As the stresses of the day accumulate with our fast-paced and hectic lives, a night routine offers a precious opportunity to unwind, relax, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
More and more consumers are looking to incorporate natural products into rituals to create a sanctuary of peace and calm that supports quality sleep, reduces stress, and enhance physical and emotional health.
Google trends shows us the interest in the search term ‘night routine’ has had a significant rise in interest in the last 10 years, reaching the peak of its popularity in May 2023, with other large spike of interest in April 2020…
So, not only does a consistent bedtime routine promote better sleep and wellbeing, but it also opens a world of possibilities for crafting a diverse range of products enriched with natural ingredients.
The science of sleep: Why is a night routine important?
A night routine is important for several reasons, as it sets the tone for a restful sleep. By following a consistent night routine, the body aligns with its circadian rhythm, promoting more regular sleep patterns. Engaging in relaxation activities triggers the release of sleep-inducing hormones like melatonin, improving sleep quality and reducing stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of calm. Consistently associating specific activities with sleep onset trains the mind and body to fall asleep faster and quality sleep obtained through a night routine enhances cognitive function and emotional regulation, allowing people to wake up refreshed and ready to face the day with focus and vitality.
By following a consistent night routine, the body aligns with its circadian rhythm, promoting more regular sleep patterns.
How do natural oils help with relaxation?
Natural oils can help with relaxation in several ways. Firstly, the aromatic properties can have a direct impact on mood and emotions. When we inhale certain essential oils, they can stimulate the olfactory system and trigger relaxation responses in the brain. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of calm.
Moreover, certain essential oils contain compounds that have a calming effect on the body. For example, lavender oil contains linalool, which has been found to have relaxing and sedative properties. When applied or inhaled, these oils can help promote physical and mental relaxation, ease muscle tension, and prepare the body for sleep.
How can natural oils be incorporated into a night routine?
There are various ways to incorporate natural oils into a night routine to promote relaxation, some of our favourite methods include:
Diffusion
Diffusing essential oils can have various benefits for sleep and relaxation. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and valerian, have been scientifically studied for their calming effects and when diffused, these oils can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Scientific studies have also shown that certain aromas can positively impact mood and mental well-being.
Pillow Spray
Pillow sprays often contain essential oils known for their relaxation properties. When sprayed onto the pillow, the aroma of these essential oils can help create a calming and soothing environment, which can aid in falling asleep faster and experiencing more restful sleep. Research has indicated that specific scents, like lavender, can have a sedative effect and improve sleep quality.
Room Spray
Room sprays, like pillow sprays, can also contain relaxing essential oils that help create a serene atmosphere. The act of spraying the room can also serve as a ritual or cue for relaxation, signalling to the brain that it’s time to wind down. The olfactory system plays a vital role in emotional and mental health, and certain scents can positively impact mood and stress levels.
Bath Oils
Bath oils infused with essential oils can enhance the bathing experience and provide relaxation benefits. When added to warm water, essential oil molecules can be inhaled, and the skin can absorb them, offering a double effect. For example, incorporating lavender or chamomile oils in a bath may help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, potentially leading to better sleep afterward.
Body and Skincare
Body and skincare products infused with natural ingredients and essential oils can help promote overall well-being. Certain plant extracts, like chamomile and aloe vera, have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and potentially reduce stress when applied topically. Additionally, using skincare products with pleasant scents may positively influence mood and relaxation.
Roll-On Blends
Roll-on blends often contain a concentrated mix of essential oils and carrier oils. The act of applying the roll-on blend to pulse points or areas of tension on the body can serve as a form of self-massage and relaxation. When certain essential oils are applied to the skin, they can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to potential physiological and psychological effects, such as reduced stress and improved relaxation.
Massage Oils
Massage therapy itself is known to have numerous benefits for relaxation and mental health. When essential oils are incorporated into massage oils, the combination of touch and aromatherapy can provide a synergistic effect. Massaging certain areas of the body can help release tension, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The aromatic molecules of the essential oils can be inhaled during the massage, further enhancing the overall experience and potential benefits.
What are the best natural oils to incorporate into a night routine?
