12 Best Sleep Sprays and Pillow Mists of 2023

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Add one of these gorgeously scented mists to your pillow and drift off into dreamland in no time.

You try to do everything right when it comes to sleep prep – you’re big on sticking to a regular bedtime, cutting caffeine out after lunch and turning off your screens well in advance of slipping between the sheets. Still, some nights, you just can’t unwind your mind and drift off. A great option to for as a sleep aid? Sleep sprays.

If you aren’t familiar with them, sleep sprays come in many different scents, all of which are intended to provide restorative slumber. “Certain smells can conjure feelings of rest and relaxation,” says Kelly Murray, FDN-P, a certified adult sleep coach in Chicago. “Certain essential oils are known for their calming properties. Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and jasmine are effective options.”

Indeed, when it comes to the most effective sleep-inducing scent, science says it’s lavender for the win. Lavender has been referred to as “the broom of the brain” for its ability to sweep away stress. A recent study found that this is due to a component of lavender called linalool, which acts sort of like a natural sedative on the central nervous system. Lavender essential oil also relaxes your limbic system, most importantly the amygdala and hippocampus portions of your brain, which is key for relaxation.

Sleep sprays are easy to use – you just apply them to your pillow and/or bedding. The key to making a sleep spray work for you is to identify what scents make you most uniquely comfortable. A cedarwood scent might remind you of chilling at the beach, while a rose scent can conjure the joy of sticking your nose into a fresh bouquet. Think in terms of nostalgia – what scent brings you back to the happiest, warmest memories?

You can also experiment with new scents to cement a brand-new association in your mind. A scent that’s completely fresh can create a specific association with a good night’s sleep if it works for you – this is a great way to “train” your body and mind to relax the second you sniff it on your bed sheets.

To better educate shoppers about how to choose the best sleep-sprays, we interviewed Murray founder of Chicago-based Kelly Murray Sleep Consulting, who has helped hundreds of families find their way to better sleep habits. We also examined studies on which essential oils have calming properties, and researched reviews of products online.

Ready to start shopping for a sleep spray? Keep a few points in mind. “I recommend looking for sleep sprays that use natural and organic ingredients,” says Murray. “Avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.” Also, spot-test a spray – put a little on your sleeve, and see how you like it as you go about your day before using it more generously on your pillow that night. A spritz on your wrist is also a great way to make sure a spray won’t trigger an allergic reaction.

Here’s a round-up of the best sleep sprays on the market right now. They smell delicious, get the job done and are reasonably priced – what’s not to love?

Editor's note: If you're suffering from insomnia or have other symptoms in addition to poor sleep, such as trouble eating, depression or anxiety, you should seek professional health through a primary care physician, mental health expert or sleep specialist.

Enjoy this soft, soothing scent mist that’s free of parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde and hexelyne glycol. It's available in green tea, fresh linen and classic lavender, and has over 6,000 5-star reviews. Many on Amazon say it is great for relaxation and helps them get ready for bed.

Dubbed a “dreamiscle in a bottle” by one happy Amazon reviewer, this delicious orange-vanilla scent can be worn as a fragrance, too. The brand claims it doesn't contain any "irritating ingredients," so it works well for sensitive skin.

Melatonin can help some fall asleep quicker, but more research is needed for the spray form (always check with your doctor before using any melatonin products). Melatonin aside, this sleep spray has gone viral on social media, particularly TikTok, for helping users dose off.

This plant-based, vegan linen spray is paraben & EDTA free, plus pH balanced, meaning it shouldn't irritate your skin. One Amazon reviewer says it can put her husband to sleep in under 10 minutes, and many others say it's so good, they use it every night.

Rich and relaxing, this spray blends a combo of 14 essential oils, including English lavender, chamomile and patchouli. The company states that 90% of users in a blind study reported having a good night’s sleep when using it. On Amazon, many users say it does help them to sleep better. "If you are looking for a little help to make you relax and fall asleep you have to try this," one wrote.

Plant-based and cruelty-free, this warm, sweet scent is made in small batches. The brand notes it "does not contain any synthetic fragrances," and reviewers say it's a "game-changer" for those look for tranquility before bedtime.

Tennis legend Venus Williams is famously a major fan of this delicious-smelling mist, which she’s credited with helping her get good, consistent rest. One Amazon shopper says it’s so good for relaxation, it’s smart to stock up on multiples. “Kind of like when you find a good pair of pants and you want to buy more than one pair so that you know you have backup!”

The lavender scent is heavenly, but you can also get this multi-room, multi-purpose spray in peppermint and aloe, fresh eucalyptus and clary sage. The aluminum bottle is also recyclable.

Mixed with geranium, chamomile and witch hazel, this spray received a Compact by Design rating from Amazon for its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Not only is it environmentally-friendly, but customer reviews point out that kids especially love it at bedtime.

A calming citrus scent that’s potent, economical and the perfect size for travel, when sleeping can be the most difficult. "Get this spray and use it if you need to increase your sleep time in the slightest," one Amazon reviewer wrote. It also has coconut oil in it to help hydrate skin.

Khloé Kardashian is reportedly a big fan of this soft, sweet scent, which has a simple ingredient list (it contains just water, lavender oil, castor seed oil and glycerin). Although you can use it as a face spray, many say it's not as moisturizing as they would want.

Contributing writer Lisa Mulcahy is a longtime health journalist who has covered health and wellness topics for a wide variety of publications. She weaves input from physicians and other healthcare experts into her work when searching for the best products to recommend to readers.

Lisa is an internationally established health writer whose credits include Good Housekeeping, Prevention, Oprah Daily, Woman’s Day, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Parade, Health, Self, Family Circle and Seventeen. She is the author of eight best-selling books, including The Essentials of Theater.

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