I’m a big believer in nailing the basics when it comes to wellness. As nice as relaxing bubble baths, fancy yoga classes and tranquil spa retreats may be, the things that will really make a difference to your wellbeing are the healthy habits you stick to day in day out. If you’re not eating well, moving your body and drinking plenty of water, no amount of expensive products will make you feel good.

However, some products make ticking off the basics that little bit easier. Getting consistent, high-quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical wellbeing, and while overcomplicating your nighttime routine can cause further issues, using a few tools to help yourself relax and unwind can put you in the right headspace to drift off.

In my bedside table drawers, you’ll find a collection of magnesium supplements (FutureYou’s Magnesium+, £15, is my favourite) and a silk eyemask from The White Company, £25, which helps me calm down when I’m feeling overwhelmed. And you’ll find my Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 sunrise alarm clock, £119, perched on top, which is an absolute game-changer for waking up feeling energised during the dark winter months. 

But one product I return to again and again is Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep pillow mist, £23. Scent has been shown to have a powerful impact on the nervous system, with research showing that lavender, in particular, can reduce stress by affecting the parasympathetic nervous system. This pillow spray boasts 100% natural lavender essential oil as its main ingredient, followed by a blend of other essential oils including chamomile and patchouli – all of which come together to create a scent that not only smells great but genuinely helps you to relax and unwind once you’re in bed.

Now, one of the main reasons why I’ve struggled to get into pillow sprays in the past is because the smell tends to be a little overpowering, which can be distracting for the senses when you’re lying in bed. The last thing you want when you’re trying to relax and drift off is for your head to start aching from olfactory overwhelm. As someone who doesn’t always struggle with my sleep, I’ve chosen to stay away for fear of creating any new issues.  

Getting the chance to try Neom’s Perfect Night’s Sleep pillow mist changed my mind. I first used it when I was having a pamper evening in bed, and I was surprised by how delicate the smell was. Unlike other mists, it felt light and inviting, the perfect balance of freshness and scent that created an almost spa-like atmosphere. Since then, I’ve used it plenty of times when stressed before bed or struggling to unwind, and I’ve found it really helps me to shift into a restful state.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying a pillow mist has transformed my sleep. I’m fortunate to have been blessed with pretty good sleep, so it’s not like the mist has solved any major issues (and nor would I expect it to). Anyone struggling with their sleep should address their lifestyle habits and speak to their GP instead of placing their hopes in a singular product. But for someone like me who finds it a little harder to get to sleep during stressful periods and can’t always make time for a proper wind-down routine, it’s nice to have something that makes it easier to relax before bed. 

Each 30ml bottle contains enough pillow mist for three months of daily use, but because I only use it when I feel a little bit tense, mine has lasted much longer. Sometimes, I’ll pair it with the brand’s Perfect Night’s Sleep candle, but mostly, I use it on its own: just a few spritzes on my pillow before I lie down helps the scent to float around as I close my eyes and nod off.

It’s not going to solve long-standing sleep issues, but it can create a more chilled-out, sleep-friendly atmosphere – perfect for winding down after a long day. 

Images: Getty; Neom