Some of the most popular oils for a night routine include lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang ylang, cedarwood, and clary sage, known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. But with Europe’s largest online technical database of over 950 products, at O&3, we like to explore some of the less well-known oils for a night-time routine. Whether used in diffusers, massage oils, bath products, or skincare, these oils can enhance your overall well-being and contribute to a more restful and rejuvenating night-time experience:
Peru Balsam contains various chemical compounds such as benzyl benzoate and cinnamic acid, which possess soothing and calming properties. When used in a night time routine, it may help promote relaxation and provide a pleasant aroma, potentially aiding in better sleep and reducing stress. It has a warm, vanilla-like scent that creates a cosy and comforting atmosphere.
Tuberose oil is rich in volatile organic compounds that are known to have sedative effects. Inhalation of tuberose aroma may promote feelings of tranquillity and relaxation, making it a suitable addition to a night time routine to create a calming atmosphere before bedtime. It has a rich, floral fragrance that is both sweet and exotic.
Marula oil is a good source of essential fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, which can help maintain the skin’s barrier function and prevent moisture loss. When used in skincare routines, it may aid in nourishing and hydrating the skin overnight. It has a mild, nutty aroma with subtle fruity undertones. Its scent is often described as delicate, natural, and pleasant, making it a popular choice in skincare and aromatherapy products.
Ravensara oil contains significant amounts of compounds like eucalyptol, which possess expectorant and antiviral properties. Diffusing Ravensara oil in the bedroom might help improve respiratory function, allowing for better breathing during sleep. It has a fresh, medicinal scent and is often used for its calming and balancing effects.
Melissa oil, also known as lemon balm, contains compounds like citral and citronellal, which have mild sedative properties. When used in aromatherapy, Melissa oil may help promote relaxation and reduce sleep disturbances, contributing to a more restful night’s sleep.
Amyris oil contains sesquiterpenes, which are believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Adding Amyris oil to a night time routine may promote relaxation and create a serene atmosphere, supporting a peaceful sleep environment. It has a warm, woody scent reminiscent of sandalwood.
O&3’s Thoughts…
Humans spend about one-third of their lives sleeping and with the increasing awareness of the importance of sleep, there is a growing demand for products and practices that can support and optimise sleep quality. At O&3, we would love to see more of these products on the shelves because sleep is such an important part of our lives. By having more of these options readily accessible on store shelves, more people can experience the benefits of incorporating natural products into their night routines, thereby leading to improved overall well-being.
Why O&3?
At O&3, we help businesses to create a beautiful, attractive end-product.
We help cosmetic, personal care, nutrition & pet-care brands with low MOQ, cost saving and carbon cutting manufacturing services, bespoke to fit any requirement and brand.
Our state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities can help to capture the exact vision in mind. We specialise in sub-25,000 units, commercial and large-scale production runs.
Some of the main benefits of choosing O&3 as a one-stop shop for natural cosmetic formulations and bottling include:
Lowering carbon emissions
Lower carbon emissions though eradicating the transportation of raw materials.
Cost saving
Save money by streamlining logistics into one service.
Range of sizes
We fill a variety of bottles & jars, ranging from 5ml to 1l.
Lower MOQs
With a minimum of 1000 units per SKU, but save money when ordering large quantities.
Simplify the process
Working with less companies takes out logistical, mental and physical complexity. At O&3, we provide multiple services, including oil sourcing, manufacturing, filling & capping, batch coding, labelling, packing and shipping all under one roof.
Global reach
We manufacture in UK & Europe with worldwide shipping.
If you’re launching a new brand or line of products, let us quote on your next fulfilment project, and let us handle oil sourcing to the delivery of finished products, taking the complexity out of creating products. Visit our formulation and bottling webpage here.
Or to unlock the secrets of any of the 950+ pure, sustainable natural ingredients that we offer, into your formulations, contact us now! Our team of oil experts are always on hand to help. Simply email [email protected] or call us on 01765 522 120 and talk all things oil with us.
Please note that the views/opinions expressed in this blog are solely our own. It is the responsibility of our clients to conduct the necessary testing to substantiate any claims and ensure compliance with industry standards for every ingredient. We will not accept any liability for claims made based on our content.
