We’re all aware of the benefits of good sleep hygiene. Adequate sleep improves mood, attention and physical health. It prevents depression and anxiety. A relaxing bedroom with the right lighting, colors and temperatures, which is free from electronics and infused with a soothing atmosphere, encourages restful sleep. But a recent study found another surprising contributor to a good night’s sleep: scent.
The study found that we feel more relaxed in a nicely scented bedroom and that, because scent is so powerfully linked with memory, a pleasantly scented room can be an integral part of a routine that encourages a good night’s sleep. Lavender and jasmine were found to be particularly helpful: lavender boosts deep sleep while jasmine relieves nerves and tension.
Research also found that unpleasant smells detract from sleep quality. These can range from stale cooking smells to old laundry to fresh paint. It greatly benefits both mood and sleep to stay on top of laundry and air out the house whenever cooking, painting or completing a project.
Consider including scent as part of your nighttime routine. You could take a sweet-smelling bath before sleep, rub lavender moisturizer on your feet, use aromatherapy, or burn a delicious candle before going to bed (just remember to blow it out!).
Have you noticed any of these effects? Do you incorporate scent into your nightly ritual?
Title: Meta Description: Sleep Hygiene Study – a Brookhaven Retreat blog about using scent to help get a good night’s sleep by guest blogger Jessica W. Meta keywords: mood, depression, anxiety
