Insomnia is a sleep disorder which is characterized by difficulty to fall asleep, staying asleep or both. Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for our overall health. Insomnia can result from a wide variety of causes such as poor sleep habits, stress, anxiety, depression, drinking caffeine containing drinks before bedtime or even jet lag. Sleep also becomes less restful as we age; often due to changes in sleep patterns or a change in activity. Practitioners have used essential oils for treating insomnia for many years. Natural aids, such as relaxing essential oils, are a great alternative to more traditional sleeping pills that often leave you sluggish and hungover in the morning. If you suffer from occasional insomnia or sleep disturbances you might want to try one of the following compositions.

Compositions:
Blend 10 ml olive oil or other vegetable oil with one of the following:
1. 6 drops of chamomile oil and 4 drops of lavender oil.
2. 3 drops of chamomile oil and 2 drops each of lavender, patchouli and geranium oils.
3. 4 drops of chamomile oil, 3 drops of patchouli and 2 drops of geranium oils.
4. 3 drops of juniper oil, 2 drops of lavender and 1 drop of myrrh oils.
5. 10 ml of grapeseed oil as a carrier oil (you can substitute for the oil that you have) with 2 drops each of marjoram and lavender oils (for foot massage).

Preparation:
Add essential oils to the carrier oil and mix thoroughly.

Storage:
Keep the composition in a bottle made of dark glass. Store in a cool dark place.

Application:
1. Place 5-6 drops of the blend on a handkerchief or cotton cloth and place near your pillow at bedtime as an aid to help you fall asleep.
2. Put 7-8 drops of this mixture in an aroma lamp at bedtime.
3. Rub the mixture into the temporal area of your face. (Be sure to check for sensitivity before application. This method may not be suitable for you.)
4. Self-massage of the ear with any of the blends. It is recommended to use before sleep or after waking up during the night.
5. Give yourself a foot massage with the blend #5 before going to bed.

Recommendations:
Learning about the different essential oils will help you identify which ones may help you sleep. Select aromas that are pleasing to you since aromas that you do not like are unlikely to bring about the desired effect. Essential oils often differ in their effects on each individual, so a little experimentation with blends and type of application may be in order.

These statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These recipes are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.