A few drops of this Japanese tree oil may help you sleep more soundly
A study from Kyushu University suggests that inhaling essential oil derived from Hinoki (Japanese cypress) roots can improve sleep quality. Participants using the oil showed fewer nighttime awakenings and better morning alertness over a two-week period.
Why it matters
This research offers a potential natural, low-cost sleep aid while providing a sustainable use for timber industry waste products.
Sleep difficulties are especially common during middle age, including among women in their 40s and 50s. New research suggests that an aromatic oil made from the roots of Hinoki ( Chamaecyparis obtusa ), also known as Japanese cypress, could offer a simple way to support better sleep at home.
In a study published September 1, 2026, in the Journal of Wood Science , researchers tested Hinoki root essential oil and found several encouraging signs. Participants experienced fewer awakenings during the night, reported feeling better in the morning, and showed brain wave patterns associated with a smoother transition into sleep.
Hinoki is an important timber tree in Japan, but its roots are often left behind and unused after logging. Those roots contain fragrant compounds that can be extracted to make essential oils.
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