The Best Sleep Sprays

If you have a hard time winding down in the evening, a sleep spray can help you prepare for bed. Sleep sprays contain ingredients that promote feelings of relaxation and tiredness. Melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone naturally produced in the brain, is commonly found in supplemental form in sleep sprays, but some use a melatonin-free recipe with alternative ingredients.

Edible sleep sprays are usually applied under the tongue before your scheduled bedtime. The term “sleep spray” can also apply to non-ingestible scented sprays you can spritz on your pillow and sheets, which provide a relaxing smell to help you relax before sleep. Most sleep sprays do not require a prescription and can be obtained over the counter. These sprays are also fairly inexpensive, and many companies that sell sleep sprays offer discounts when you opt for a subscription plan.

Product Details

Best Overall

Baloo Living Pillow Mist

Price:

$18

• Who it’s best for

  1. Consumers who prefer to buy and use animal-free products
  2. Those who are seeking a non-ingestible sleep spray
  3. People who tend to feel anxious before falling asleep

• Highlights

  1. Made from a soothing blend of lavender, lemon, rosemary, and chrysanthemum oils
  2. Spritz on your pillows and sheets to create a relaxing sleep environment
  3. Spray does not contain any artificial fragrances

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Some sleep sprays contain ingredients like melatonin and are meant to be ingested, while others provide soothing aromatherapy. The Baloo Living Pillow Mist falls into the latter category. Four essential oils that promote relaxation — chrysanthemum, lavender, lemon, and rosemary — form a soothing blend that also smells quite nice. The formula does not contain artificial fragrances, animal-based materials, mineral oils, or silicone.

For best results, lightly spritz your pillow and sheets before getting into bed. The spray is immediately noticeable, but you may need a few minutes for the aroma to take full effect. Since the formula is water-based, it shouldn’t cause permanent damage to your bedding if correctly applied.

Each shipment includes a 3.4-ounce bottle. You don’t need much spray to achieve the desired effect, so one bottle could potentially last months. Baloo Living offers free delivery for orders of $100 or more, but flat-rate shipping is reasonable if you don’t reach this benchmark.

Best Value

Source Naturals Melatonin NutraSpray

Price:

$8

• Who it’s best for

  1. People who aren’t intolerant of or allergic to soy
  2. Those who feel energetic or anxious before bedtime
  3. Budget-conscious shoppers

• Highlights

  1. Spray contains a potent blend of melatonin and vitamin B6
  2. Orange and berry flavors used to produce a pleasant taste
  3. One container can last up to two-and-a-half months

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Although sleep sprays are generally inexpensive, you can find some options that last longer than others while delivering similar results. The Source Naturals Melatonin NutraSpray is one example of a sleep spray that’s high in both quality and value. Each canister of NutraSpray contains 78 individual doses. The recommended serving is one to three spritzes before bedtime, so one canister can last more than two months for some individuals.

The Melatonin NutraSpray’s chief ingredients are melatonin and vitamin B6. The latter plays a role in the production of the amino acid tryptophan, which in turn is involved in the release of serotonin. It’s also linked to GABA production, a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for settling your nerves and reducing anxiety. Note that the Melatonin NutraSpray also contains soy, so you should consider another supplement if you have a soy allergy or intolerance.

The Melatonin NutraSpray is applied sublingually, meaning you spritz it under your tongue before swishing and swallowing. You can choose between two flavors: orange or berry. The spray is intended for adults only.

Best Lavender Scent

Plant Therapy Blissful Dreams Lavender Pillow Spray

Price:

$15

• Who it’s best for

  1. Those who foresee ongoing aromatherapy needs
  2. People who enjoy lavender scents
  3. Shoppers looking for a non-edible sleep spray

• Highlights

  1. Relaxing aroma blends floral and citrus scents
  2. Third-party tested for safety with common bedding fabrics
  3. Subscribers receive a discount at checkout

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

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Lavender-scented sprays aren’t for everyone, but those who enjoy this aroma should definitely check out the Blissful Dreams Lavender Pillow Spray from Plant Therapy. The smell is light and crisp, which may be ideal for those who have found other sleep sprays too overwhelming. Since the aroma is somewhat faint, you may need a few extra spritzes on your pillow and sheets to experience the full effect.

