6 Best Lavender Sprays for Restful Sleep and Deep Relaxation
In an era of sleep tracking apps and weighted blankets, lavender sprays have emerged as the subtle powerhouse of the sleep wellness movement. While some swear by expensive smart mattresses or elaborate bedtime routines, sleep enthusiasts are increasingly turning to this simple solution: a few spritzes of lavender before bed.
The science backs this up – lavender’s key compounds (linalool and linalyl acetate) work directly with the brain’s GABA receptors, essentially acting as a natural “off switch” for a busy mind.
After months of testing and research, we’ve updated our list of best lavender sprays for sleep that deliver real results.
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Best Lavender Sleep Sprays of 2025 (available on Amazon):
Research shows that quality lavender aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Studies have found it may increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep – the most restorative kind of rest. Here are the six best lavender sprays worth trying:
1. Best Overall – ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Why We Love It:
When it comes to delivering on promises, ThisWorks truly… works! This award-winning formula has earned its stellar reputation by helping even the most stubborn sleepers find their way to dreamland. The beautifully balanced blend of lavender, vetivert, and wild chamomile creates a sophisticated aroma that’s effective without feeling medicinal.
What we especially loved was that this pillow spray maintained just the right level of scent all night long. Unlike cheaper products that either fade too quickly or overwhelm your senses, ThisWorks strikes that perfect balance to keep you in a peaceful state until morning.
Key Ingredients: Lavender, Vetivert, Wild Chamomile
Product Highlights: Clinically proven effectiveness, 99% natural formula, suitable for sensitive skin and during pregnancy, paraben-free.
2. Best Multi-Purpose Formula – Nature’s Beauty Lavender Chamomile
Why We Love It:
Here’s a true multi-tasker for your bedtime routine – Nature’s Beauty goes beyond basic sleep spray functionality by infusing their formula with nourishing coconut, jojoba, and moringa seed oils. This means you can spritz it not just on your pillows but directly on your face and body too—perfect if you want to moisturize while winding down.
The light vanilla-lavender scent isn’t overwhelming, making it suitable even if you’re sensitive to strong fragrances.
Best For: Anyone looking to simplify their nighttime routine with a product that works as both skincare and sleep aid.
Key Ingredients: Lavender, Chamomile, Vanilla, Citrus Orange, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Moringa Seed Oil
Product Highlights: Free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic chemicals; doubles as facial mist; gentle enough for daily use; excellent value two-pack.
3. Best All-Natural Formula: NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep
Why We Love It:
If you’ve dismissed sleep sprays as simplistic single-note products, NEOM will completely change your perspective. This luxurious formula features a sophisticated orchestra of 14 all-natural essential oils—including English lavender, chamomile, and patchouli—working in harmony to create an unparalleled sensory experience.
From the first spritz, rather than a straightforward lavender scent, you’re enveloped in a complex, layered fragrance that unfolds like a fine perfume. The elegant glass bottle feels substantial in your hand, making your bedtime ritual feel like a true self-care moment rather than just another step in your routine.
Best For: Gift-giving, treating yourself to a luxurious sleep experience, or anyone who appreciates complex fragrances beyond simple lavender.
Key Ingredients: English Lavender, Chamomile, Patchouli (plus 11 other essential oils)
Product Highlights: Sophisticated multi-layered fragrance profile, beautiful packaging worthy of display, 100% natural ingredients, creates a spa-like experience at home.
4. Best Long-Lasting Fragrance – Plant Therapy Blissful Dreams Lavender Pillow Spray
Why We Love It:
If you’ve tried other sleep sprays only to wake up in the middle of the night with all benefits evaporated, Plant Therapy deserves your attention. This formula is the marathon runner of sleep sprays—it keeps working all night long when others have given up.
The secret lies in their premium French lavender combined with organic bergamot and chamomile. The scent is refreshingly light and crisp, not the heavy floral bomb that gives some lavender products a bad name. Just one spritz creates a gentle aromatic bubble around your pillow that lasts until morning, making it particularly valuable if you tend to wake during the night and need help drifting back to sleep.
Best For: Middle-of-the-night wakers, light sleepers who need continuous support, and anyone disappointed by sprays that fade too quickly.
Key Ingredients: Premium French Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Vetiver, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile
Product Highlights: 100% pure essential oils (no synthetic fillers), fine mist application that doesn’t soak pillows, 8-hour scent longevity backed by actual sleep testing.
5. Best for Calm: Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray
Why We Love It:
This UK-created spray performs like products twice its price. With over 14,000 glowing reviews, Feather & Down has mastered the art of effective sleep spray without the luxury markup.
