Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep is the third pillar of good health along with a balanced diet and exercise. Yet so many of us are sleep-deprived. I’ve found that using lightly-scented lavender products at bedtime really help calm and centre myself, so I went about researching how lavender really works to help relax the mind and body.
To start off, it is believed that lavender has its origins in the Mediterranean region Middle East & India, and later spread to Europe. It was cultivated extensively in the 13th and 14th centuries for both, its visually attractive appearance as well as medicinal properties. Today it’s grown all over the world, and is spotted in everything from skincare products, perfumes, and cosmetics to desserts & food.
What makes this attractive purple herb, known as ‘Blue Gold’ and the ‘Queen of Sleep’, really special is that it has both a stimulating as well as soothing effect on your emotions. So, it can be the instant pick-me-up you need as well as one that helps calm and soothe your mind. Research has also proven that lavender boosts slow-wave sleep which is key to slowing the heart rate and relaxing muscles, thus, leading one to sleep more soundly and deeply.
In fact, not only does lavender help you relax but it could even treat anxiety. In 2018, scientists and researchers at Kagoshima University in Japan came to this conclusion after analysing whether the smell of linalool, a fragrant alcohol found in lavender extracts, helps mice relax. They were able to prove that the linalool odour has an anxiolytic [anti-anxiety] effect. More studies are underway to establish the safety and efficacy of linalool administered via different routes before it is moved to human trials.
But if like us, you don’t need more research and study findings to prove that lavender really is a magical herb that works wonders, pick from some of these options below…
10 Lavender-Scented Bedtime Products We Recommend-
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This iconic blue bottle from Kiehl’s is one of its bestselling products and rightfully so. A luxurious lavender-scented relaxing night-time facial oil, it restores moisture for a radiant appearance and refined texture overnight. It is infused with lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil and squalane, and helps repair and replenish the skin by fighting signs of ageing.
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask [Lavender]
Not only is this overnight sleeping mask intensively moisturising, but it also comes in this lavender-scented version that relaxes and soothes thus helping with a good night’s rest. Its gel-type texture settles on the skin and doesn’t transfer to your pillowcase. By morning, it leaves the skin looking clear, bright and well-rested through the purification action of, what the brands calls, ‘Sleep-tox’.
Marks & Spencer Apothecary Sleep Hand Cream
Retire for bed after smearing on this vegan hand cream from the brand’s Apothecary Sleep range. Formulated to nourish and moisturise, it combines essential oils of lavender, jasmine, vetiver and eucalyptus for a restful and relaxing fragrance.
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Imagine you could have the most relaxing pre-bedtime scrub and shower with this sugar scrub infused with lavender essential oil & vanilla absolute that help calm feelings of stress so you can sleep better. The gently exfoliating scrub smooths skin while an aromatherapy blend of essential oils and natural ingredients benefits body, mind & mood.
Kimirica The French Note Shower Gel & Body Lotion Body Care Duo
Unwind after a long day with this luxurious bath and body care duo infused with soothing notes of authentic French Lavender. Let the shower gel gently cleanse and body lotion moisturise the skin as you get ready to catch some good z’s.
Nourish Mantra Kashmiri Lavender Facial Mist
Spritz on this all-natural Ayurvedic mist infused with the healing and calming properties of lavender. This 100% natural facial mist provides your skin a soothing touch of lavender and a floral aroma straight from the heavenly Himalayas.
Lovechild Calm The Rocking Chair – Lavender Anti-Anxiety Essential Oil
Masaba’s cosmo-wellness beauty brand Lovechild launched this lavender essential oil roll-on that is handy and perfect to swipe on and wash away that anxiety. It is said to help promote better sleep quality and fight insomnia.
Kama Ayurveda Lavender Essential Oil
This essential oil is perfect for adding to your bath water to soak away stressors of the day before you hit the sheets. Its unmistakable aroma calms, relaxes and promotes a sense of harmony and well-being. When applied to the temples and the back of the neck, it relieves tension and aids in a restful night’s sleep. It can also be used as a diffuser oil that will help soothe frayed nerves, calm the spirit and relieve irritability.
Ekam Lavender Hexa Jar Scented Candle
Don’t care for body products before bed? Then try a relaxing lavender-scented candle like this one. Made from premium quality soy wax, it is infused with lavender essential oil along with vanilla, camphor, oriental and other notes. It can be the perfect precursor to your bedtime where you cosy up with a good book and inhale the goodness of soothing lavender.
L’Occitane Cocon De Sérénité – Relaxing Pillow Mist
Made with a unique blend of essential oils including lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium, all known for their relaxing properties, this mist creates a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. It can be sprayed in your bedroom, on home and bed linen and pillows to promote restful sleep and relaxation.
