A good night’s rest can be elusive for all of us, but so many of us forget that it can also be difficult for our children. From an excess of energy, to fears of the bogie-man, to the same irritating hitches in body chemistry which plague us adults, getting your child to sleep (and having them stay there) can be a difficult task. In search of relief, some parents turn to natural remedies - like aromatherapy - in the hope that a little lavender oil might be just what the doctor ordered. However, as useful as aromatherapy is, there are ways to maximize its benefits and ensure that it will help your child drop off into sweet dreams without any fussing or fighting. (Note: Never use essential oils directly on your child’s skin, and don’t use any oils which they don’t enjoy the scent of.)
Using Your Oil Properly
Lavender wins all of the press for nighttime essential oils, and for a good reason: it’s safe, mild, and can be very effective. However, lavender is also what’s known as an “adaptive” oil, and overuse of it - or use of it in certain circumstances - can actually increase energy! If you notice this happening, consider lowering the amount of oil you use or changing the method of use. Mists have the advantage of settling onto pillows and blankets so that it will continue working throughout the night, but the amount of scent can be overwhelming for some children, while energizing others. Lotions have their own added benefits - skin absorption, and the process of rubbing in the lotion can be part of a relaxing night-time routine (see below) - as do plug-in diffusers and terracotta stone diffusers. However, the best choice for many parents is a vaporising diffuser, also known as a nebulizer. By suspending tiny particles of the oil in the air they can then be easily inhaled, and a little oil can go a long way, even if it’s barely enough to scent the room.Routines For Sleepyheads
Bed-time routines are one of the best ways of utilizing aromatherapy’s strengths. Scent is tied intimately to our mental and physical wiring, and using the same scent night after night, as part of the same routine, will train your child to sleep deeply and easily. Over time, our bodies (or our child’s body) is then able to more accurately time its circadian rhythms and internal clock. Indulging all of our child’s senses in this routine is the best course of action, and essential oil can be a vital part of the nighttime ritual.Routines should ideally last at least 30 minutes, and should be comprised of both necessary actions (like brushing their teeth and changing into their pajamas) and relaxing actions - a story, a song, or even the presentation of their usual stuffed toy can all be incorporated. The taste of toothpaste, the sound of your voice, the feel of their blankets, and the scent of lavender will all do their part in reminding their body that now is the time to sleep. However, this only works if the routine is repeated regularly, at approximately the same time each night. Coaxing your child into bed can be hard work, but it’s made much easier by having a routine which they enjoy and can rely on.
