Sleep Aids for When You Can't Sleep

One paradox of our time-poor, high-intensity lives is that we never get the recommended amount of sleep. And when we finally put our sleep-deprived heads on our pillows, we toss and turn until the wee hours. What gives? Thoughts of endless to-do lists, looming deadlines and what’s trending on Twitter don’t help matters. We know how important sleep is, which is why we sometimes turn to sleep aids to help us catch those much-needed zzzs. Relaxing teas, meditation and bubble baths can work wonders, but sometimes we need something extra to decompress and drift off to dreamland. But for those of us who can’t sleep and don’t want to resort to medication, there’s an alternative: beauty sleep aids. Not to be confused with sleeping pills, beauty sleep aids aren’t prescription products. They’re similar to standard bath and body products, but they’re formulated with calming ingredients like lavender and chamomile to help us relax. Some are available in lotions, aromatherapy oils and even pillow sprays, making it easy to incorporate into your evening routine. Read on for some of the best beauty products that will help lull you to sleep in no time.

[ Next: Sleepless Nights? Here’s How to Fall Asleep FAST ]

11 Relaxing Beauty Products That Help You Go to Sleep

Badger

Sleep Balm, $10.98 at Walmart

When you can't sleep, this balm does exactly what it promises on the adorable tin. The certified organic sleep aid mixes soothing essential oils like lavender, rosemary, bergamot and balsam fir to help the day's stress fade away. Just dab some on your temples or chest, breathe deep and relax.
FIG+YARROW

Moon Mist, $24 at FIG+YARROW

Even night owls will have a difficult time resisting the lulling effects of the Moon Mist. It's described as the "ticket to a nocturnal riverboat ride to dreamland." Soothing essential oils are mixed with crystal water to aid sleep with a little bit of moondust (mica) thrown in for good measure.
Dr Teal's

Soothe & Sleep With Lavender Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution, $5.99 at Ulta Beauty

Wondering how to sleep better? A warm bath before you hit the sheets will help you wind down at the end of the day. Add in some lavender bath salts to ease muscle aches and promote a deeper sleep.
Palermo Body

Tranquility Aromatherapy Oil, $32 at Palermo Body

Struggling with nervous exhaustion? Can't get your brain to power down? Help it go into sleep mode by dabbing on this aromatherapy oil. The blend of blue yarrow, lavender and cypress is meant to soothe the senses and bring comforting feelings of nostalgia.
Erbaviva

Nighty Night Bath Essence Book, $24 at Erbaviva

This sleep aid may be designed for babies, but it works just as well for adults. Formulated with sandalwood, lavender and chamomile to promote tranquility, just add a few drops to a bath and let the essence wash away the stress of the day.
Farmaesthetics

Dreaming Etheric Inhalation Oil, $27 at Farmaesthetics

When you can't sleep, warm up this inhalation oil for a unique, calming aromatherapy experience. Simply rub a few drops between your hands or dab some of the essential oils on a light bulb, then breathe in the lavender and clary sage vapors. A few drops of this natural sleep aid can even be added to hot water for a therapeutic face steam.
Aromaflage

Botanical Sleep Fragrance, $65 at Musely

Marilyn Monroe may have famously slept in Chanel N°5, but this sleep fragrance is for those who want to smell nice and get some shut-eye. The "fragrance with function" contains notes of French lavender, vanilla and rose to aid sleep.
Tata Harper

Aromatic Bedtime Treatment, $60 at Tata Harper

No time to soak in the tub? Chill out after a stressful day by applying this treatment to pulse points and inhaling the soothing scent. It's formulated with an aromatherapy blend that's meant to promote feelings of peace and tranquility.
Lush

Sleepy Body Lotion, $21.95 at Lush

You'll be counting sheep from this lavender and tonka lotion before you can even appreciate the way the cocoa butter-rich formula hydrates skin.
This Works

Sleep Plus Pillow Spray, $46 at This Works

Before getting in bed, mist this lavender-packed spray onto pillows and sheets for a fast-acting beauty sleep aid. Stress? What stress?