Trouble Sleeping? You’re Not Alone
If catching some quality Z’s has started to feel like chasing unicorns, you’re far from alone. In fact, disrupted sleep has hit record highs. According to a study by the French research institute IFOP (April 2021), two out of three people in France reported having had sleep problems in the eight days prior to being surveyed.
“A record and unmatched level in the past twenty-five years (66% among 18- to 75-year-olds today compared to 49% in 2017),” the organization points out.
While persistent insomnia should definitely warrant advice from a healthcare professional, there’s hope that some natural hacks might help take the edge off until then. Certain plants are renowned for their effectiveness in fighting sleep disturbances. One such hero: the orange blossom, also known as neroli.
Orange Blossom: A Fragrant Lifesaver Through History
Orange blossom has been cherished since ancient times. The pristine white flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium) not only adorned the crowns of brides, but also introduced a touch of gentle aroma to those momentous occasions. While its exact origin remains a matter of debate—somewhere between India, China, and Asia Minor—it was during the 11th century that Europeans discovered orange blossom, bringing it to Sicily and Provence (regions in Italy and southern France) after the Crusades.
The Soothing Powers of Orange Blossom
There’s more to this delicate flower than meets the eye (or nose)! For centuries, the fragrance of these white blossoms has been famed for its calming properties. The plant is recognized for its sedative effects, but also for its ability to soothe muscle spasms. Rare and precious, it takes a whopping metric ton of orange blossoms to create just one liter of essential oil—a true treasure of the botanical world.
The freshness and softness of orange blossom can help lull you to sleep and calm your nervous system. Inside its petals you’ll find:
- Vitamin C
- Flavonoids (known for their anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Carotene (a major antioxidant)
- Terpenes (with sedative and calming effects, perfect for easing anxiety)
A 2019 study shone a light on these remarkable properties.
Science Steps In: How Effective Is Orange Blossom?
Researchers compared the effects of three medicinal herbs—orange blossom, violet, and marjoram—on anxiety levels linked to sleep deprivation in mice. The team arrived at the following conclusion:
“It was found that orange blossom and marjoram extracts were more effective than violet extract and the lorazepam solution (editor’s note: lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication) in reducing anxiety caused by sleep deprivation.”
And they went even further:
“Among the plant extracts, orange blossom extract was the most effective in this regard.”
If you’re on the hunt for more tips: Ever heard of the ‘10-3-2-1-0 sleep hack’? It’s gone viral because it helps people drift off quickly and sidestep insomnia.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
