By: Jillian Dunn
Lavender is a plant known by so many for its vibrant purple color, and it’s amazing smell. The plant is grown usually outdoors and is fairly easy for a gardener to maintain. However lavender can usually only be found in the hot summer months of June to August due to its strive for the hot dry weather. Lavender can also be grown indoors by anyone who decides to do so, however the plant must stay close to a window for sunlight and overwatering is never good. But how does this plant affect our sleep? For years I was told to use various lavender based products to fall asleep easier and to stay asleep longer, but is there scientific research behind this idea and if so how effective is it? Lavender has been proven to cure insomnia of many who struggle falling asleep. When inhaled the plant works to relax the muscles in the body. The lavender based essential oils include antidepressants and anti-inflammatories causing the person to feel less stressed and more relaxed. However this plant does not only cure insomnia but a variety of other stress disorders as well including depression, anxiety, and nausea. Personally I have used lavender based products for years including pillow mists, and hand lotion. I have seen a difference in not only my sleep cycle but in my stress level the following morning as well. I wake up with a lot more energy to start the morning. Overall lavender has seen to be effective but can affect everyone differently. If you would like to try growing lavender yourself I would definitely recommend it, but on the other hand if gardening is not for you I highly recommend pillow mists which can be found at any local drug store.
Resources:
Wong, C. (2020, December 09). The health benefits of lavender essential oil. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767
Company, R. (2020, July 27). Can lavender really help you sleep better? Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://restonic.com/blog/can-lavender-help-sleep-better-3749
Garden Design Magazine. (2020, December 08). Growing lavender, Planting & caring – Buy LAVENDER plants – garden design. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/lavender.html
Photographs:
Wong, C. (2020, December 09). The health benefits of lavender essential oil. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767
Lavender plant Pods. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.clickandgrow.com/products/grow-lavender-indoors