Sleep Better With Homemade Pillow Sprays
Whether you are having trouble sleeping at the moment, or it’s a long-term problem you’d like to sooth, pillow sprays might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. You’d think that spraying something smelly on your pillow wouldn’t do much, but there are some ingredients that can be found in nature that have unparalleled benefits for your mind, and really improve your ability to relax and get off to a good night’s sleep.
Benefits of pillow sprays
Some companies state that their pillow sprays are like an “olfactory lullaby”, awaiting you at the end of a hard day, to gently send you off into a deep sleep. That certainly sounds appealing, doesn’t it?! Well, when it comes to essential oils, they’ve been used for centuries for a reason. There have been studies carried out on their effects, and the results are positive.
Lavender, for example, is a well-known sedative. Classed as a good all-rounder, it has the ability to reduce nervous tension and anxiety, relieve pain and treat respiratory problems. Studies carried out on people who use sleep medication showed that they could replace this medicine completely when they used a pillow spray!
Roman chamomile essential oil has a calming effect on the body and mind. It sooths, and supports a healthy immune system. For a tranquil night’s sleep, you can rub it (diluted in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil) into your feet or combine it with lavender in a pillow spray.
Wild orange oil is another nice oil to add to a mix. It’s main effect is to uplift your mood and elevate the spirits. Use it with lavender for a fresh scent that will cheer you up and get you ready to sleep really, really well.
Bergamot essential oil is calming and soothing, too. It’s known to improve your self-worth, self-acceptance and dissipate fears. It goes well with lavender and ylang ylang (which is also an aphrodisiac, just in case you feel like a bit of loving would be nice before you go to sleep!).
How to make a pillow spray
What do I need?
You’ll need some good quality essential oils, to begin with. The cheap sort you might have seen around the place will just not cut the mustard, so make sure you shop around. Try to buy the best quality oils you can afford. Therapeutic grade is ideal. You can blend essential oils. Some research is worth doing before you do this, as some oils work better together than others.
Next you’ll need a diluter liquid. You should never use essential oils neat. Good diluter liquids include vodka, water and witch hazel.
A spray bottle is an obviously useful item to buy, too! Blue glass spray bottles are nice, and the dark colour of the glass protects the oils from breaking down. If you have a plastic one handy or just can’t be bothered to buy a glass one, make sure you store the final product in a dark place and you’ll get the same effect.
The precise ingredients are the following:
- 1 small jar with a water-tight lid
- 2 tbsp. witch hazel or vodka
- 10 drops of your chosen essential oil (or oils, if you want to make a blend)
- 6 tbsp. water
- 1 small funnel (optional but useful)
- Your spray bottle
- A label (optional), and a pen
How do I make it?
Grab your jar, and add the witch hazel, vodka and essential oil. Put the lid on and shake the mixture up for half a minute or so. Next, add your water, then put the lid back on and shake again.
Now use the funnel or simply carefully get your mixture into the spray bottle. Screw on the lid to the spray bottle, label it, and you’re ready to rumble!
The spray can go on your pillows, of course, but it’s also great for sheets and blankets. Ideally spray your pillow spray straight on to your bed clothes and/or pillow a couple of hours before bed: that way, you won’t have to worry about a damp pillow!
