DIY: Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Bedtime Spray
Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.
“I love you. Sweet Dreams!” As a child those were the words my father whispered in my ear every night as he tucked me into bed. My safest place in the world was wrapped in my daddy’s arms as he rocked in his chair, singing songs from his childhood in the west.
If only that security could have transitioned into bed and peaceful sleep. Anxiety and fears plagued me, even at night, disrupting my sleep (and my poor parents). Little was known about essential oils when I was a child. But I’m sure my parents would have been grateful for the recipe and supplies to make up a batch of this Essential Oil Bedtime Spray for Children!
A year ago when my two year old granddaughter started having difficulty falling asleep and woke frequently throughout the night fearing spiders, I remembered the tortured nights of my childhood. I immediately thought of essential oils and wondered if they could help her relax and calm her fears.
My daughter and I came up with this recipe for a “Spider Spray”. We were amazed at how well it worked and immediately came up with a similar essential oil spray for her brother. He has difficulty letting go of the busyness of the day and allowing his body to slow down to rest. We changed the formula a little and called his blend “Sleepy Time”.
The interesting thing is that although my granddaughter has gotten past her spider phobia, she now uses her “Spider Spray” to vanquish any fears that intrude on her sleep. On a restless night she is now able to reach for the squirter and send an aromatic mist into the air. Often that is all she needs as she rolls over and slips into sweet dreams!
THE RECIPE
Name this creatively to suit the needs of your child
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- 4 ounce or larger spray bottle
- 24 drops of essential oils (choose from the oils listed below)
- 4 ounces water
Using the list of suggested child-safe essential oils below, create blend that is pleasing to you and your child. We used 12 drops of Lavender and 12 drops of Sweet Orange for my granddaughter’s “Spider Spray”. The blend we came up with for my grandson needed to help him relax from an overactive mind. We used 12 drops Lavender, 6 drops Sweet Orange, 6 drops Sandalwood for his “Sleepy Time Spray”.
This essential oil spray is meant to be misted into the air around the room and onto bedding. Older children can keep it close at hand and use it themselves when they wake at night. Just make sure that they don’t spray it near their face and eyes. It is not for use on the skin or face.
I prefer to use a glass spray bottle. This could be problematic if you are allowing your child to keep it nearby to use themselves. In a carpeted bedroom breakage probably wouldn’t be a worry. If using plastic try and find a PET certified bottle.
SUGGESTED ESSENTIAL OILS
Please note that these essential oils are safe for children under the age of six if used in the manner suggested above. Sandalwood and Cedarwood are not suggested for topical application in children under the age of two. You can learn more about Essential Oil Safety here.
Lavender Lavendula augustifolia
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- Scent: sweet, floral herbaceous, refreshing
- Actions: dispels anxiety, relaxes nervous system and muscles, sleep aid
Sweet Orange Citrus sinesis
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- Scent: sweet, fresh citrus odor (particularly enjoyed by children)
- Actions: sleep aid, relieves anxiety and depression, uplifts mood
Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis
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- Scent: sweet, herbaceous, fruity (somewhat reminiscent of apples)
- Actions: calming, relieves anxiety and stress, sleep aid
Sandalwood Santalum album
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- Scent: very soft, sweet-woody, balsamic
- Actions: relaxes nervous system especially in agitated emotional states
Cedar (Virginian Juniperus virginiana or Himalayan Cedrus deodara)
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- Scent: woody, aromatic, slightly balsamic scent typical of cedar lumber
- Actions: soothing effect on the nervous system, calming and sedating
ENGAGE THE SENSES
Using the Bedtime Spray allows a child to engage four different senses. When multiple senses are engaged, the effect is more powerful, and more memorable. Allowing your child to squeeze the squirter themselves triggers these senses:
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- Touch: holding the squirter, exerting pressure necessary to make it squirt
- Hearing: the sound of the squirter sending mist into the air
- Sight: watching the mist spread through the air
- Smell: when essential oils are inhaled through the nose, tiny nerves send immediate signals to the brain and go straight to work on the systems that moderate our mind and bodies.
Another reason I believe the Bedtime Spray works powerfully is because children respond to feeling in control — they are doing something that helps them relax or feel less frightened. Besides, it is fun to squeeze a squirter and call out, “Go away spiders!”
Both of our locations carry a variety of high quality organic essential oils and aromatherapy supplies. Stop in and check out our selection. Our Wellness Consultants are available to offer suggestions to help you address your specific health concerns. We want to help you “Find Your Healthy Place”!
Download our free Essential Oil Dilution Chart
This is written as an informational guide. The treatments described are not meant to replace professional medical care.
*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”
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