Scent Your Way to Sweet Dreams: The Benefits of Wearing Perfume to Bed
We’re always looking for ways to improve our sleep, especially the sometimes frustrating experience that is falling asleep. Stress throughout the day can make it tough to fall asleep. It may sound strange, but have you considered using your perfumes at night?
We’ll explain how leveraging the power of your perfume scents at night could be the “night, night” you’re looking for.
There’s a growing interests in nighttime rituals. These include shutting off technology like smartphones and TVs, wearing eye masks, taking warm baths or magnesium, and many other items. Now we can include wearing your perfume to bed.
The Connection Between Scent and Sleep
Our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories.
This explains why certain smells can instantly spark us emotionally or remind us of past experiences. We have an entire blog post on the connection between nostalgia and fragrances.
Our sense of smell is a driver of our mood. What we smell can influence our state of mind and encourage us to relax, or not.
One of the most sought after scent therapies is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the blueprint to what we’re talking about.
romatherapy utilizes natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Essential oils, which are often used in perfumes, are key tools in aromatherapy and have been studied for their ability to affect brain function.
When we inhale a scent, molecules bind to receptors in our nose and send signals to our brain. These signals create wave activities and can induce calm. And everyone needs calm in order to fall into our slumbers.
A study on the effects of lavender on sleep quality showed positive results. Participants who used lavender aromatherapy before bed experienced increased deep sleep and felt more refreshed upon waking. In fact, there are many studies that confirm the connection between sleep and scent.
Best Scents for Bedtime
Lavender
Lavender is perhaps the most well-known scent for inducing calm and sleep. Studies have consistently shown that lavender oil can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, potentially putting you in a more relaxed state. Its sweet, floral aroma is associated with reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.
Chamomile
Like lavender, chamomile is another classic calming agent, often used in teas to promote relaxation. Its fragrance is sweet, apple-like, and soothing. Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood has a rich, woody aroma that is frequently used in aromatherapy to calm the nerves and help with focus. It also has sedative effects, helping to reduce wakefulness and increase amounts of non-REM sleep. Sandalwood can be particularly useful for those who experience nighttime anxiety or stress.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a sweet and comforting scent known for its relaxing properties. It has been shown to relieve hyperactivity and restlessness, making it easier to fall asleep. Vanilla can also elevate one’s mood by inducing feelings of joy and relaxation.
Jasmine
Jasmine’s sweet, romantic fragrance is not just pleasant to the senses but also effective in improving sleep quality. It has properties that help lower anxiety levels and has been found to be as effective as some pharmaceutical sedatives in promoting better sleep.
Bergamot
Unlike other citrus scents which are typically energizing, bergamot has a calming effect. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and is often used in treatments to combat symptoms of depression. Bergamot can be mixed with a base oil or used in a diffuser to create a calming bedtime environment.
Perfumes Which Incorporate These Scents
Now that we know which scents help us induce sleep, its time to focus on some popular fragrances that utilize them. These are the scents you might consider wearing at bedtime.
L’Occitane Lavender Eau de Cologne
By using lavender, this fragrance is well-known for its sedative and mellow properties. Its a perfect evening wear scent.
Jo Malone London Chamomile & Honey Cologne
The combination of chamomile and honey epitomize a bedtime fragrance concoction. This gentle and calming scent is ideal as part of a bedtime ritual. Check out our Chamomile & Honey review.
Santal 33 by Le Labo
By combining sandalwood, cedar wood, cardamom, violet, and leather, this fragrance offers a woody scent that’s totally relaxation oriented.
Vanille Insensée by Atelier Cologne
This vanilla and woody scent is soothing, warm, and comforting and may help ease you into sleep.
Jasmine Sambac & Marigold by Jo Malone London
The intoxicating jasmine sambac and marigold exude a calming yet exotic effect. Sweet dreams, folks.
Not Enough?
Here’s some more considerations by Vlogger, Claire Smith.