10 of the best pillow and sleep sprays for families and children
Get ready for a peaceful night's sleep with our 10 best sleep sprays, including ones for babies and children
Modern life is hectic and winding down for a restorative good night’s sleep can be a challenge. This is where the power of aromatherapy comes in. There are a variety of wonderful sleep and pillow sprays available that claim to help to calm the mind and aid relaxation.
Many people incorporate sleep sprays into their bedtime routine and feel much better for doing so. They can also help children wind down for bedtime – and not just when they are at home.
We have compiled a selection of the best sprays, to suit all budgets, for both adults and children. These sprays harness the benefits of essentials oils (not just lavender) to create the perfect aromas for relaxation and sleep.
Ingredients vary greatly between the sprays – so look out for any allergens or smells which you know you particularly like or dislike. We've listed safety information as provided by manufacturer, but do note that some essential oils are not advised for use in pregnancy or for babies/children. Please check with your pharmacist before use.
If you're after more than a sleep spray to soothe your child to sleep, take a look at our best sleep aids and white noise machines for babies and best nightlights. For some better sleep for yourself, take a look at our test of the best pillows.
Now, take a few nice deep breaths and check out our list of the 10 best pillow and sleep sprays...
1. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, 75ml, £19.50
Best for improving sleep
Suitable for: pregnant women; children 3 years+ with adult supervision; vegans; cruelty-free
This multi award-winning sleep spray is top of our list for good reason. Its blend of lavender, camomile and vetiver oil have proven results. In This Works’ study of 100 participants, 97% reported sleeping better and 98% felt more refreshed in the morning.
Vetiver oil is known for encouraging calm and settling emotions – perfect for lulling busy minds to sleep. Users of This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray call it “magic” and an essential part of their bedtime rituals.
Available from: John Lewis, This Works and Amazon
2. Neom Organics Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist, 30ml, £20
Best for a rich combination of scents
Suitable for: pregnant women; children with adult supervision; vegans; cruelty-free
A total of 14 essential oils are combined to make Neom Pillow Mist not only smell wonderful, but also induce a good night’s sleep. Patchouli is one of the main ingredients and this essential oil boasts a range of restorative qualities – perfect for helping you wake up feeling refreshed.
After spritzing your pillow, Neom recommends taking some long, deep, mindful breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.
It’s worth noting that Neom’s spray is less than half the size of This Works’ pillow spray, so it is a more expensive option. However, users claim that the unique fragrance makes it a must-buy.
Available from: Neom, John Lewis and Amazon
3. Bloom & Blossom BFG Dream Catcher’s Pillow Spray, 75ml, £10
Best for children
Suitable for: babies and children, from newborn; vegans; cruelty-free
One of only a few sprays that are suitable for using with babies, this BFG-inspired sleep spray blends sweet orange, eucalyptus, bergamot, satsuma, lavender and patchouli to soothe even the youngest of minds to sleep. It's also safe for eczema-prone and sensitive skin,
MFM home tester Claire said "our 14 month old has gone from a decent sleeper to a great one since starting to use it," but other testers reported no real change in sleep patterns. It's worth remembering there's only so much a few spritzes of essential oil can do, but if you're looking to take the bedtime routine up a notch, what’s not to love about enjoying a good bedtime story while the scent relaxes your little one?
Available from: Boots and Amazon
4. Feather & Down Sweet Dreams Pillow Spray, 100ml, £7
Best for a long-lasting option
Suitable for: Adults only, not suitable for children
Lavender and chamomile are combined for this more affordable alternative to This Works’ spray. Some users claim the fragrance is not as rich as the one from This Works, however, it still does the job of relaxing the mind for sleep, and Feather & Down says that its research shows that lavender increases the type of brain waves associated with relaxation.
Users of Feather & Down Pillow Spray recommend that just two sprays over your pillow is enough, making this one of the longer-lasting options on our list.
Available from: Boots, Feather & Down and Amazon
5. Neal’s Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist, 45ml, £15
Best for stress-busting
Suitable for: pregnant women; vegans; cruelty-free.
