There is no question that more and better quality sleep is something to strive for. Sleep has been proven as an essential component of our general physical and mental health. Embracing the power of our senses is one path to better sleep by using scent as your means to an improved slumber. 

Incorporating sleep promoting scents into your bedtime routine is a lovely way to wind down in the evenings and take some time for your well being. 

One way to do this is by using essential oils. Every essential oil has a unique chemical composition, impacting its smell and how it affects the body and mind. The benefits of essential oils can be enjoyed through products infused with your preferred fragrance like lotions, soaps, and bath products or by using the pure oil itself.

Calming scents for sleep

When choosing a scented product for your bedtime routine, look out for these essential oils in the ingredients list that are known for fragrances that promote calm and relaxation: 

Lavender 

• Calming
• Sleep promoting
• Reduces stress levels
• Improves mood

Rose 

• Reduces anxiety
• Reduces PMS symptoms
• Improves sleep
• Promotes relaxation

Chamomile

• Improves sleep
• Reduces anxiety
• Calming

Geranium 

• Alleviates anxiety & depression
• Natural sedative
• Anti-inflammatory

Bergamot

• Improves mood
• Reduces stress
• Promotes sleep

How to use scents for sleep at home

There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of relaxing scents and essential oils before bedtime. Here are some methods you could try. 

• In the bath

Drop anywhere between 2-12 drops of essential oil into a warm bath. Mixing your choice of essential oils with a carrier oil like almond oil is recommended before adding it to the water. Read a bit more about using essential oils in your bath here. Alternatively, you could use a ready-made product that includes your preferred essential oil like the @home Wellbeing range that includes essential oils in its ingredients. Try the Sleep Tight range for a calming scent.  

• On your skin

Massaging an essential oil-based lotion or oil not only distributes the scent to assist with sleep but helps your body wind down before bedtime as well. The Art Of Sleep range from @home incorporates the calming scent of lavender, bergamot, and chamomile to help promote a feeling of tranquillity and set the scene for a good night’s rest.

• In a diffuser

A few drops of essential oils in a diffuser allow the calming scents and their properties to fill the air. There are a variety of methods to disperse calming scents available from fragranced beads to reed diffusers and oil burners, however, an electric diffuser is a great way to enjoy the benefit of bedtime fragrances.  

Why choose an electric diffuser? 

Electric diffusers are a great alternative to scented candles or oil burners as they are smokeless, heatless and flameless making them a safe choice to use around children and pets as well as ensuring that the health benefits of the oils used in them remain intact. These popular devices are also easy to clean, low maintenance and low on energy consumption. 

The Aura diffuser @home range includes a wide selection for all budgets and spaces. Not only are Aura electronic diffusers high quality, meeting both international and South African safety standards, but they are also incredibly stylish. 

Their diffuser designs have an almost sculptural feel and make use of muted colours and natural materials like glass and wood in some. This means you can proudly display your diffuser on a shelf or side table without feeling like it detracts from your decor but rather adds to the aesthetic. 

The Aura range of luxury fragrances are made from pure essential oils, natural extracts and fragrances and include a wide choice of beautiful scents for your home. They also offer pure Aura essential oils if you prefer.

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