With six kids in the house, getting a good night’s sleep can sometimes be a real challenge. Luckily, I’ve discovered some natural ways to boost sleep quality, like getting rid of night lights and applying magnesium oil before bed. This soothing pillow spray is another healthy, great-smelling way to help you drift off to sleep.
You might wonder if a simple scent can really make a difference in how well you sleep. I’ve spent years trying to figure this out, as I’m sure many parents have, and I’ve learned just how crucial sleep is for our overall health. There’s just no way to stay healthy without enough good-quality sleep.
Creating a solid bedtime routine with cues to help you wind down is important not only for babies and kids but for adults too. Whether it’s taking an Epsom salt bath, giving yourself a massage, or diving into a good book, these habits can signal your brain it’s time to relax. Similarly, smelling a familiar, calming scent before bed can signal your busy brain that it’s time to prepare for sleep.
The pillow spray I use takes advantage of the sleep-inducing powers of various essential oils. You’ll probably recognize some of these! For instance, ylang ylang, although hard to pronounce, is a great relaxer. Its unique scent is often used by perfumers, and it’s a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5. It’s known for easing anxiety and acting as a sedative, even more so for male subjects in a 2016 study.
Bergamot essential oil, with its uplifting citrus scent, helps ease tension and can rejuvenate your mood while calming your mind. While it’s highly phototoxic, this is more of a concern with lotions than during nighttime use.
Lavender is hugely popular for both its scent and skin-healing properties. It’s known for relaxing the mind and improving sleep quality. In one study, college students inhaling lavender rather than a placebo slept better and felt more refreshed when they woke up.
Usually, essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil, but since this spray is for fabric, olive oil or honey isn’t ideal. Alcohol is used to disperse the oils, and vodka evaporates quickly to avoid damaging or staining fabrics.
I’ve been testing this homemade pillow spray for a few weeks and have noticed I’m sleeping more soundly and awakening more refreshed.
Looking for another way to freshen up your linens? You might want to try a homemade linen spray to scent your bedding and towels without using chemical fresheners.
Do you incorporate any scents or essential oils into your bedtime routine? I’d love to hear what’s helped you achieve better sleep!
