For most of us, dozing off is not a problem, however, there are times when sleep disruptors can cause us to stay awake at night. Others on the other hand, suffer from sleeping concerns such as insomnia and sleep apnea. While this might be a problematic concern in the past, it does not mean it should still be a concern at present or in the future. By pursuing a healthier lifestyle and knowing more about effective Essential oils, sleeping issues can be prevented and combatted.
Vetiver essential oil is one of the oils that can help people with insomnia. (1) In some forms of traditional medicine, it is being used during the massage and in baths to aid in managing insomnia (2)
How can vetiver makes you fall asleep? (tranquilizing effect of vetiver)
The sesquiterpenes compounds found in vetiver essential oil (VEO) help to make you fall asleep. (3) This compound stimulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). (3) When the aroma of vetiver essential oil has been inhaled, GABA potentiation takes place, and sleep is induced. (3)
Effect of vetiver essential oil on nap respiration
The effect of vetiver essential oil on respiration during sleep was investigated in a 2010 study. The research project included 36 participants. The materials used in the study are four substances, which include two essential oils and vetiver essential oil. Upon the application of VEO, respiration during sleep was evaluated using an olfactometer. Sleep respiration was measured every 9, 12, or 15 minutes during the entire night. Only one odorant was tested per night.
The result of the study showed that the odorants did not increase the frequency of arousal or wake. However, the effect was seen on respiration. The odorants briefly decreased inhalation and increased exhalation for up to 6 breaths. The effect of vetiver essential oil on sleep respiration persisted regardless of odorant valence or participants’ stage of sleep.
Knowing the right Essential oils will prevent you from suffering from sleep apnea and insomnia. Aromatherapists understand that the scent of oils can affect ‘Olfactory system. This olfactory system has an influence on sleep respiration, and our breathing when we nap can affect our sleep quality and may even keep us awake at night.
Aromatherapists can help in regulating nap respiration by advising their students to stay away from unimportant odorants that can have side effects on their breathing. They must focus and obtain the Essential oils that can help them have a good nap. Aromatherapists should also remind their Clients that this effective ‘remedy’ will be followed regularly to avoid nap respiratory issues.
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- (1) D. Balasankar D., Vanilarasu K., Selva Preetha P., Rajeswari S., Umadevi M., Bhowmik D. Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Vetiver. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2013;1(3): 191-200.
- (2) Chomchalow, N. 2000. The Utilization of Vetiver as Medicinal and Aromatic
- Plants with Special Reference to Thailand. Tech. Bull. No. 2001/1, Pacific Rim Vetiver Network /Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, Bangkok, Thailand.
- (3) Suyono, H. and Susanti, D. The Medical Benefits of Vetiver Essential Oil. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Essential Oils (ICEO 2019), pages 9-12. SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. 2020. DOI: 10.5220/0009954400090012
- (4) Arzi, A., Sela, L., Green, A., Givaty, G., Dagan, Y., & Sobel, N. The influence of odorants on respiratory patterns in sleep. Chemical senses. 2010; 35(1): 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjp079
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