The beautifully balanced lavender-chamomile blend lacks the artificial undertones that plague many budget options. Instead, it delivers a genuine botanical experience that makes bedtime something to look forward to.
The ingenious fine-mist applicator deserves special mention—it evenly distributes just the right amount of product without drenching your pillowcase, a common complaint with cheaper sprays.
Best For: Value-conscious shoppers, newcomers to sleep sprays, or anyone who goes through spray quickly and needs an affordable option for regular use.
Key Ingredients: Lavender Essential Oil, Chamomile Essential Oil
Product Highlights: Premium quality at a wallet-friendly price, fine mist application that doesn’t waste product, vegan and cruelty-free formula, subtle scent that won’t overwhelm.
6. Best for Travel: Baloo Pillow Mist
Why We Love It:
Anyone who travels regularly knows the struggle—strange beds, unfamiliar sounds, and disrupted sleep routines. Baloo’s travel-friendly mist solves this problem beautifully by helping you recreate your sleep environment wherever you are.
The distinctive blend of lavender and bergamot creates a signature scent that becomes associated with sleep over time, sending powerful “time-to-rest” signals to your brain even in an airport hotel room.
At 3.4 oz, it’s perfectly sized to slip into your carry-on luggage, and the robust glass bottle design holds up to frequent travel without leaking all over your clothes.
Best For: Frequent travelers, business professionals dealing with jet lag, or anyone who struggles to sleep well away from home.
Key Ingredients: Lavender Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil
Product Highlights: TSA-friendly size, leak-resistant design, sophisticated unisex fragrance, elegant minimalist packaging that looks stylish on any nightstand.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Perfect Lavender Spray
Consider Your Specific Sleep Needs
For Trouble Falling Asleep: If your mind races when your head hits the pillow, choose a spray with higher lavender concentration like ThisWorks Deep Sleep. The initial potency helps interrupt thought patterns that keep you awake.
For Night Waking: Can’t sleep through the night? Look for formulas specifically designed for extended release, like Plant Therapy. Their 8-hour potency ensures the calming effects are still working when you need them most.
For Sensitive Skin: If typical products cause irritation, opt for a clean, all-natural formula like NEOM or Nature’s Beauty. Designed to be gentle enough for direct skin contact, it won’t irritate even reactive skin types.
For Anxiety-Related Sleep Issues: The combination of lavender and chamomile provides double the calming power for anxiety-triggered insomnia. Feather & Down’s balanced blend is particularly effective for this common sleep disruptor.
For Travel Sleep Disruptions: Travel throws off even the best sleepers. Baloo’s portable mist helps create sleep consistency when everything else changes, making it essential for frequent travelers.
Quality Indicators That Matter
- Pure Essential Oils: The difference between synthetic fragrance and true essential oils is dramatic. Look for products specifying “pure” or “essential” oils rather than just “fragrance” or “perfume”—your sleep quality will thank you.
- Proper Concentration: A concentration between 1-5% provides the perfect balance of therapeutic benefits without overwhelming scent. Contrary to what you might expect, higher concentrations aren’t necessarily better and can actually be too stimulating.
- Complementary Ingredients: The best formulas pair lavender with synergistic ingredients like chamomile (for deeper relaxation), vetiver (for grounding), or bergamot (for anxiety relief). These combinations work better than lavender alone.
- Spray Mechanism: A seemingly minor detail that makes a huge difference. Quality sprays feature fine mist dispensers that evenly distribute product without soaking your pillowcase—important if you’re spraying right before bed.
- Scent Longevity: Premium sleep sprays maintain their scent for 6-8 hours.
Sleep Expert Tips: Maximize Your Lavender Spray Benefits
The Science-Backed Bedtime Routine
- Prepare Your Space: Dim lights and reduce noise 30 minutes before bed
- Apply at the Right Time: Spray 15-20 minutes before bedtime (allows alcohol base to evaporate)
- Perfect Application: 2-3 spritzes from 12 inches away
- Create a Ritual: Pair with other relaxation practices like deep breathing
- Strategic Placement: Spray pillowcase edges (not center) to avoid direct contact
Advanced Application Techniques
- For Side Sleepers: Spray the side of the pillow opposite to where your face rests
- For Racing Thoughts: Combine with 4-7-8 breathing technique
- For Light Sleepers: Apply to both pillowcase and bedding
- For Travel: Pack a travel-size spray to recreate your sleep environment anywhere
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While lavender sprays are generally safe and effective, some users may encounter challenges. Here’s how to address common issues:
Sensitivity or Allergies
If you experience any skin irritation or respiratory discomfort after using a lavender spray, discontinue use immediately. To prevent this:
- Perform a patch test before full application. Apply a small amount of the spray to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.
