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The 7 Best Pillow Sprays to Help You Doze Off

Three different pillow sprays
Victoria’s Lavender/Muse Apothecary/This Works

If you need some extra help winding down before bed, you might want to give a pillow spray a try. Kind of like an air freshener for bed linens, a few spritzes on your pillow should do the trick. Then, just sink your head into the blissful aroma of lavender, chamomile, and other relaxing herbs.

We’ve included our favorite picks below for both those with sensitive noses, and those who prefer stronger scents. At first, you might want to spray your pillow a few hours before bedtime or spritz a few feet above your pillow. Test out a few methods of application until you find the perfect one for you.

Warning: Essential oils can be toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets in large quantities. While pillow sprays are usually highly diluted, you might want to avoid them if your pet sleeps in bed with you. If you notice they’re sneezing or have watery eyes, you should stop using the product immediately.

When do find the perfect match for you though, you’ll be in sweet-dream heaven!

Best Overall: DRMTLGY Linen Mist

Side by side images of lavender room spray
DRMTLGY

This lavender and chamomile spray is popular, nontoxic, and safe to spray on virtually anything in your home. It’s also infused with witch hazel, rosemary, and jojoba oil, so this option will let you sink into a cloud of cozy smells without being too overwhelming.

It’s also a great value and the 8 oz. bottle should last a long time.

Best for Sensitive Noses: Earth Therapeutics Elixir of Dreams Pillow Mist

Front and back views of the Elixir of Dreams Pillow Mist bottle.
Earth Therapeutics

Reviewers say Elixir of Dreams is strong enough to get a good scent but doesn’t overwhelm. Lavender and valerian root create a calming effect, while orange blossom and peppermint keep the mist from getting too heavy.

You can also take the travel-sized bottle anywhere for a great night’s sleep no matter where you are.

Best for Sensitive Noses

Best Natural Option: Victoria’s Lavender Pillow and Linen Spray

A bottle of Victoria's Lavender Linen Spray on a bedside table next to a book with a mug on top of it.
Victoria’s Lavender

Victoria’s Lavender Pillow and Linen Spray is made with only pure lavender essential oil, water, and a blending agent. It’s perfect for lavender purists who don’t enjoy the perfumey smell of other sprays.

The spray pump also means no chemicals are needed to pressurize the air. Reviewers say the scent lasts until morning, so you’ll wake up just as relaxed as you were when you fell asleep.

Best Lavender Alternative: California Baby Overtired & Cranky Spritzer

A bottle of California Baby Overtired and Cranky Spritzer and a little girl showing a bottle of it to a little boy.
California Baby

If you want to try a pillow spray, but don’t like the smell of lavender, this spritzer by California Baby is for you. Yes, technically, it’s for babies, but don’t we all feel like an angry tot sometimes?

It contains chamomile oil to soothe you to sleep, along with a bit of mandarin oil to brighten things up. It doesn’t have any parabens or synthetic additives. Plus, because it’s made for babies, the scent isn’t too overwhelming, so it’s ideal for those who prefer just a hint of fragrance.

Best Lavender Alternative

Best Splurge: thisworks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Bottle of the deep sleep pillow spray sitting on a table and someone holding a bottle of it.
thisworks

This popular pillow spray by thisworks contains lavender, vetivert, and chamomile to make you feel warm and fuzzy at night.

It’s a bit pricier than the other options on our list, but it’s also consistently well-reviewed. It was even a winner in Harper’s Bazaar’s Best of the Best Beauty Awards in 2019.

Best Splurge

Best Multiuse: Caldrea Linen and Room Spray

The Caldrea Lavender and Cedar Leaf Line of products surrounded by herbs and leaves.
Caldrea

The Caldrea Linen and Room spray doubles as an air freshener to make your entire room cozy and warm at night. Cedar leaf is combined with a lavender base to give this option an even fresher scent.

It’s also safe to spray on everything from your pillowcases to carpets. It contains no artificial colors or parabens.

Best Multiuse

Best Budget: Muse Bath Apothecary Pillow Ritual

Someone holding a bottle of Pillow Ritual.
Muse Apothecary

You can grab the highly rated Pillow Ritual by Muse Apothecary for under $10, making it our top budget pick. This plant-based formula is cruelty-free and uses only natural fragrances and essential oils to create its soothing smell.

Reviewers also say the smell fades relatively quickly, which makes this another good option for those who aren’t fans of strong scents.

Anne Taylor Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is a writer with a BA in Journalism and a passion for storytelling. Her work has been published on a variety of websites including Mental Floss and Well + Good, and she recently published her first novel, What it Takes to Lose. When she's not writing, Anne loves to travel (19 countries and counting), spend time outside, and play with her dog, Pepper. Read Full Bio »
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