In addition to lavender oil, which has been shown to have a relaxing effect, the spray contains oil from the vetiver and Roman chamomile flowers. Some added bergamot peel also gives the aroma a citrusy finish. This is a water-based spray, so it shouldn’t stain or otherwise damage your bedding. The spray has also been third-party tested for safety when used on common sheet and pillowcase fabrics such as cotton, silk, and rayon.

Your order includes an 8-ounce bottle, ensuring you won’t run out for months even with nightly spritzes — though the spray has a shelf life of 2 years if you use it infrequently. This spray is designed for adults only. You can pay full price at checkout for a one-time purchase, or sign up for an ongoing subscription and receive a 5% discount.

Best Melatonin Spray

Onnit Instant Melatonin Spray

Price:

$13

• Who it’s best for

  1. People who foresee an ongoing need for a sleep spray
  2. Anyone who enjoys mint or lavender flavors
  3. Those who don’t need large doses of melatonin before bed

• Highlights

  1. Customers can choose between one-time purchases or a subscription
  2. Lavender variety includes stevia leaf extract and lavender oil
  3. One canister can last one to six months

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

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For many people, sleep sprays become a crucial component of their nighttime routine, and replenishing their supply can be a hassle. Onnit offers customers two options when they purchase the Instant Melatonin Spray. You can choose a one-time purchase or sign up for a subscription and receive a 15% discount on your order. Subscribers can choose from seven plans, with delivery schedules ranging from once a week to every three months.

One spritz of the spray contains 0.5 milligrams of melatonin. This is a rather small dose, and the recommended serving size is six individual spritzes, but you may find that one or two is enough to help you relax and unwind before bed. Onnit recommends experimenting with your optimal nightly intake. Each canister contains about 180 spritzes, so one shipment could sustain you anywhere from one to six months. 

You can choose between mint and lavender flavors. If you opt for a subscription, note that your credit card will be charged automatically on the date your order is processed.

Best Melatonin-Free

Bach Rescue Sleep Spray

Price:

$26

• Who it’s best for:

  1. Those looking for a sleep spray that doesn’t contain melatonin
  2. Vegetarians and vegans
  3. People who are intolerant of or allergic to gluten

• Highlights:

  1. Natural tincture derived from six floral essences
  2. Does not contain melatonin, gluten, or artificial flavors
  3. All orders backed by a 45-night satisfaction guarantee

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

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Melatonin has proven to be an effective sleep aid for many, but it’s not the only option if you’re in the market for a sleep spray — especially if your doctor has advised against using melatonin. The Bach Rescue Sleep Spray forgoes melatonin entirely and instead uses natural floral essences to induce relaxation and sleepiness. Additionally, the spray does not contain gluten or artificial flavors and is considered vegan-friendly.

The floral essences are produced from hand-picked flowers and include cherry plum, impatiens, rock rose, and white chestnut. While the role these ingredients play is based on homeopathic practice, not medical evidence, some may find the spray effective at reducing nighttime stress and anxiety. The manufacturer recommends applying two spritzes on the tongue before bed, though you may need additional doses to feel tired.

If you order the Rescue Sleep Spray from Amazon.com, you can choose between a 7-milliliter bottle that contains about 75 doses or a 20-milliliter bottle with roughly 190 doses.

Best Topical Spray

Marro Magnesium Sleep Spray

Price:

$28

• Who it’s best for:

  1. People seeking a sleep spray they don’t need to ingest
  2. Those who are prone to sore or stiff joints and muscles
  3. Individuals who want to use a spray on a nightly basis

• Highlights:

  1. Topical spray can be applied to the hands or feet
  2. Ingredients include magnesium, pine-derived terpineol, and purified water
  3. Quick-absorbing formula designed to be applied 10 minutes before bedtime

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Not all sleep sprays are intended to be ingested orally. For instance, you spritz the Marro Magnesium Sleep Spray on your hands or feet before bed. The topical is neither greasy nor heavily scented, so you won’t need to worry about unpleasant sensations or smells after it’s been applied.

Although the spray is considered safe for all ages, parents should speak with a pediatrician before using the product on their child. Additionally, parents should apply it to the bottoms of small children’s feet to help ensure it won’t be ingested.

The spray’s chief ingredient is magnesium chloride sourced from the Dead Sea. It also contains pine-derived terpenes, which are intended to promote relaxation and are responsible for the light, pleasant smell.

