Essential Oils For Children With ADHD Or Autism

Getting your child to have a restful sleep at night is never easy, but for children with ADHD or autism, it can become even more difficult to help them settle at night. ADHD (Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder) is usually characterised by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It usually begins in childhood and can interfere with various aspects of a child’s daily life like at school, doing homework, sleep, and other various social situations. 
 

Caring for a child with ADHD can be challenging, especially when it comes to sleep. It is currently estimated that up to 50% of all children living with ADHD experience sleep problems. In this blog, we will take a look at the connection between ADHD and sleep and the use of essentials oils for children with ADHD or Autism.

Children with ADHD are likely to experience sleep problems, like shorter sleep time, difficulty falling asleep, and they are at a higher risk of developing severe sleep disorders. This problem can begin as early as childhood through to puberty. Many of such children experience restless sleep with several night-time awakenings, which leads to difficulty in waking up and it causes enormous daytime sleepiness! Most of the symptoms that characterise this disorder are similar to the more general symptoms of sleep deprivation.

There are all kinds of techniques and approaches you can try to help improve your child’s sleep, one of which being essential oils. Essential oils could help alleviate symptoms of ADHD and autism, helping your child get the rest they need to stay strong and healthy. 
 

Take a look at our guide to some key essential oils for children with ADHD and autism:
 

Lavender

A common scent used in products to aid sleep, lavender can have a calming effect on your child. Lavender is also known for reducing stress and anxiety, making it ideal for helping your child sleep at night.

Frankincense

Frankincense oil comes from the Boswellia Sacra tree, and is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties. It is also said to reduce stress, something that has a huge impact on sleep. 

Vetiver

Vetiver oil can help improve focus and concentration, while also having calming properties, making it very useful in helping improve symptoms of ADHD in children and teenagers.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a popular, pleasant fragrance but it is also known for its calming properties. Known to boost mental clarity, it could be particularly useful for helping to provide a more restful sleep.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood has anti-inflammatory properties, while also known for helping to release serotonin, which converts to melatonin - which helps regulate sleep cycles.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil provides a cooling and calming sensation, but it can also be useful for aching sore joints and muscles as well as benefiting the respiratory system.

Chamomile

Chamomile is often used in teas as a way to calm and fight stress, while inhaling chamomile oil can help encourage relaxation.

Bergamot

Bergamot oil can help soothe muscle tension and headaches, but it’s also a fantastic mood booster thanks to its fresh fragrance. It’s also known for promoting relaxation too.

While there isn’t enough research to determine whether essential oils can treat symptoms of ADHD and autism, there are many advocates for their use. Always check with your doctor before using essential oils to treat ADHD.

We recommend our Rainbow pillow spray for your child, because it contains the majority of the highlighted essential oils we listed as effective for children with ADHD or autism.