One in three American adults fails to get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That statistic has prompted many consumers to seek alternative solutions, and essential oils have emerged as one option under consideration.
doTERRA, headquartered in Pleasant Grove, Utah, has positioned itself at the center of this conversation. The company reports more than 10 million customers globally and over $2 billion in annual revenue. It recently published an educational resource titled How Do I Use Essential Oils for Sleep? for consumers interested in incorporating aromatherapy into their bedtime routines.
The Science Behind Lavender and Sleep
Research published in peer-reviewed journals has examined lavender essential oil’s potential effects on sleep quality when incorporated with other sleep practices. A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that college students who inhaled lavender essential oil while practicing sleep hygiene demonstrated better sleep quality at both postintervention and two-week follow-up, compared to a control group using sleep hygiene alone.
A systematic review published in Holistic Nursing Practice examined 20 randomized controlled trials on lavender essential oil and adult sleep quality. Fourteen of those studies showed positive intervention effects, leading researchers to conclude that lavender essential oil “was associated with improved sleep quality.”
doTERRA’s educational materials cite similar findings. According to the company’s blog content, lavender and bergamot essential oils are “rich in linalool and linalyl acetate; both compounds have well-known relaxing properties.” The company suggests diffusing these oils aromatically in the bedroom or adding them to herbal teas approximately 30 minutes before sleep.
Beyond Single Oils: Blended Formulations
doTERRA has developed several products specifically targeting sleep support. The doTERRA Serenity Restful Blend combines lavender, cedarwood, ho wood, marjoram, ylang ylang, Roman chamomile, vetiver, Hawaiian sandalwood, and vanilla absolute. The formulation is available as an essential oil blend, in softgel form combined with L-theanine and tart cherry, and as a topical stick with valerian.
The doTERRA Serenity Sleep System bundles these products into a three-step protocol. According to doTERRA’s product literature, tart cherry “may help the body produce natural melatonin, which is the sleep hormone.”
Sleep Hygiene: The Foundation
doTERRA’s approach emphasizes that essential oils should complement, rather than replace, fundamental sleep hygiene practices. The company’s educational content recommends maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating dark, quiet sleeping environments.
These recommendations mirror guidance from major medical institutions. Mayo Clinic’s sleep guidelines advise going to bed and waking at the same time daily, limiting screen exposure before sleep, and keeping bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet.
doTERRA’s blog suggests diffusing calming essential oils like lavender, Roman chamomile, or vetiver as part of a pre-sleep routine. The company also offers application methods, including topical use on the feet or back of the neck, and internal consumption through herbal teas or capsules for certain oils.
Market Context
Interest in sleep solutions reflects a shift in consumer preferences. The CDC has characterized insufficient sleep as a public health problem, with an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans suffering from suboptimal sleep.
doTERRA sources its essential oils from 45 countries through its Co-Impact Sourcing program. The company states that its oils undergo testing to meet what it calls CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade standards. This certification is proprietary to doTERRA rather than an independent third-party standard.
Kirk Jowers, doTERRA’s chief executive officer, has described the company’s mission as “bringing essential oils to every home.” During a recent company event, Jowers noted that doTERRA remains “net debt-free, financially secure, and growing steadily in markets around the globe.”
Considerations for Consumers
Research on lavender essential oil shows promising trends, but consumers should note several caveats. Most studies examine relatively small sample sizes, and methodological approaches vary considerably across trials. The FDA has not evaluated essential oil products for the treatment of sleep disorders, and doTERRA’s product literature includes the standard disclaimer that its products are “not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
Consumers considering essential oils for sleep support may benefit from consulting healthcare providers, particularly those who struggle with sleep or who take medications that could interact with herbal products.
For those interested in exploring doTERRA’s educational resources, the company’s guide to bedtime routines provides additional application suggestions and product recommendations.
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