Other components include purified water and extracts derived from substances such as chamomile, lavender, and green tea. Besides promoting sleep, some of these ingredients may also help your stiff or sore muscles and joints recover during the night — though results will vary, and we don’t recommend using the topical to treat severe or ongoing pain.

Each bottle contains 9,000 milligrams of magnesium. The best spray size depends on a few factors, so trial and error may be required to determine your ideal dose.

Best for Young Children

Plant Therapy Monster Away Spray

Price:

$15

• Who it’s best for

  1. Children aged 2 or older
  2. Kids who are afraid of the dark
  3. Parents who foresee ongoing sleep spray needs

• Highlights

  1. Kid-friendly spray is both citrusy and earthy
  2. Does not contain ammonia, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates
  3. Shoppers save money by signing up for a subscription

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Plant Therapy products

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Many sleep sprays on the market are intended for adult use, but the Monster Away Spray from Plant Therapy was created with kids in mind. An essential oil blend of orange, cedarwood, ho wood, chamomile, and vetiver creates a scent that’s both citrusy and earthy with a bit of sweetness. The spray is intended for children who are 2 or older. 

As its name implies, the scent can be particularly beneficial for children who feel lonely, anxious, or scared in their bedroom at night. Parents should spritz their child’s pillow and sheets before bed, and prohibit kids from handling the bottle themselves. This is a water-based spray, so it won’t stain or damage your child’s bedding. 

Each order includes an 8-ounce bottle, which could potentially last for months even with nightly application. Customers may pay full price for a one-time purchase, but those who subscribe to Plant Therapy receive a 5% discount.

What Is a Sleep Spray?

A sleep spray is a liquid in a bottle that, when spritzed, is designed to enhance a person’s ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some sleep sprays are applied in the mouth and are considered a dietary supplement. These sprays may contain melatonin, magnesium, or other vitamins or minerals intended to facilitate sleep.

Other kinds of sleep sprays are made with essential oils intended to provide calming aromatherapy around bedtime. These sprays are meant to be applied to fabrics or the skin and can involve scents like lavender and chamomile.

Who Are Sleep Sprays Good For?

Sleep sprays may be a good option for people who occasionally have difficulty sleeping. They are not intended to be a treatment for serious conditions like chronic insomnia or anxiety.

Ingestible sleep sprays may be most helpful for people who have a hard time swallowing pills, chewing gummies, or taking other forms of dietary supplements. While these products can be purchased without a prescription, it’s best to speak with a doctor about the potential benefits and downsides of any specific sleep spray.

Aromatherapy sleep sprays may be helpful for people who want to create a more relaxing sleep setting. Sprays containing calming scents like lavender and chamomile may help people wind down at bedtime. People who have significant smell sensitivities, allergies, or asthma should look closely at the ingredients before using an aromatherapy sleep spray.

What to Look For in a Sleep Spray

Sleep sprays are generally either an ingestible dietary supplement or a method of aromatherapy. In some cases, sleep sprays containing magnesium or other natural sleep aids are designed for topical application to the hands or feet. It is important to be aware of the type of sleep spray you are buying and to use it as directed.

Ingredients and Strength

A sleep spray’s ingredients are fundamental to how they may affect relaxation and sleep. For ingestible sleep sprays, ingredients may include melatonin, magnesium, or different minerals, vitamins, or natural extracts. Aromatherapy sprays generally include one or more types of essential oils with a scent intended to promote calmness and relaxation.

The strength of a sleep spray depends primarily on the ingredients used and their concentration. With ingestible sleep sprays, the strength can influence how intensely you may feel its effects. With aromatherapy sprays, the strength and concentration can dictate how potent the smell will be.

Look closely at the label of any sleep spray, including the list of ingredients and any suggested directions for use. Reviewing the ingredient list with a doctor can help reduce the risk of side effects or unwanted interactions if you take other medications.

Scent

Sleep sprays that rely on aromatherapy may contain a number of essential oils. Research has shown that exposure to certain smells may promote relaxation and aid sleep.

Examples of scents that may be found in aromatherapy sleep sprays include lavender, rose, chamomile, cedarwood, and bergamot. Some sprays may involve a blend of different smells or essential oils.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.