12 Best Sleep Sprays to Help You Fall Asleep Fast

You try to do everything right when it comes to sleep prep – you’re big on sticking to a regular bedtime, cutting caffeine out after lunch and turning off your screens well in advance of slipping between the sheets. Still, some nights, you just can’t unwind your mind and drift off. A great option to for as a sleep aid? Sleep sprays.

If you aren’t familiar with them, sleep sprays come in many different scents, all of which are intended to provide restorative slumber. “Certain smells can conjure feelings of rest and relaxation,” says Kelly Murray, FDN-P, a certified adult sleep coach in Chicago. “Certain essential oils are known for their calming properties. Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and jasmine are effective options.”

Indeed, when it comes to the most effective sleep-inducing scent, science says it’s lavender for the win. Lavender has been referred to as “the broom of the brain” for its ability to sweep away stress. A recent study found that this is due to a component of lavender called linalool, which acts sort of like a natural sedative on the central nervous system. Lavender essential oil also relaxes your limbic system, most importantly the amygdala and hippocampus portions of your brain, which is key for relaxation.

How to use sleep sprays:

Sleep sprays are easy to use – you just apply them to your pillow and/or bedding. The key to making a sleep spray work for you is to identify what scents make you most uniquely comfortable. A cedarwood scent might remind you of chilling at the beach, while a rose scent can conjure the joy of sticking your nose into a fresh bouquet. Think in terms of nostalgia – what scent brings you back to the happiest, warmest memories?

You can also experiment with new scents to cement a brand-new association in your mind. A scent that’s completely fresh can create a specific association with a good night’s sleep if it works for you – this is a great way to “train” your body and mind to relax the second you sniff it on your bed sheets.

How we picked the best sleep sprays:

To better educate shoppers about how to choose the best sleep-sprays, we interviewed Murray founder of Chicago-based Kelly Murray Sleep Consulting, who has helped hundreds of families find their way to better sleep habits. We also examined studies on which essential oils have calming properties, and researched reviews of products online.

Ready to start shopping for a sleep spray? Keep a few points in mind. “I recommend looking for sleep sprays that use natural and organic ingredients,” says Murray. “Avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.” Also, spot-test a spray – put a little on your sleeve, and see how you like it as you go about your day before using it more generously on your pillow that night. A spritz on your wrist is also a great way to make sure a spray won’t trigger an allergic reaction.

Here’s a round-up of the best sleep sprays on the market right now. They smell delicious, get the job done and are reasonably priced – what’s not to love?

Editor's note: If you're suffering from insomnia or have other symptoms in addition to poor sleep, such as trouble eating, depression or anxiety, you should seek professional health through a primary care physician, mental health expert or sleep specialist.