Why does the smell of lavender help you sleep?

Sweet dreams, the scent of lavender will lull you to sleep – but why?


Asked by: Liz Hayes, Lutterworth

It’s not just because it reminds you of the comforting smell of your granny’s house. Lavender oil is mainly linalyl acetate and linalool, which are chemicals that are both rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Studies on mice have shown that these compounds inhibit several neurotransmitters and have a sedative and pain-relieving effect. In humans, lavender also lowers the heart rate and reduces anxiety.

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