Top Pillow Sprays for a Restful Slumber in the Scorching UAE Summers
Choosing Ideal Pillow Sprays for Summer Nights in UAE: A Guide to Sleeping Comfortably
Feeling beat after a long day in the blazing UAE sun? A peaceful sleep may seem like a mountain to conquer, but your pillow could be your secret weapon. Introducing scented mists specifically designed to soothe your senses and lull you into dreamland. Science backs it up, too!
We rounded up popular scents to liberally spritz on your pillow before bed and the actual findings about how (and if) they make a difference in catching those coveted Z's.
Read More: Beat the heat, holiday plans MIA and everyone’s on leave? 7 Mood-Boosting Ways to Vibrant Workdays in UAE
Lavender: The Perennial Sleep Aid Tech-Savvy Tranquility
The very name sounds soothing. A major review of 15 studies in 2014, published on the National Library of Medicine, pointed out that simply inhaling essential oils like lavender could aid those with minor sleep difficulties in falling asleep more effortlessly and dozing off more deeply.
And here's more! Another 2015 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggested that those who used lavender aromatherapy experienced improved sleep quality and a more refreshed awakening. What's more, an earlier 2010 research on individuals with anxiety disorders discovered that lavender oil, consumed, supported longer sleep throughout the night.
In a nutshell: lavender isn't merely calming. It's one of the few natural sleep aids with real scientific evidence backing it up. You can use it as a pillow spray, amp up a diffuser, or place a scented sachet by your bedside, reaping the science-approved benefits at bedtime.
Chamomile: The Calming Herb-More Than a Relaxing Tea
You've surely sipped chamomile tea to unwind, but this soothing herb boasts more benefits than you might think. A momentous 2024 review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine looked into 10 clinical trials involving over 700 people and found that chamomile improves overall sleep quality and reduces nighttime interruptions.
Furthermore, in a 2017 study, elderly participants who consumed chamomile extract twice daily for four weeks experienced better sleep compared to a control group. A trial even showed that simply inhaling chamomile essential oil before bedtime for 15 nights significantly elevated sleep quality in young adults grappling with insomnia.
Bergamot: Bright in Scent, Mellow in Effects
Despite smelling zesty and uplifting, bergamot, a notable citrus scent found in fragrances and Earl Grey tea, presents calming effects. A 2023 clinical trial published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that people who used a bergamot-infused sleep spray before bedtime slept longer, awoke feeling more renewed, and found it simpler to fall asleep.
The science doesn't stop there. A 2015 crossover study in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine demonstrated that inhaling bergamot essential oil significantly diminished cortisol levels (your body's primary stress hormone) and enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activity, effectively signaling it's time to relax.
Animal studies also echo these findings, suggesting bergamot's potential to reduce stress-related hormones and facilitate more restful sleep.
Although bergamot smells lively, its effects are quieting and soothing.
Cedarwood: Grounding and Earthy
Cedarwood essential oil contains cedrol, a compound shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system—the one responsible for calming your body and preparing it for slumber.
Pro Tip: Spray With Caution
As the American Academy of Dermatology advises, Moderately mist your pillow or bedding, using just one or two sprays, around 10-15 minutes before bedtime. For those with sensitive skin or allergies, it is advisable to first test the spray on a fabric sample away from the face or use a tissue near the pillow. And remember, pillow sprays are not sleep miracles. They offer no cure for insomnia. Burn the midnight oil (or maybe don't), remain faithful to healthy sleep habits, such as limiting screen time, and keep your room cool and dark for a cozy, dreamy night's rest. And as always, consult your doctor if you have health issues before trying new sleep aids.
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