Non-medicated aromatherapy products contain essential oils, which are plant-derived and known for their sleep and mood enhancing properties. Inhalation of essential oils stimulates the brain to produce serotonin and dopamine, which help to regulate mood.^1,2

Well-known essential oils such as lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot have both been reported to promote restful sleep by activating the nervous system, relaxing the body after periods of stress.¹ Lavender is also thought to have a re-balancing or long-acting effect on the sleep cycle, the exact explanation for which has yet to be established.³

Cannabidiol (CBD) is thought to work on the nervous systems that regulate sleep and mood, and also increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety.^4,5

CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are natural compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant, however THC has psychoactive properties that can cause a 'high', whereas CBD does not.^4,5 The World Health Organization has also found that in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.⁴

CBD can be extracted from the plant, but it is nearly impossible to attain a completely pure formulation due to the hundreds of components in the plant.⁴ Some formulations are made synthetically, in a lab, which may exclude the exposure of THC to start with.