Organic lavender, vetiver and mandarin essential oils are blended to promote tranquillity and restful sleep for this pillow mist. From its trial of 100 people, Neal’s Yard report that 81% felt calmer and more relaxed after using the Goodnight Pillow Mist.
As well as promoting good sleep, the mandarin essential oil in Neal’s Yard Goodnight Pillow Mist is believed to reduce the negative effects of stress and to support feelings of wellbeing.
Available from: Amazon, John Lewis and Neal’s Yard
6. REN & Now To Sleep Pillow Spray, 75ml, £18
Best for sensitive noses
Suitable for: vegans; none of REN's products contains oils in high enough levels to have an adverse effect in pregnancy, but they advise checking the ingredients with a pharmacist before use; cruelty-free
Frankincense takes centre stage in this spray, with added notes of lavender and hops. Frankincense has been used for thousands of years and is known for reducing anxiety and stress. This is a good option if you want to relieve tension and need help washing away any worries from the day.
Many users claim that this is the spray that finally worked for them after trying others. It has a unique scent, and most find its effects quick and pleasing. For anyone who isn’t fond of a strong lavender smell – this is also a good choice as the lavender aroma is subtle.
Available from: John Lewis, REN and Amazon
7. Natural Birthing Company Sleepy Mama Relaxing Pillow Mist, £8.99
Best for pregnancy
Suitable for: pregnant women; vegans; cruelty-free
Developed by midwives especially for pregnant women and new mums, this relaxing spray aims to help you relax during some of the most difficult sleep periods you'll ever face.
In the third trimester and shortly after birth a lot of mums find it difficult to get any truly restful sleep, but this blend of bergamot, lavender and chamomile can help to wind down and make the most of those rare quiet moments.
The spray is also suitable for use during hypnobirthing, when aromatherapy can add an extra layer of calm as you work on controlling your breathing.
Available from: Natural Birthing Company, Amazon
8. Temple Spa Quietude Aromatherapy Calming & Sleep Mist Spray, £25
best for long-lasting fragrance
Suitable for: vegans; cruelty-free
This Temple Spa product claims to contain “the ambiance of spa… in a bottle!”. An impressive blend of essential oils make this one of the most long-lasting and effective fragrances on our list.
Users describe the spray as “relaxation gold dust”, with just a few sprays quickly working their magic to lull them into a deep slumber. Enjoy the aroma of cedarwood, cypress, lavender, clove, vetivert, orange, patchouli, frankincense and chamomile. Quite a powerful mix!
Available from: Temple Spa
9. Baby Cowshed Pillow Spray, 100ml, £16
Best for babies
Suitable for: babies from newborn; vegans; cruelty-free
Mandarin and neroli essential oils are among the ingredients in this gentle spray from Baby Cowshed. Neroli is known for alleviating stress and enhancing mood – Cowshed recommend spraying on a favourite blanket or soft toy and taking the pillow mist out with you to help baby feel secure and at ease wherever their travels may take them.
We especially like that this product is vegan and all natural; the Cowshed brand was literally born in a cowshed – but with the luxurious twist that you’d expect from the founders of Soho House.
Available from: The Fragrance Counter
10. Drowsy Sleep SOS Pillow Spray, £21.95
Best for minimal design
Suitable for: Adults (a kids version is also available); vegans; cruelty-free
The streamlined, modern design of this bottle will appeal to minimalists and look stylish on your bedside table, but it doesn't just look good. There's a blend of just about every oil associated with relaxation and restful sleep in this bottle, including vetiver, lavender, bergamot, cedarwood and ylang ylang.
Reviewers really rate its potency, which lasts all through the night. As an added bonus, you'll be doing some good with your purchase, as for each bottle sold, a donation of £1 will be made to the mental health charity Mind.
Available from: Amazon, Drowsy Sleep Co.
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Authors
Janet is mum to two children aged 6 & 9 and a great-Aunt too. She began writing early, penning her first book aged just 7. She has published 2 books
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