SleepCited

Lavender for Insomnia

A Strong

Based on 48 studies (5 meta-analyses, 13 RCTs) with 2,477 total participants. 41/48 studies show positive effects.

Key Statistics

48

Studies

2477

Participants

↑

Positive

A Strong

Grade

Referenced Papers

The Effect of Lavender on Sleep Quality in Individuals Without Insomnia: A Systematic Review. Systematic Review
Holistic nursing practice None 6 citations
Screening natural raw materials and product development for improving insomnia based on network pharmacology and data mining. Other
Medicine 2026
Lavender improves sleep through olfactory perception and GABAergic neurons of the central amygdala. Other
Journal of ethnopharmacology 2025 8 citations
Integrative sleep management: from molecular pathways to conventional and herbal treatments. Review
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of … 2025 4 citations
A Comprehensive Review of Lavandula stoechas L. (Ustukhuddus) Plant: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and In Silico Studies. Review
Chemistry & biodiversity 2025 4 citations
The Role of Essential Oils on Sleep Quality and Other Sleep-related Issues: Evidence from Clinical Trials. Review
Mini reviews in … 2025 3 citations
The Efficacy of Melatonergic Receptor Agonists Used in Clinical Practice in Insomnia Treatment: Melatonin, Tasimelteon, Ramelteon, Agomelatine, and Selected Herbs. Review
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2025 2 citations
Vetiver and Orange Blossom Aid in Lowering Blood Pressure and Heart Rate and Improving Sleep Quality. Other
Holistic nursing practice 2025 1 citations
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on lavender for sleep disorders in older adults. Meta-Analysis
Experimental gerontology 2025
Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial. RCT
Explore (New York, … 2024 16 citations
Therapeutic Potential of Essential Oils Against Ulcerative Colitis: A Review. Review
Journal of inflammation … 2024 11 citations
Beta-Myrcene as a Sedative-Hypnotic Component from Lavender Essential Oil in DL-4-Chlorophenylalanine-Induced-Insomnia Mice. Other
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 6 citations
Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil in Reducing Stress, Insomnia, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review. Review
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 5 citations
Catching ZZZs: A Summary of the Most Common Herbal Medications Taken for Insomnia. Review
American journal of … 2024 3 citations
The effectiveness of aromatic extract on insomnia: a meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis
Sleep & breathing … 2024
Lavender essential oil fractions alleviate sleep disorders induced by the combination of anxiety and caffeine in mice. Other
Journal of ethnopharmacology 2023 34 citations
Restless Legs Syndrome in Chronic Kidney Disease- a Systematic Review. Systematic Review
Tremor and other … 2023 32 citations
The effect of a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of … RCT
Explore (New York, … 2023 7 citations
Differences in Neurotransmitters Level as Biomarker on Sleep Effects in Dementia Patients with Insomnia after Essential Oils Treatment. Other
Biomolecules & therapeutics 2023 7 citations
Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Plants Belonging to the Lavandula Genus. Review
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2022 67 citations
A critical review on clinical evidence of the efficacy of lavender in sleep disorders. Review
Phytotherapy research : … 2022 30 citations
Determination the effects of lavender oil quality of sleep and fatigue of students. Other
Perspectives in psychiatric … 2022 17 citations
Effects of Iranian Polyherbal Syrup (Zufa syrup) on oxygen saturation and clinical symptoms in suspected patients with COVID-19: a triple-blinded, … RCT
Medical gas research 2022 12 citations
Effect of anxiolytic drug silexan on sleep - a narrative review. Meta-Analysis
The world journal … 2022 9 citations
Two representatives of lamiaceae essential oils and their main components cause changes in glutathione related enzymatic activities. Other
Natural product research 2022 5 citations
Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Systematic Review
Nutrients 2021 85 citations
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the clinical effects of aroma inhalation therapy on sleep problems. Meta-Analysis
Medicine 2021 52 citations
A pilot study on essential oil aroma stimulation for enhancing slow-wave EEG in sleeping brain. RCT
Scientific reports 2021 46 citations
Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial. RCT
Complementary therapies in … 2021 41 citations
The effects of linalool acupoint application therapy on sleep regulation. Other
RSC advances 2021 16 citations
Characterization of pharmaco-EEG fingerprint and sleep-wake profiles of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil inhalation and diazepam administration in rats. Other
Journal of ethnopharmacology 2021 16 citations
Efficacy of inhaled Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on sleep quality, quality of life and metabolic control in patients with … RCT
Journal of ethnopharmacology 2020 73 citations
A Study on the Mechanism of Lavender in the Treatment of Insomnia Based on Network Pharmacology. Other
Combinatorial chemistry & … 2020 6 citations
Sedative and hypnotic effects of compound Anshen essential oil inhalation for insomnia. Other
BMC complementary and … 2019 80 citations
Beneficial effects of Silexan on sleep are mediated by its anxiolytic effect. RCT
Journal of psychiatric … 2019 32 citations
The effect of aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on serum melatonin levels. Other
Complementary therapies in … 2019 29 citations
Effectiveness of Silexan oral lavender essential oil compared to inhaled lavender essential oil aromatherapy for sleep in adults: a systematic … Systematic Review
JBI database of … 2018 8 citations
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Insomnia and Other Common Symptoms Among Patients With Acute Leukemia. Other
Oncology nursing forum 2017 58 citations
Efficacy of orally administered Silexan in patients with anxiety-related restlessness and disturbed sleep--A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. RCT
European neuropsychopharmacology : … 2015 84 citations
Essential oils for complementary treatment of surgical patients: state of the art. Review
Evidence-based complementary and … 2014 102 citations
A case series on the use of lavendula oil capsules in patients suffering from major depressive disorder and symptoms of … Case Report
Complementary therapies in … 2014 40 citations
Nurses experience of aromatherapy use with dementia patients experiencing disturbed sleep patterns. An action research project. Other
Complementary therapies in … 2013 40 citations
The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia. Other
Evidence-based complementary and … 2012 141 citations
Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. from Romania. Other
Revista medico-chirurgicala a … 2008
[Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students]. Other
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe … 2006 49 citations
Medicinal plants for insomnia: a review of their pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability. Review
Journal of psychopharmacology … 2005 176 citations
A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating the aroma of Lavandula augustifolia as a treatment for mild insomnia. RCT
Journal of alternative … 2005 105 citations
Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care. Review
Integrative cancer therapies 2004 59 citations

