We all have our own techniques and methods for dropping off to sleep and for some people, pillow mists and sprays are their secrets to falling asleep in minutes.
If you’re having trouble switching off at bedtime, a soothing pillow spray could induce sleep much faster than counting sheep. They’re packed full of essential oils that help ease stress and anxiety to ease you into a restful night's sleep.
They work by using a blend of essential oils that encourage your mind and body to relax and destress and research suggests the aromas cause our bodies to produce melatonin, a hormone that promotes restful sleep.
Do pillow sleep sprays work?
The brand This Works, which has a range of sleep sprays including Deep Sleep and Sleep Together (both featured in our list below), has conducted extensive research into how and why its pillow mists are so effective at helping us get to sleep.
This Works says: "We decided to support an independent functional MRI (fMRI) brain-scan study, led by world-leading neuroscientist and medical doctor, Professor Gaby Badre. During the study, two fragrances were tested and both were found to activate the regions of the brain linked to smell. However, our Deep Sleep fragrance also activated specific areas of the brain associated with pleasure and calmness, enabling the research team to propose that the fragrance could evoke feelings of social comfort, trust, and calmness - conceivably impacting sleep."
Michael J. Breus, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. On his Sleep Doctor blog, he writes about the power of lavender in helping us to sleep: {#h-michael-j-breus-phd-is-a-clinical-psychologist-and-both-a-diplomate-of-the-american-board-of-sleep-medicine-and-a-fellow-of-the-american-academy-of-sleep-medicine-on-his-sleep-doctor-blog-he-writes-about-the-power-of-lavender-in-helping-us-to-sleep}
"Lavender works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep. Lavender interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness."
With so many different choices available to buy, we've rounded up some of our favourites to help you find the best pillow spray for you. They will send you off into a peaceful night’s slumber...
The best pillow sprays and sleep mists for getting to sleep
The best pillow sprays
1. Pacifica Lavender Moon Body & Pillow Mist
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Spray! And, relax... Packed with powerful essential oils, Pacifica's Lavender Moon Pillow Mist is a water-based spray designed to help you relax and get in your eight hours. We love this pillow mists' fresh and natural scent.Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexyglycerin.Size: 118mlTried and tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours -**Piper Huxley**: "This smells like a fresh lavender plant that you brush past on the street. I sprayed this onto my pillow before getting into bed and I felt very calm and ready to sleep! Sometimes, I get restless before bed - but this eliminated any stress I was feeling. This will stay on my bedside table."
2. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
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A calming blend of lavender, vetivert and chamomile, this award-winning pillow mist promises to help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed. It has proven results too – in a study by This Works, 97 per cent of participants slept better after using the spray.Ingredients: Fragrance mixture (Linalool; Linalyl Acetate; Vetiverols; Ocimene; Caryophyllene; Terpentine-4-ol; beta-Pinene; d-Limonene; 1-Octen-3-yl acetate; Geraniol)Size: 75mlReview: "After using the spray I've seen a noticeable change in the quality of my sleep. I've been waking up more refreshed, taking less to no naps during the day, sleeping for longer at night and looking less tired. I even let my boyfriend try it and he said he slept a lot better too!"
3. Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray
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Feather & Down's sleep mist infusion of lavender and chamomile will soothe your anxiety and allow you to drift off into a peaceful sleep.Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Herb Oil, Linalool, Coumarin, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone, Limonene.Size: 100mlReview: "Husband went to great lengths to research this for me, it works so well. Love the smell and lasts for quite a while too, so good value for money."
4. Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Pillow Mist
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This award-winning 100 per cent natural pillow spray is a pure blend of jasmine, sandalwood and lavender essential oils that will ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and recharged.Ingredients: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Copaifera Reticulata (Copaiba) Balsam Extract, Cedrus Deodara (Cedar) Wood Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Leaf Oil, Santalum Spicatum (Sandal) Wood Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Farnesol, Eugenol, Benzyl Alcohol, Isoeugenol.Size: 100mlReview: "I have struggled with sleep since I was a teenager and particularly when I am stressed around exams or deadlines. I have tried a wide range of techniques, medications and herbal remedies but this one is definitely the best so far. Spray generously onto the pillows and over the duvet and snuggle down, you can feel yourself unwind as you breathe in the essential oils. "
5. L'Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist
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L'Occitane's sleep spray aims to promote relaxation and well-being with the divine scent of this concoction of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium essential oils.Ingredients: Lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium.Size: 100mlReview: "It really works, just spray on your pillow as you get into bed, breath in the aroma, helps you to relax. I'm sold. Can highly recommend."