- If you have sensitive skin, try spraying your bedding earlier in the day, allowing more time for the alcohol base to evaporate fully.
- Consider using a pure lavender essential oil in a diffuser instead of a spray if skin sensitivity is an issue.
Scent Fatigue
Some people may become desensitized to the lavender scent over time, reducing it’s effectiveness. To combat this:
- Take occasional breaks from using the spray. A few days without it can help reset your olfactory system.
- Alternate between different lavender-based products or blends to provide variety.
- Use the spray in combination with other relaxation techniques to maintain it’s association with sleep.
Staining
To avoid potential staining on delicate fabrics:
- Test the spray on an inconspicuous area of your bedding first.
- Avoid over-saturating your bedding. A light mist is enough.
- Consider using a lavender sachet under your pillow instead of a spray if staining is a concern.
Partner Preferences
If you share a bed with someone who doesn’t enjoy the scent of lavender:
- Discuss the importance of sleep quality and try to find a compromise, such as using the spray only on your side of the bed.
- Experiment with different scents or blends that you both find agreeable.
- Consider using personal aromatherapy methods, like a scented eye mask or a small sachet near your pillow.
Adapting Lavender Sprays to Different Scenarios
Lavender sprays aren’t just for bedtime. Here are some creative ways to incorporate them into various aspects of your life:
Travel Companion
Bring a small bottle of lavender spray on trips to create a familiar, sleep-inducing environment in hotel rooms. This can help combat jet lag and the discomfort of sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
Spray your travel pillow or a scarf to carry the soothing scent with you on long flights or car rides.
Meditation Aid
Enhance your meditation or yoga practice by using lavender spray in your practice space. The calming scent can help deepen your relaxation and focus.
Mist the air or your yoga mat before beginning your session.
Stress Relief
Keep a bottle of lavender spray at your desk for quick stress relief during hectic workdays. A light mist in the air or on your wrists can provide a moment of calm during high-pressure situations.
This can be particularly helpful before important meetings or presentations.
Linen Refresher
Use your lavender spray to freshen up stored linens or clothes, imparting a pleasant, relaxing scent. This is especially useful for guest rooms or when preparing for visitors.
A light mist in drawers or closets can keep your belongings smelling fresh between uses.
Laundry Enhancer
Add a spritz of lavender spray to your dryer balls or directly onto clean laundry before folding. This infuses your clothes and linens with a subtle, soothing scent that lasts.
Relaxing Bath Ritual
Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom by misting the air with lavender spray before taking a relaxing bath. The combination of warm water and lavender aroma can be incredibly soothing after a long day.
Car Freshener
Use your lavender spray as a natural car freshener. A light mist on cloth seats or a small sachet can create a calming environment during your commute or on long drives.
Advancing Your Sleep Optimization Journey
While lavender sprays can be a powerful tool in your sleep arsenal, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. As you become more attuned to your sleep needs, consider exploring these extra strategies to enhance your overall sleep quality:
Sleep Tracking
Utilize apps or wearable devices to watch your sleep patterns. This data can provide valuable insights into your sleep cycles, helping you identify areas for improvement.
Look for patterns in your sleep quality and how they correlate with your use of lavender spray and other sleep hygiene practices.
Chronotherapy
Adjust your sleep schedule gradually to align with your body’s natural circadian rhythms. This might involve slowly shifting your bedtime earlier or later, depending on your natural tendencies and lifestyle requirements.
Use your lavender spray as part of this process to reinforce your new sleep schedule.
Advanced Relaxation Techniques
Explore methods like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or biofeedback to enhance your body’s ability to unwind before sleep. These techniques, when combined with the use of lavender spray, can create a powerful relaxation routine.
Light Therapy
Consider using light therapy devices to help regulate your circadian rhythm, especially if you struggle with seasonal affective disorder or irregular sleep patterns because of shift work. Use bright light exposure in the morning and dim, warm lighting in the evening, complemented by your lavender spray routine.
Nutrition for Sleep
Explore how your diet impacts your sleep quality. Certain foods and drinks can promote better sleep, while others may hinder it.
Consider incorporating sleep-friendly foods like tart cherries, kiwi, or warm milk into your evening routine, alongside your lavender spray usage.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
If sleep issues persist, consider working with a sleep specialist who can guide you through CBT-I. This structured program helps identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems.
Your lavender spray can be incorporated into the relaxation strategies learned in CBT-I.
Exercises to Enhance Your Lavender Spray Experience
To maximize the benefits of your lavender spray, try incorporating these exercises into your bedtime routine:
Mindful Inhalation
After spraying your pillow or bedding, take a few moments for mindful breathing:
- Sit comfortably on your bed.
- Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, focusing on the lavender scent.
- Hold the breath for a count of four.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth, imagining tension leaving your body.
- Repeat this process 5-10 times, or until you feel noticeably relaxed.
Gratitude Practice
As you lie in bed surrounded by the lavender aroma, engage in a brief gratitude exercise:
- Think of three things you’re grateful for from your day.
- Visualize each one clearly in your mind.
- Notice any positive feelings that arise as you focus on these moments of gratitude.
- Let these positive emotions wash over you as you breathe in the lavender scent.
This practice can help shift your mind from any lingering stress to a more positive state, promoting better sleep.
Progressive Relaxation
Combine the use of your lavender spray with a progressive muscle relaxation exercise:
- Lie comfortably in bed after applying your lavender spray.
- Starting with your toes, tense the muscles for a count of five, then release.
- Move upwards through your body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group.
- As you release each muscle, imagine the tension flowing out of your body.
- Focus on the lavender scent as you breathe deeply between each muscle group.
This exercise helps release physical tension while the lavender promotes mental relaxation.
Visualization
Use the lavender scent as a trigger for a calming visualization:
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the lavender aroma.
- Imagine yourself in a peaceful lavender field.
- Visualize the purple flowers swaying gently in a warm breeze.
- Engage all your senses – feel the warmth of the sun, hear the rustle of the plants, smell the intense lavender scent.
- Allow yourself to feel completely at peace in this imaginary setting.
This exercise can help distract your mind from racing thoughts and create a tranquil mental space conducive to sleep.
The Verdict: Which Lavender Spray Actually Works Best?
With so many sleep products on the market, it’s not always easy to tell which lavender sprays actually help you sleep—and which ones just smell nice. After months of testing and comparing, a few standout options truly delivered on their promise of deeper, more restful sleep.
Our top pick? ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. It’s earned the editor’s choice for its soothing scent and clinically-backed results. Blending lavender with vetivert and chamomile, it’s perfect for those who want real results without the overpowering scent that pure lavender sometimes has.
While each spray in our curated selection offers distinct benefits, the choice ultimately depends on your personal sleep goals and scent preferences. Whether you prioritize proven efficacy, natural ingredients, or sophisticated aroma, these six top picks are our absolute favorites when it comes to sleep-promoting lavender sprays.
If you want to get our best-rated lavender spray for sleep, check out ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray here and start experiencing the benefits of lavender-enhanced sleep tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lavender spray for sleep?
The best lavender spray for sleep varies depending on individual preferences and needs. Our top-rated recommendation is ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, which has been clinically proven to help with falling and staying asleep. When choosing, look for high-quality essential oils and a formulation that matches your scent preferences and sleep needs.
How does lavender help with sleep?
Lavender contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that have sedative effects on the nervous system. When inhaled, these compounds interact with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
This can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful sleep.
Can I use lavender spray every night?
Yes, most people can safely use lavender spray every night as part of their bedtime routine. However, if you notice any skin irritation or become desensitized to the scent, consider taking occasional breaks or alternating with other relaxation techniques.
How long before bed should I use lavender spray?
For best results, use lavender spray about 15-20 minutes before bedtime. This allows time for any alcohol in the spray to evaporate and for you to start winding down mentally as you prepare for sleep.
Is lavender spray safe for children?
Lavender spray is generally considered safe for children when used as directed. However, it’s always best to ask with a pediatrician before introducing any new sleep aid, especially for very young children or infants.
Can lavender spray stain bedding?
While most lavender sprays are formulated to be safe for fabrics, it’s always a good idea to test the spray on an inconspicuous area first. To minimize the risk of staining, avoid over-saturating your bedding and allow the spray to dry before coming into contact with it.
How long does the scent of lavender spray last?
The longevity of lavender spray scent can vary depending on the product and environmental factors. High-quality sprays typically last several hours, often throughout the night.
If you find the scent fading too quickly, you may need to reapply or consider a different product.
Can lavender spray help with anxiety?
Yes, lavender has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. Using lavender spray can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm, which can be particularly beneficial for those who experience anxiety-related sleep issues.
Are there any side effects of using lavender spray?
While lavender is generally safe for most people, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. In rare cases, lavender may cause headaches or nausea in sensitive people.
If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and ask a healthcare professional.
Can I make my own lavender sleep spray?
Yes, you can make your own lavender sleep spray by mixing lavender essential oil with distilled water and a small amount of witch hazel or alcohol to help the oil and water mix. However, store-bought sprays often have more stable formulations and may include extra beneficial ingredients.
Related Reading
If you’re interested in using essential oils to improve your sleep, check out our guide on the Best Essential Oils for Sleep Apnea You Need to Try.