Who hasn’t shamefully sunk into the habit of scrolling through Instagram in the lead-up to bedtime? But wasting an hour (or, ugh, more) watching cortisol-spiking #OOTD Boomerangs and Superzooms of people’s dinners rather than winding down is impeding our ability to fully shut off and fall asleep. “The screen time and the actual light from the screen are not only impacting our circadian rhythms but also creating this constant need to be on,” says skincare-brand founder Indie Lee. Though Lee herself struggles with untethering from her phone (“It’s something I do need to work on”), she is trying to put it away by 10 p.m., and she does 20 minutes of Transcendental Meditation to quiet her mind before bed.
But for those who aren’t as disciplined – and given the rise of the sleep-deprived shambling among us – there’s no shortage of products designed to aid with drifting off, from sleep masks and pillow sprays to CBD-laced body oils. Lee’s recently launched Sleep Collection is a five-product lineup designed to induce a snooze no matter what works best to make you drowsy. “I wanted to offer things for people who do it differently,” says Lee. So in addition to including a lavender-, lavandin- and Moroccan-camomile-scented soak for baths, a common relaxation cue, she offers an identical-smelling body wash for those who prefer showers. “With sleep, it’s such a personal ritual.”
Ahead, our favourite products to help you wind down and (finally) get some quality shut-eye.
A Pillow Spray
Frankincense, hops and lavender are said to have natural sedative effects. Spritz Ren Clean Skincare & Now to Sleep Pillow Spray ($33, sephora.com) all over your pillow and prepare to be lulled to sleep in no time.
A Body Wash
Lavandin (true lavender’s more herbaceous-smelling cousin), lavender and moroccan chamomile come together in this soothing body wash that just might convince you to swap your nighttime bath ritual for a shower. Indie Lee Sleep Body Wash ($33, nordstrom.com)
A Sleep Mask
Exposure to light can stimulate the mind and make it difficult to get quality sleep. Doze off in complete darkness with this tropical-themed silk cotton blend sleep mask by Louvelle ($39, shopkalosophie.com). Soothing ocean wave sounds not included.
A CBD Body Oil
Antioxidant-loaded CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that calm the skin, while geranium and clary sage have a soothing floral aroma that will make nodding off a breeze. Sagely Natural Drift & Dream CBD Body Oil ($55, nordstrom.com)
Bath Salts
Relieve muscle tension with the blend of magnesium, salt and spearmint and wintergreen essential oils found in Kaia Naturals The Sleep Detox Hot Bath ($15, thedetoxmarket.ca). Although science rejects the claim that perspiration significantly releases toxins from the body, there’s no denying how rejuvenating sweating it out can feel.
A Body Lotion
Swaddle yourself in a cocoon of relaxation with Lush Sleepy Body Lotion ($20, lush.ca), featuring oat milk, lavender water, tonka bean (think vanilla with hints of cherry and toasted almond) and cocoa butter.
A Supplement
The Beauty Chef Sleep Inner Beauty Powder ($65, thedetoxmarket.ca) is a probiotic-rich blend of fermented turmeric, lemon balm and passionflower. The addition of chai spices: clove, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon further aid digestion and prep the body for sleep. Try it with oat milk and a dash of honey for a seriously soothing nightcap.
A Candle
Ease into the evening with Kim Soohyang’s eponymous candle line. The Soohyang Sleep Well Candle ($72, nordstrom.com) has a herbaceous scent and uses vegetable-based wax for a clean burn that isn’t smokey.
An Aromatherapy Oil
Dab This Works Deep Sleep Roll On ($36, sephora.com) to pulse points (like your wrists and temples) to receive the aromatherapy benefits of lavender, chamomile and vetiver essential oils. It may be just the boost you need to fully pass out on a long flight.
A CBD "Bath Tea"
Whether you’re about the CBD hype or not, something about the idea of steeping yourself in a vat of hot tea is enough to make anyone nod off. Leef Organics CBD Bath Tea ($20, nordstrom.com)
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