It’s one of those nights where you find yourself lying awake again. You can’t seem to get your brain to relax. You’re hoping just another 15 minutes of lying there might do the trick. Do you know the feeling? We were discussing this phenomenon in the mia piuma office yesterday and wondered about the best solution.

For those of us who want to find the best natural aide for sleep, the answer may be aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is often seen as a luxurious spin on scented candles, but in fact it has a science-backed role in helping you sleep. One study from 2010 found that aromatherapy significantly improved the quality of sleep for people who suffered from sleeplessness, and it even helped those who were already taking sleeping aides to sleep better.

If you’re still not sold on aromatherapy’s benefits, try an experiment. Pick your favorite of the 5 scents below and breathe in its aroma before bed for a week. You may just discover your ideal natural solution for curing those sleepless nights.

Lavender
Lavender is known for promoting restorative sleep and has been used in soaps, oils and perfumes for generations. It is one of the best known soothing scents for its varied medicinal uses. Reap the benefits of its beautiful smell by taking a relaxing evening bath with a sprinkle of lavender mineral bath salt by Malin+Goetz. Then prepare your skin for a full night’s rest with lavender body oil from Weleda.

Jasmine
We were fascinated to learn that jasmine has been found to be as effective as valium and other sedatives for easing anxiety and inducing quietude. Talk about the perfect natural solution to help you sleep. Soak up jasmine’s luscious fragrance with jasmine incense, or apply it directly to your skin with Rodin's fabulous body oil.

Valerian
Valerian root is an herb often taken as an oral supplement, but its aroma is also believed to help sleep. It was used in ancient Rome to treat insomnia and today is thought to help you fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep longer. Apply some valerian essential oil directly to your skin or in a diffuser for smelling.

Chamomile
There’s a reason that chamomile tea is often known as “sleepy time” tea. The scent of chamomile can help both your mind and your body relax, helping you to get rejuvenating rest. Sometimes it is even used as a naturopathic remedy for PMS and menopause. We recommend making some Harney & Sons Palace Gardens Chamomile tea before bed and inhaling its great aroma, or keeping this luxurious chamomile and lavender diffuser close by on your bedside table.

Vanilla
The sweet and pleasant smell of vanilla can have a lasting calming effect that helps induce sleep. It has been linked with lowering blood pressure and promoting an overall sense of well-being, making it the perfect scent to keep close all day long. Infuse your home or office with a lovely vanilla aroma using the lush vanilla orchid & almond diffuser by Nest.

With such beautiful scents at your side, you’re guaranteed to feel fresh and revitalized after a sound night’s sleep.