.
How aromatherapy candles can help
Many terrific ways exist to make use of the age-old practice of aromatherapy. Topicals, diffusers, pillows, linen sprays, and more help with ailments and make our homes more pleasant places to live in.
But, the use of aromatherapy candles assists us in feeling and sleeping better in several different healthy ways:
- Lavender aromatherapy candles reduce blood pressure making us more relaxed.
- Lavender candles also help lower our heart rate, preparing us for sleep.
- Jasmine candles promote a very calming effect.
- Scents such as rose help establish a sense of well-being, which also alleviates stress and anxiety.
- Aromatherapy candles represent a great way to reinforce other aromatherapy methods such as massage or linen sprays.
- And, of course, burning an aromatherapy candle, just smells lovely!
A perfect way to incorporate an aromatherapy candle into your bedtime routine consists of burning a lavender candle while taking a bath with lavender bath salts. Listening to soothing music and following up with lavender lotion will most likely eliminate the need for a sleeping pill.
Your bedtime routine should represent a time of self-care and help prepare you for the busy day ahead. After all, you've earned it!
When selecting aromatherapy candles, make sure you purchase those that burn clean and don't add pollutants to the air. Especially those with respiratory concerns should heed this clean-burning advice.
And, speaking of advice, make sure you extinguish the flame before actually falling asleep. This safety concern makes your bedtime bath, the perfect time to enjoy the soothing scent of an aromatherapy candle.
Give aromatherapy candles a try for a good night's rest
We offer high-quality soy aromatherapy candles in a variety of scents what will encourage you to experience a restful night's sleep. They come in a variety of scents, each just as pleasant as the next.
And, if you travel for work and pleasure, try our travel candles to get your best sleep on the road.
If you have questions about aromatherapy or aromatherapy candles, please contact us here.