6. REN & Now to Sleep Pillow Mist Spray
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Suitable for all sleepers, this pillow mist's soothing blend of frankincense, hops and lavender is designed to relieve muscle tension and aid rest.Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Propanediol, Parfum (Fragrance), Juniperus Mexicana (Cedarwood) Oil, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Cananga Odorata Macrophylla (Ylang Ylang) Flower Extract, Humulus Lupulus Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool. 100% Natural Fragrance.Size: 75ml**Review:** "This spray is amazing. Two sprays on my pillow at night and I'm down for the night. A welcomed suprise that i will continue using every night and recommend anyone with sleep issues to try. Thanks REN for another fantastic product."
7. Neom Organics Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist
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The Neom Organics Pillow Mist is made from a blend of 19 organic essential oils from English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine.Review: "Absolutely in love with this product! I have purchased it several times and won't go to bed without it."
8. Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep Pillow Mist Spray
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Featuring the relaxing scents of lavender and chamomile, this affordable pillow mist is popular and aims to relax you as soon as that spritz hits your bed linen. Ingredients: French lavender and chamomile.Size: 100mlReview: "Brilliant nights sleep after the first use, still having great nights sleep."
9. Lush Twilight Body Spray
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This body spray went viral when it was first launched, with customers praising its use as a pillow mist to help them get to sleep - it sold out almost immediately, but it's back in stock now. It contains lavender, sweet tonka, and Ylang Ylang.Ingredients: Organic DRF Alcohol Water (Aqua), Perfume Glycerine Lavender Oil, Linalool Benzoin, Resinoid Tonka, Absolute Ylang Ylang Oil, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamal, Coumarin, Eugenol, Farnesol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Limonene.Size: 200mlReview: "I love this product so much, I'm currently on my third spray bottle! Lavender has to be one of my favourite scents and with the notes of ylang-ylang, it's just to die for. Perfect for your self-care routine to relax and wind down, and just before sleep. Thank you, Lush!"
10. This Works Sleep Together Pillow Spray
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Supremely popular with customers, we also love This Works pillow spray for getting us off to sleep reliably. It features the scents of lavender, chamomile and vetivert. The brand also helpfully explains that it's suitable for children from six months old, and pets too. Ingredients: Fragrance mixture (Linalool; Linalyl Acetate; Vetiverols; Ocimene; Caryophyllene; Terpinene-4-ol; beta-Pinene; dLimonene; 1-Octen-3-yl acetate; Geraniol)Size: 75ml
11. ASDA All Over Softly Sleep Easy Pillow Spray
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Pop this in your trolley as you're doing your weekly online grocery shop, and have sweet dreams thanks to the calming lavender, soothing eucalyptus and relaxing camomile scents. Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat., PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Parfum, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Coumarin, Limonene, Linalool, CI 17200, CI 42090Size: 145mlReview: "An absolute bargain at £3. Used myself and with my family, recommended to friends who have also loved. Very relaxing and has a beautiful smell."
12. Dr Organic Lavender Sleep Therapy Pillow Spray
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It's billed as a lavender pillow spray, but it also includes other essential oils to help you relax including Ylang-Ylang, vetiver, patchouli, bergamot and Arabian jasmine.Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol denat. (Organic), Polysorbate 20, Coco-glucoside, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) herb oil, Cananga odorata (Ylang-ylang) flower oil, Vetiveria zizanoides (Vetiver) root oil, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) leaf oil, Anthemis nobilis (Chamomile) flower oil, Santalum spicata (Australian sandalwood) wood oil, Citrus bergamia melarosa (Bergamot) peel oil expressed, Copaifera reticulata (Copaiba) balsam extract, Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) oil, Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine) flower extract, Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood) wood oil, Benzyl alcohol, Citric acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, Benzyl benzoate.Size: 75mlReview: "I have used this before and find it lovely and relaxing, it helps me to wind down and sleep."
13. Echor Pillow Spray
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Not only is this gorgeous lavender pillow spray scientifically proven to help you get a better night's sleep, but it also contains strong and pure soothing essential oils that will set the mood before you drift to sleep. Ingredients: Lavender, Geranium, Eucalyptus and Sweet Orange to let your stress fade away as you fall asleep.Size: 50mlTried and tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours - Ellen Kinsey****: "This beautifully fragrant spray sets the mood before you go to sleep. I spray my bedsheets or pillow five to ten minutes before I get ready to go to sleep. The scent can be very strong at first, so make sure to spray your pillow with some distance so it can be sprayed evenly. The scent settles after five minutes, and it genuinely helps to relax you and send you to sleep."
14. Crabtree & Evelyn The Gardeners Stars In The Night Room Mist
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Suitable to be used as a room, linen and pillow mist, this delicious spray is one for those of us who aren't a fan of lavender scents. It has top notes of thuya wood and orange blossom as well as heart notes of sandalwood, cedarwood and bergamot.Ingredients: Water (Aqua)(Eau). Polysorbate 20. Fragrance (Parfum). Phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin. Coumarin.Size: 100mlReview: "Pleasant fresh smelling room spray. Not overpowering at all. Well priced and beautifully packaged and presented."