Dosage & Usage

Commonly Used Dosages

sleep:
80-160 mg Silexan (oral) or aromatherapy

Upper limit: Not established for oral; external use generally safe

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage Duration Effect N
None -- Positive --
Pinghe Sleep Aromatherapy Product containing sandalwood, lime, angelica sinensis, yilan, sage, and l -- Positive --
Essential oils (lavender, vetiver, or orange blossom) used via aromatherapy for 4-6 weeks 6 weeks Positive 67
Lavender (Lavandula) essential oil; administered via inhalation; dose/concentration varied by study -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
None -- Positive --
LEO 25.0% concentration via inhalation during light phase -- Positive --

Best taken: 30-60 minutes before bed (oral); at bedtime (aromatherapy)

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • ⚠ GI upset (oral form)
  • ⚠ Headache
  • ⚠ Constipation
  • ⚠ Increased appetite

Known Interactions

  • ● Sedatives — additive drowsiness with oral lavender
  • ● Blood pressure medications — lavender may lower blood pressure

Tolerable upper intake: Not established for oral; external use generally safe

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Lavender help with Insomnia?
Based on 48 studies with 2,477 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Lavender may support Insomnia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong).
How much Lavender should I take for Insomnia?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 80-160 mg Silexan (oral) or aromatherapy. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Lavender?
Reported side effects may include GI upset (oral form), Headache, Constipation, Increased appetite. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Lavender and Insomnia?
We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong). This rating is based on 48 peer-reviewed studies with 2,477 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Lavender for other conditions

Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems A Strong

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.