Lavender works as an anxiolytic (anxiety reliever) due to the way it interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and body. Researchers who monitored sleep cycles with brain scans ascertained that lavender not only increases slow-wave sleep, but it also slows down the heartbeat and relaxes the muscles. Therefore, if you use lavender to help you sleep you will have a more restful sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to face a bright new day.