The best sleep sprays for less time spent counting sheep
Drift off in record time with the best sleep sprays. From lavender sprays to essential oil blends, these pillow mists are the ticket to deeper sleep, every night
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Good sleep has been hard to come by of late and so wellness brands are increasingly turning their energy towards a solution. While our first recommendation for a superior 40 winks will always be to invest in a proper mattress, pillow or duvet (as well as consulting a healthcare professional if you're really concerned), the best sleep sprays are also well worth your time and attention.
Utilising the principles of aromatherapy, sleep sprays tend to be made from blends of essential oils, most often dominated by lavender or chamomile. As with all aromatherapy, these essential oils work to help us sleep by triggering responses in the brain that induce a more relaxed or calm state. The more you can unwind in the evening, the more likely you are to both fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
A natural sleep aid, sleep sprays are one of the simplest and most affordable ways to catch a few more Zzzs as we (hopefully) move into a busy, post-pandemic world. From This Work’s iconic Deep Sleep Pillow Spray to Neom’s pillow mist, these are the pillow sprays we’ll be snoozing on this year.
Do sleep sprays actually work?
While there isn’t too much concrete research into the impact and efficacy of sleep sprays, there is evidence to suggest that they are helpful in reducing anxiety and helping with sleep. "Some small studies support the use of lavender essential oils for a reduction in stress and anxiety," says Dr Chris George. “In the UK essential oils are not prescribed by NHS doctors, but this is not to say that they don't have a role to go alongside everyday medicine.”
Having tried plenty of sleep sprays ourselves here at GQ, we noticed a real difference in how quickly we fell asleep from the first night. Spritz one on your pillow as part of your bedtime routine, and a better night’s sleep is easily in reach.
Which sleep spray is the best for deep sleep?
Most of the sleep sprays we’ve included are designed to help you sleep more deeply, and part of process involves some personal trial and error. The most popular though is the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, a blend of lavender, chamomile and vetiver which is a deep-sleep inducing dream.
Shop GQ's edit of the best sleep sprays…
1/8This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
If you know sleep sprays, you definitely know This Works. Now more well known for its pillow spray than it is for its skincare, the This Works Deep Sleep Spray incorporates a blend of camomile, lavender and vetivert oil, all of which have calming properties to help induce sleep and a more soothed state. £14.82. At thisworks.com, amazon.co.uk and lookfantastic.com
2/8Anatome Recovery + Sleep Pillow Spray
While some sleep sprays incorporate just one essential oil, Anatome's blends a major 22, ranging from three lavender blends (Cornish, Provencal and Himalayan) to Roman Chamomile and Frankincense. Given how interlinked sleep and anxiety are - Anatome claims that ‘sleepless nights can increase anxiety levels up to 30 per cent in the following day' - it's designed to help with both by capitalising on lavender's impact on the brain in order to stimulate a more relaxing and stress-free sleep. £29. At selfridges.com
3/8OTO CBD Pillow Mist
We're sure we don't need to introduce you to CBD and its claimed benefits, but this might be the first time you've seen it incorporated into a pillow mist. Billed as the first of its kind, Oto's CBD pillow mist is 20 per cent CBD, combined with a blend of 11 Ayurvedic botanical extracts including lavender, chamomile and vetiver. The scent has more of a citrusy note than other pillow sprays, but remains both relaxing and transportative. £79. At johnlewis.com and selfridges.com
4/8Cotswold Lavender Slumber Spray
If you're a fan of lavender, look no further. A pure lavender pillow spray, rather than a blend of essential oils, Cotswold Lavender's Slumber Spray is one of our favourite pillow sprays, smelling like a warm summer's evening in the south of France. Relaxing and comforting, you'll be sleeping like a baby in no time. £9. At amazon.co.uk
5/8Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist
If you've ever tried a Neom scented candle, you'll be aware of just how calming its fragrances can be. Taking things even further is the brand's sleep spray, a mist designed specifically for relaxing vibes with a blend of essential eleven oils including lavender, sweet basil and jasmine. A 100 per cent natural, ethically sourced and sustainable spray, it's more fragrant than some pillow mists, but sleep-inducing nonetheless. £17. At lookfantastic.com
6/8This Works Sleep Plus Pillow Spray
While This Works classic deep sleep spray is designed for those who struggle to get to sleep, the Sleep Plus pillow spray is instead for anyone struggling to sleep for longer periods and those who tend to wake up frequently throughout the night. While both are formulated with essential oils including lavender, camomile and vetiver, the ones used here are naturally encapsulated in a slow-release system, working to maintain the scent throughout the night, rather than just for while you fall asleep. £24.69. At thisworks.com, boots.com and amazon.co.uk
7/8ESPA Restful Pillow Mist
ESPA is all about giving you the tools to turn your bedroom into a makeshift spa every evening. And if that isn't going to leave you relaxed enough for a good night's sleep, we're not sure what is. A mist that's suitable for your body, room and for spraying on your pillow and bedsheets, it is dominated by lavender essential oils, designed to help not just your sleep, but also to support your wellbeing by instilling a moment of calm at the end of a busy day. £10.50. At lookfantastic.com
8/8Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Sleep Mist
Aromatherapy Associates takes a slightly different approach with its Deep Relax Sleep Mist. Present, as per usual, are vetiver and chamomile, but it's the inclusion of sandalwood that gives this mist a different scent and fragrance base. It's a soothing and familiar smell that'll help you drift off to sleep in no time. £23.20. At lookfantastic.com
NOW READ
The best weighted blankets for better sleep and less stress
