The best pillow sprays to help you relax and drift off in no time

This year, we are all about investing in our wellbeing, especially when it comes to sleep. From silk pillowcases to sunrise alarm clocks and weighted blankets, we're doing everything we can to help us get our eight hours a night. 

Before heading to bed, there is one product that we love to use to wind down and relax. Say hello to a pillow spray.

What is a pillow spray?

For the uninitiated, pillow sprays are typically a blend of floral waters, herbal ingredients and essential oils. The idea is that you spritz them all over your bed linen before hitting the hay, and breathe in the dreamy scents to help you drift off. Consider them your newest act of self-care.

What do pillow sprays do?

As mentioned above, pillow sprays often contain a blend of essential oils, with lavender being the most common. "Lavender contains the compound linalool, which has a sedative effect," explains Professor Tim Jacob, a neurologist from the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University.

"Smelling it increases alpha waves in the frontal regions of the brain, encouraging you to relax." Sound good? We thought so.

According to Dr Anna Persaud, CEO of This Works, the benefits of pillow sprays are also deeply psychological.

"Studies have shown that scent can activate the limbic system, which processes emotions and memory. This, in turn, affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls our levels of energy and rest. Over time we also create a connection in our brains that links the fragrance of a pillow spray to the experience of feeling sleepy. It's a stimulus for relaxation and can help to sustain a healthy sleep pattern."

After reading that, you might want to try one out for yourself, so keep on scrolling for our top picks.

The best pillow sprays to buy now

1. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

"I'm sure you've heard of the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by now, and I can confirm that it's totally worth the hype. The notes of lavender are stronger than in other pillow sprays, and last on your pillow all night, helping you to stay in a state of pure relaxation." Grace Lindsay, Beauty Writer

2. Susanne Kaufmann Calming Pillow Spray

"The star of this particular pillow mist is the note orange. With the typical aromas of lavender, it's a sleep-inducing pillow spray in its most traditional scent. However, the addition of orange gives it a hint of warmth that has any trace of stress or mental tension dissipating into nothingness." Shannon Lawlor, Senior Beauty Editor

3. NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist

"First things first, I love the packaging of this pillow spray, as it looks super chic on my bedside table. But something I love even more is the scent. The addition of basil and jasmine makes it truly unique, and I always spray a bit on my pillow when I'm struggling to switch off." Grace Lindsay, Beauty Writer

4. The Body Shop Sleep Calming Pillow Mist

"In my opinion, there is no pillow spray in the world that smells as great as this. Worlds away from smelling like any other mist out there, the combination of lavender and vetiver delivers a refreshing earthy hit that, quite literally, has me drifting off in seconds. It's not the prettiest bottle, I'll admit, so I've taken to pouring out the goods into a more aesthetically pleasing bottle. Trust me, it's worth the faff." Shannon Lawlor, Senior Beauty Editor

5. The White Company Sleep Soothing Pillow Mist

"If you want a pillow spray that really lasts, you can't go wrong with this one from The White Company. It's so good that I've had friends and family ask me what candle I've had burning in the bedroom the next day, when I've simply just sprayed this the night before. The scent is like a warm hug, and always soothes me to sleep in no time." Grace Lindsay, Beauty Writer

6. Wildsmith Stillness Pillow Mist

"With rose, lavender and camomile, this pillow mist is up there with the most mind-soothing I've ever come across. Unlike so many other lavender-based pillow sprays out there, this smells fresh, light and not in the slightest bit powdery or overwhelming. On top of all of this, it also looks trés chic on my bedside table." Shannon Lawlor, Senior Beauty Editor