Essential oils are a natural way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Whether you prefer diffusing oils, applying them topically, or adding them to a warm bath, the right essential oils can help create a calming nighttime routine.
We researched and tested the best essential oils for sleep and stress relief based on purity, effectiveness, and scent profile to bring you the top picks for relaxation and deep sleep.
🌿 Our Pick: Lavender Essential Oil
Best overall for relaxation & sleep
💰 Price: $$ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia | 💤 Best For: Reducing anxiety, improving sleep
Why We Picked It
- Proven to promote relaxation & ease anxiety.
- Calms the nervous system for deeper sleep.
- Mild floral scent helps create a peaceful environment.
- Versatile—use in diffusers, pillow sprays, or bath soaks.
Best Lavender Oils to Try:
✅ Plant Therapy Organic Lavender (Best organic option)
✅ NOW Foods Lavender Oil (Best budget-friendly option)
✅ doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil (Best high-quality therapeutic-grade option)
📌 Best for: Anyone looking for a versatile, all-purpose essential oil to relieve stress & improve sleep.
💙 Best for Stress Relief: Chamomile Essential Oil
Calming, anti-anxiety oil for relaxation
💰 Price: $$$ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita (German chamomile), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) | 💤 Best For: Calming nerves & reducing tension
Why We Picked It
- Gentle sedative effect helps ease stress & insomnia.
- Roman chamomile has a soft, sweet scent—perfect for bedtime.
- German chamomile has anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Blends well with lavender for extra relaxation.
Best Chamomile Oils to Try:
✅ Aura Cacia Roman Chamomile (Best for sensitive skin)
✅ Edens Garden Chamomile Essential Oil (Best for blending with lavender & other relaxing oils)
📌 Best for: Anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, or difficulty falling asleep.
🌿 Best for Deep Sleep: Cedarwood Essential Oil
Grounding & calming oil for restful sleep
💰 Price: $ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Cedrus atlantica | 💤 Best For: Creating a deep sense of calm before bed
Why We Picked It
- Natural sedative properties that slow brain activity.
- Woodsy, earthy scent creates a cozy atmosphere.
- Helps reduce cortisol levels for deeper sleep.
- Perfect for diffusing or adding to a warm bath.
Best Cedarwood Oils to Try:
✅ Rocky Mountain Oils Cedarwood (Best for grounding & relaxation)
✅ NOW Foods Cedarwood Essential Oil (Best budget-friendly option)
📌 Best for: Those who need a grounding, calming scent to wind down before sleep.
🍊 Best Mood Booster: Bergamot Essential Oil
Relieves stress & uplifts mood before bedtime
💰 Price: $$ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Citrus bergamia | 💤 Best For: Reducing stress & improving mood before sleep
Why We Picked It
- Citrus scent reduces anxiety while promoting relaxation.
- Helps regulate cortisol levels for better sleep.
- Great for blending with lavender or chamomile.
- Can be used in evening self-care rituals.
Best Bergamot Oils to Try:
✅ doTERRA Bergamot Essential Oil (Best high-quality option)
✅ Plant Therapy Bergamot Oil (Best organic option)
📌 Best for: Anyone who wants a citrusy, uplifting oil to help unwind after a stressful day.
🌸 Best Floral Blend: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Sweet floral scent that calms the nervous system
💰 Price: $$ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Cananga odorata | 💤 Best For: Reducing stress & promoting relaxation
Why We Picked It
- Balances mood swings & reduces cortisol.
- Sedative effects help prepare the body for rest.
- Perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere.
- Pairs well with lavender & cedarwood for a deep relaxation blend.
Best Ylang Ylang Oils to Try:
✅ Gya Labs Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (Best for blending with other calming oils)
✅ NOW Foods Ylang Ylang Oil (Best budget-friendly option)
📌 Best for: Anyone looking for a floral, luxurious scent that promotes relaxation & sleep.
🧘♂️ Best for Anxiety & Tension: Frankincense Essential Oil
Deeply grounding & emotionally balancing oil
💰 Price: $$$ | 🌿 Botanical Name: Boswellia serrata | 💤 Best For: Deep relaxation, stress relief, and meditation
Why We Picked It
- Calms the mind & slows breathing for deep relaxation.
- Grounding properties make it great for meditation before bed.
- Helps reduce feelings of overwhelm & anxiety.
- Pairs well with lavender, sandalwood, & cedarwood.
Best Frankincense Oils to Try:
✅ Edens Garden Frankincense Oil (Best for relaxation & anti-anxiety effects)
✅ doTERRA Frankincense Essential Oil (Best therapeutic-grade option)
📌 Best for: Those looking for an emotionally grounding oil to relax before sleep.
💨 Best Essential Oil Blends for Sleep & Stress Relief
If you want a ready-made blend with the perfect mix of relaxing essential oils, try these pre-mixed essential oil blends designed for sleep:
🌙 Best Sleep Blend: doTERRA Serenity
💰 Price: $$$ | 🌿 Blend: Lavender, cedarwood, Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang
✅ Why We Love It:
✔️ Designed to promote deep sleep & relaxation
✔️ Perfect for diffusing before bed or adding to a pillow spray
✔️ Soothing floral & woodsy aroma
🛀 Best Stress Relief Blend: Plant Therapy Relax Synergy Blend
💰 Price: $$ | 🌿 Blend: Lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, patchouli, orange
✅ Why We Love It:
✔️ Eases tension & stress before bedtime
✔️ Great for massage, diffusing, or bath soaks
✔️ Balances uplifting & calming oils
🔎 The Bottom Line
| Essential Oil | Best For | Key Benefits | Best Brands | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Best Overall | Relaxation, sleep, stress relief | Plant Therapy, doTERRA, NOW Foods | $$ |
| Chamomile | Best for Stress | Anxiety relief, calming | Aura Cacia, Edens Garden | $$$ |
| Cedarwood | Best for Deep Sleep | Grounding, promotes rest | Rocky Mountain Oils, NOW Foods | $ |
| Bergamot | Best Mood Booster | Uplifting, reduces stress | doTERRA, Plant Therapy | $$ |
| Ylang Ylang | Best Floral Scent | Calming, relaxing | Gya Labs, NOW Foods | $$ |
| Frankincense | Best for Anxiety | Deep relaxation, emotional balance | Edens Garden, doTERRA | $$$ |
| doTERRA Serenity | Best Sleep Blend | Pre-mixed sleep formula | doTERRA | $$$ |
| Plant Therapy Relax Blend | Best Stress Blend | Pre-mixed relaxation formula | Plant Therapy | $$ |
How to Use Essential Oils for Sleep & Stress Relief
✔️ Diffuse: Add 5-10 drops to a diffuser before bedtime.
✔️ Topical Application: Mix with a carrier oil & apply to wrists or neck.
✔️ Pillow Spray: Dilute with water & spritz onto your pillow.
✔️ Bath Soak: Add a few drops to warm bathwater for relaxation.
✨ Which essential oil helps you sleep best? Let us know in the comments!