February 16, 2022
Do sleep sprays work?
Sleep sprays & pillow mists smell amazing but do they actually send us off into a deeper sleep?
Well the tests tell us they do!
Some recent testing using MRI scanning on two commercial pillow sprays that use Lavender and other essential oils showed that Olfaction (smell) has a profound effect on activities such as sleep and learning.
Results In the neuroimaging, "we found positive connectivity between the piriform cortex and the hippocampus, amygdala, insula, and middle cingulate cortex. These pillow sprays specifically activated the superior temporal gyrus and showed some beneficial impact on sleep".
Conclusions "olfactory stimulation can potentially aid sleep and modify affective processes in a number of ways"
So the Science shows that smelling these essential oils does effect the brain and makes it more active in certain areas such as sleep.
Research has also found that external stimuli during sleep, including smells, can affect dreams. In one study, positively associated smells promoted more positive dreams while unpleasant smells increased negative dreams.
Pillow mists and sprays work because they produce sleep inducing hormones – aromas cause our bodies to produce melatonin, a hormone which promotes restful sleep. Numerous studies have been conducted confirming lavender’s use as an all-natural sedative, while chamomile has been shown to curb anxiety and depression.
Regular use of pillow mists also triggers a good habit – a cue to get our body and mind to associate a specific scent with falling asleep.
Lavender is also proven to stimulate alpha waves in the brain which help us to relax and unwind...
The Ives Sleep spray is made with pure essential oils, witch hazel and no chemicals at all. We use Lavender, Ylang ylang, rose, vetiver, patchouli and vanilla to send you off into a restful sleep.
Get yours