Sleep Pillow Sprays are an ever popular and safe way to get a good night’s sleep. And is backed by science.
What are Sleep Pillow Sprays?
Sleep Pillow sprays are aromatherapy in a bottle. The most popular and best supported by science for sleep is Lavender pillow sprays but also Chamomile, and Bergamot and other essential oils work. Mist or spray the essential oil directly on pillows, sheets, in the room or even on a cotton ball placed at the bedside nightstand. It’s best used 10 to 15 minutes before sleep and allow 2-weeks to see its full effect on sleep.
It is important when choosing a pillow spray that only pure and natural essential oils are used and preferable a brand that is ISO (International Organization for Standardization) approved. We suggest Lavender spray compared to other essential oils as Lavender has the most sleep science behind it. The label should read true Lavender (Lavender Angustifolia), with camphor less that 1 %. So, watch out, if sold as generic “Lavendar oil,” it may have 6-8 % camphor and will not have the same sleep benefit. Camphor is a brain stimulant and can even keep you up at night and work against getting a good night’s sleep.
Why does Lavender Pillow spray work best for sleep?
Lavender and essential oils for sleep have been around as a sleep remedy for centuries and can be traced back to the early Roman and Greek times. Romans made it part of their nighttime rituals by placing dried flowers in beds and pillows to help with sleep and stop nightmares, while also using in baths to relax before sleeping. It also has the science behind it to help with falling and staying asleep.
Lavender’s linalool and linalyl acetate are responsible for its relaxation properties. It works by breathing in the essential oil to our lungs that then travels into the body to the emotional part of the brain or limbic center binding with special sleep and relaxation GABA channels making us feel calm. This is the same channel used by alcohol and anti-anxiety medications that helps us relax and dial down our emotions.
The limbic system of the brain controls emotions, memory and also heart rate and breathing. When turned on by Lavender pillow spray it makes us calm and relaxed and easier to fall asleep. Studies show us that it has a positive impact on sleep quality and duration. It can even lower blood pressure and makes us feel refreshed in the morning.
A study in post-menopausal women who used Lavender oil for 30 days had significantly better sleep with overall higher quality of life scores. It is also important to recognize that the calming effect improves over time by also sensitizing our brains associating the smell of lavender with sleep. So, when we smell lavender, we fall asleep.
Is a Pillow Spray a Safe option?
Lavender and other Sleep Pillow sprays although Lavender is the most studied is considered generally safe. Common side effects are headache, and cough especially if used by those sensitive to strong scents.
It is recommended to start with a small amount of Lavender oil either dabbed or sprayed on a cotton ball and placed next to the pillow or on the nightstand to be sure well tolerated without an allergic reaction. If well tolerated, then lightly mist into pillows or sheets or bedroom 15 to 20 minutes before sleep. The low levels of aromatherapy fill the room throughout the initial stages of sleep and during most of the night. Also, is important to use only sprays intended for this purpose and never ingest or eat the spray.
Compared to other forms of sleep remedies, including oral medications like Ziprasidone (Geodon) that may lead to long term side effects sleep pillow sprays are a safer choice. Other forms of sleep aides including mediation, yoga, relaxation and music therapy may be used in combination with aromatherapy and provide extra benefits outside of sleep including treatment of pain, stress, anxiety and can even lower cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have been associated with stress and health problems.
Any last advice on Pillow Sleep Sprays or Sleep in general?
A good night’s sleep is vital. It is a biological requirement for human existence. It has profound impact on our sense of wellbeing and our health. Society globally is experiencing higher levels of stress with work and life pressures with nearly 1/2 of all adults reporting at least one sleep disorder. It impacts our day-to-day activities including social skills and how we think but also with chronic sleep deprivation may lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and depression.
Multiple scientific studies have shown that essential oils with the majority using Lavender oil to have significant benefit in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving the quality and duration of sleep. Science has shown us that by breathing in the aroma can target the limbic or emotional centers of the brain leading to relaxation, calmness, and a better night’s sleep.
If you are suffering like most of us with difficulty sleeping or if stress is keeping you up at night, consider misting a little Lavender oil in between your sheet or on your pillow. It’s very safe when used as directed and may just be the best keep secret for a good night’s sleep. Remember to read labels to be sure it’s the real deal, quality tested, and made especially for Pillows. if you are currently taking a sleep aide check with your doctor to make sure it’s right for you.
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