Scientists have linked scent and long term memory in a study conducted by the American Psychological Review. A simple scent like buttery popcorn can remind us of a movie theatre or passing a woman with a certain fragrance makes us remember a childhood memory of our mother or grandmother. Each whiff provides a link to a memory. A certain combination of smells can become a link to recall the scent of your bedroom at bedtime.
Finding the right mix of scents is what creates better slumber. A study in 2019 found that bad odors and good odors (like the smell of flowers) exist in the olfactory system in our brains. A bad odor (like tobacco smoke) can actually deter a restless sleep while good scents provide more energy when we wake up. The study in the Journal of Post-traumatic Stress even found that good scents provide deeper sleep and healthier dreams.
Shopping at stores like TJ Maxx or Home Goods can be a good place to start with their inexpensive diffusers and sleep combination scents that provide directions on how to introduce essential oils at night. For a few helpful sleep blend recipes, visit Essential Oil Haven’s website.
Still searching for the solution? All of these can help an unrestful night in any bedroom but there are also professionals who can aid in your fight with insomnia when the answer is not easy. Call the Alaska Sleep Clinic @ 907-420-0540 for a free 10 minute consultation.