FAQs
How do I use pillow spray?
Simply spritz a few pumps of your favourite sleep spray over your pillows and sheets, 15 to 30 minutes before you go to bed to allow the essential oils to settle.
Not only will they help you fall asleep quicker, but the oils will be re-released into the atmosphere as you move around in your sleep and ensure you stay in a deep slumber throughout the night. You'll wake up feeling refreshed and recharged after such a good night's rest.
Related: How to stop feeling tired
Are pillow sprays safe?
In short, yes. Pillow sprays are safe for most adults. Like with many products, it's important to avoid contact with the eyes. These sprays are also not meant to be applied to the skin, so they may cause an allergic reaction for those with skin sensitivity. If they do get on your skin, wash with soap and water and seek medical attention if a rash occurs.
When it comes to keeping our pillows safe, these sprays are safe to use on most fabrics. If however, you have a silk pillowcase, do not use a pillow spray as this could ruin the fabric.
Do pillow sprays affect allergies?
Allergies that affect you at night are usually down to dust and mites in your bedding and pillow, so make sure you're regularly washing your bedding at a high temperature.
If you are finding your allergies are being set off by your new pillow spray, it could be that you are allergic to lavender. This is a very common allergy that could cause itchiness, redness, rashes and in some cases sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and itchy eyes. Try a pillow spray that doesn't contain lavender to see if this is what is setting you off.
What are popular scents for improved sleep?
There are some essential oils that are renowned for stress relief and helping you drift off to sleep; check out the ingredients of your chosen sleep pillow spray and look for one that features these oils:
Lavender: This soothing scent has been a traditional help for relaxation and sleeps for centuries. Lavender pillow sprays are so popular that there have been numerous scientific studies into them; it's been shown to help with anxiety and depression, and has a sedative effect, helping you fall into a good night's sleep.
Vanilla: A very familiar scent, but usually related to cakes and baking - vanilla also has a sedative effect, so is great for getting you to sleep. Particularly good if the smell of cookies usually relaxes you.
Rose and Geranium: Both floral scents are known to help reduce stress and anxiety. A pillow spray with either or both of these oils will ease your body and mind at bedtime.
Jasmine: Sweet and floral with great sleep-inducing qualities. Studies have shown it increases the quality of your sleep, reducing restlessness, and also increasing alertness during the day too.
Does it have to be a lavender sleep spray?
Not everyone loves the smell of lavender - certainly, for me, it just reminds me of my grandmother's wardrobe, and that might not be what I want to think of when I'm drifting off to sleep. Essential oils in pillow mists and sleep sprays all work differently for different people - try different scents out to discover one which works best for you.
While lavender is definitely one of the most popular and well-known essential oils when it comes to deep sleep pillow sprays and relaxation, it's not the only one - there are lots of other scents and oils that are also used for helping you get some rest.
DIY: Make your own pillow spray
If you want to make your own concoction of relaxing essential oils for your pillow, you can always have a go at making your own homemade batch of pillow sprays. We've taken some inspiration from A Beautiful Mess with this method.
You will need:
A clear mist bottle (glass or plastic)
Small funnel
3 essential oils (Lavender, chamomile and orange work really well together)
Distilled water
Method:
Use the funnel to add 20 drops of lavender oil, 15 drops of wild orange and 10 drops of chamomile to your bottle. Fill the rest with distilled water. Shake before each use.
Are there any alternatives to pillow sprays?
If you don't fancy a pillow mist, or find the scent too strong, there are other ways to get the scent of relaxing essential oils into your bedroom to relax and induce sleep. Here are some of our favourite alternatives to pillow sprays:
Pillow spray alternatives
1. Tisserand Total De-Stress Aroma Spa Diffuser
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Aromatherapy diffusers work with ultrasonic systems to turn the water into a fine mist and spread the scent of essential oil around the room. Small and simple, this Tisserand diffuser has easy controls and emits a high-quality mist despite being diminutive. It has one button for the light (on or off) and one button for the mist. No complicated controls here.
2. This Works Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle
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A luxurious, hand-blended candle, enriched with pure essential oils of Lavender and Camomile. Again, please make sure you extinguish the flame before falling asleep.
3. Lush Sleepy Body Lotion
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Slather this on your skin before your bedtime routine to not only keep your skin soft and smooth but to release delicious relaxing scents to whisk you off into slumber. It features soothing oat milk, relaxing lavender, tonka, and ylang-ylang.
4. Passion For Life Snoreeze 22ml
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If you find the issue is with you waking yourself up as a result of snoring (or your partner snoring) you might want to try a different kind of sleep spray in the form of this anti-snore throat spray.
Still unable to sleep? Earplugs, weighted blankets, and meditation can all help to create the right sleeping environment for you, especially if you struggle sleeping on a hot night.