Stress, sleep and energy – all intertwined

Sleep affects our moods, energy, stress levels, immune system, metabolism, hormone regulation, inflammatory proteins, reproduction, digestion, focus and more!

But sometimes quality sleep can be hard to achieve. Especially when we are stressed! When we are stressed, the body produces more cortisol which is a wakeful hormone. If we don’t address the stress, we enter into this ongoing cycle of exhaustion and difficulty sleeping which creates further emotional struggles.

Stress and sleep management are by far the strongest areas of success in the aromatherapy practice. Aromatherapy helps with sleep due to the chemical constitutes in the oils (affecting us physiologically) as well as the pleasant aroma (affecting us psychologically). For example the chemical linalyl acetate which is an ester - ester rich essential oils are known for their sedative properties and have a direct effect on the nervous system (lowering heart rate and blood pressure, increasing slow deep-wave sleep). Some examples of ester rich essential oils include: lavender, bergamot and clary sage.

Dolphin Clinic Tranquil Sleep essential oil blend contains: Bergamot, Lavender, Neroli and Clary Sage.

Another reason aromatherapy is so helpful in supporting sleep is the power of scent on us psychologically. When we smell an essential oil that we find aromatically pleasant, it can immediately shift our mood and induce a relaxation response.

Stress

Many studies show essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, sandalwood and patchouli can help to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.

• A randomized crossover study with 42 females showed that salivary cortisol levels were reduced significantly after inhalation of bergamot (physiological response).

• A small pilot study of 57 participants found that diffusing bergamot in a waiting room increased positive feelings and moods (psychological response).

Dolphin Clinic Stress Less essential oil blend contains: Bergamot, Petitgrain, Mandarin, Sandalwood and Patchouli.

Dolphin Clinic Oranges and Lemons essential oil blend contains: Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Neroli, Mandarin, Lemon and Lime. These essential oils contain esters and aldehydes, which are sedating and calming to the nervous system. When diffused together they can soothe anxiety and have a general uplifting affect.