If you’re anything like us, getting a solid night’s sleep sometimes feels like a bit of a struggle. The stresses of the day catching up with you, your mind racing with endless to-do lists, or even just a bad case of Netflix bingeing late into the night can all make it difficult to get the shut-eye you desperately need. But luckily there is a simple and enjoyable solution: sleepy scents. If you didn’t already know, the power of fragrance can help ease you into relaxation and guide you into the most peaceful slumber.
In this blog post, we’re going to share our favourite scents for sleep, each with its own calming benefits. Whether you’re a fan of essential oils, candles, or pillow sprays, there’s a sleepy scent out there that’ll be the perfect addition to your nighttime routine.
1. lavender: the classic calmer
Let’s start with the queen of sleep scents which you’ve probably already heard of – lavender. It's likely the first one that comes to mind when you think about rest and relaxation, and for good reason. Lavender has been used for centuries to promote calmness and ease stress, making it one of the most well-known natural sleep aids.
Research suggests that lavender can help to lower heart rate, reduce feelings of anxiety, and also improve the quality of your sleep. If you find yourself having a tough time unwinding after a long busy day, a few spritzes of lavender spray on your pillow or adding a few drops of lavender oil into your diffuser can make all the difference.
Lavender’s calming properties are perfect for anyone who struggles with anxiety or just needs that bit of extra help turning off their brain after a hectic day. Plus, it has a lovely, fresh scent that’s not too overpowering – it’s perfect for creating a peaceful sleep environment.
2. chamomile: the soothing herb
Chamomile is another well-loved scent commonly associated with relaxation. Mostly known for its use in calming herbal teas. Chamomile has a gentle, sweet fragrance that’s ideal for those who want to relax before bed. It has been shown to help reduce anxiety and induce sleep, making it a great companion for your pre-bedtime rituals.
What’s more, chamomile is often used alongside lavender in sleep products, which is a winning combination. The two scents work together to create a relaxing environment which can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep. You can find chamomile in candles, essential oils, and even in pillow mists. It's a must have for those who love soft, subtle aromas that won’t totally overwhelm the senses.
3. sandalwood: the grounding scent
Sandalwood is a rich, earthy scent that has been used for centuries in meditation and relaxation practices. It’s known for its powerful grounding properties, which can help reduce those feelings of stress and anxiety. If you struggle to switch off and can sometimes feel a bit "scattered" when it’s time to go to sleep, sandalwood might just be your go-to scent.
Not only does sandalwood help work to calm the mind, it also has a warm, soothing fragrance that adds that extra bit of luxury to your bedtime routine. It’s a great choice for anyone who prefers deeper, woodier notes rather than lighter floral scents. Whether you’re using a sandalwood essential oil or a scented candle, this fragrance can help create a serene atmosphere in your bedroom that invites restfulness.
4. bergamot: the zesty de-stressor
If you think of citrus scents as invigorating and energising, then think again. While many citrus fragrances like lemon or orange are known for boosting energy, bergamot (a citrus fruit native to Italy) is surprisingly calming and has been shown to reduce anxiety. Its fresh, slightly sweet, earthy scent can help to lift your mood while also helping promote relaxation.
Bergamot has the unique ability to reduce stress and help ease nervous tension, making it ideal for those who struggle with pre-sleep anxiety or overactive thoughts. It’s not uncommon to find it blended with other calming oils we’ve mentioned like lavender and chamomile, but it also works just as well on its own. A few drops of bergamot oil in a diffuser before bed is a lovely simple way to create a calming, sleep-friendly environment.
5. ylang ylang: the relaxing floral
Ylang ylang is a beautiful, sweet-smelling floral scent that’s actually known for its sedative properties. It's often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation, ease tension, and help alleviate stress. The scent is rich, exotic, and quite distinct, it’s also often used in high-end perfumes.
While ylang ylang is quite fragrant, it’s not super overpowering. When diffused, it has a soft, soothing effect on the mind and body. It’s perfect for anyone who loves floral scents but wants something a bit different from the traditional lavender. If you’re after something that feels luxurious and calming, ylang ylang could be your new best friend.
6. clary sage: the mind-calming herb
Clary sage is a herbaceous, and somewhat sweet scent that’s incredibly calming. It’s regularly used in aromatherapy to help balance out emotions and ease tension. Studies have shown that clary sage can reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, helping you to feel more relaxed and centred before bed.
Its scent is less floral than lavender and more herbaceous, with that added touch of sweetness which feels calming without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a slightly earthy fragrance and wants to try out a natural remedy for unwinding before sleep. You can use it in a diffuser or as part of a sleep spray for your pillow.
7. frankincense: the meditative aroma
Frankincense has been used for centuries in spiritual and meditative practices. Its calming, grounding scent makes it a perfect addition to your bedtime routine. It’s known for its deep, woody, and slightly resinous fragrance, frankincense has the powerful ability to help quiet the mind and promote that much needed sense of inner peace.
As with most scents we’ve mentioned, It’s often used in combination with other calming fragrances like lavender or sandalwood. Allowing for the creation of a more complex, meditative atmosphere. If you’re looking for a scent that helps you clear your mind and dive into a deeper state of relaxation, frankincense is definitely a great option. It’s also a fantastic hack for creating a spa-like environment in your bedroom.
8. vanilla: the comforting scent
Lastly if you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, vanilla is probably the perfect sleepy scent for you. Its warm, sweet, and slightly creamy fragrance has a comforting, almost nostalgic quality that can quickly make you feel cosy and relaxed, just what you need before bed.
Vanilla also has mild sedative effects that can help you unwind after a long day. It’s gentle and non-invasive, which makes it a great choice for anyone who prefers those subtle, sweeter aromas. Whether it’s in a simple candle or a pillow mist, vanilla can help create a sense of comfort and peace in the bedroom, making it easier to fall asleep.
final thoughts: finding your perfect sleepy scent
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to fragrances, and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. The key to finding the best sleepy scent for you is experimentation, try them out and see what feels good for you. Maybe lavender will end up working wonders for you, or perhaps you’ll find that sandalwood or bergamot is the best kept secret to a restful night’s sleep.
Whatever your preference, incorporating these calming scents into your nightly routine may be just what you need to improve your quality of sleep. Whether you choose to use essential oils in a diffuser, light a calming candle, or spray a sleep mist on your pillow, these are the scents that can help you create a relaxing vibe that’s perfect for winding down.
So, the next time you’re feeling restless, test out one of these scents, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Sweet dreams are just a scent away. Until next time, eve Sleep.
