Having trouble drifting off at night? f you are among the 80% of people who say they don't get quality sleep, or the 50% who feel they don't rest enough, it might be time to turn to scent for help.
Fragrance can't cure insomnia, but it can be a wonderful companion in your bedtime rituals. Taking a few minutes to unwind and create a calm, cozy atmosphere can turn bedtime into a soothing, restorative ritual.
Why do we sleep poorly?
Stress, financial uncertainty, information overload, social pressure, and constant screen time – the perfect recipe for sleepless nights. The blue light emitted by digital devices disrupts our biological clock and prevents us from truly restorative rest.
In this context, maintaining good sleep hygiene is key to preparing body and mind. And we're not alone in this pursuit: studies by Circana and Euromonitor confirm a growing interest in products that promote calm and well-being. In an emotionally tense world – especially among younger generations shaped by the so-called "anxiety economy" – the search for balance has become more urgent than ever.
This collective focus on relaxation has sparked scientific innovation in perfumery, where neuroscience and creativity merge to study how scent affects the nervous system, heart rate, and breathing – transforming these insights into formulas designed to enhance well-being.
Interest in fragrances that aid relaxation is driving scientific innovation in perfumery with projects combining neuroscience and creativity.
Innovation and development
Several fragrance houses are leading this research:
- Givaudan has developed DreamScentz™, a technology designed to improve sleep quality.
- IFF collaborates with SleepScore Labs to analyse how scent can influence sleep.
- CPL Aromas has created a platform that helps develop fragrances aimed at enhancing well-being.
"Sleep-friendly" ingredients and families
Certain notes naturally invite relaxation and rest:
- Lavender: an age-old remedy for relaxation, with a clean and soothing scent.
- Cedarwood and sandalwood: warm, creamy woods that evoke comfort and calm.
- White musks: soft and comforting, like clean skin or freshly laundered sheets.
- Green (matcha) or white tea: delicate notes that inspire introspection and peace.
- Chamomile and light herbs: timeless symbols of serenity.
These ingredients inspire fragrances that ease body and mind into rest. Niche brands reinterpret them in unisex perfumes with evocative names, such as:
- Replica Lazy Sunday Morning, by Maison Margiela, blending linen, iris, rose, and musks.
- Blanche by Byredo, ethereal and comforting, reminiscent of crisp white sheets fresh from the wash.
A quick guide to sleeping (and smelling) better
Think of nighttime as a gentle landing: don't cut the engine all at once. Slow down gradually. A short walk, a warm shower, or a few pages of reading in soft light can help you transition to rest.
Small details make all the difference:
1. Perfume: 1–2 spritzes in the room, on your bedding, or on your pyjamas.
2. Ambience: dim lighting and a well-ventilated room.
3. Routine: keep consistent sleep schedules.
4. Temperature: between 18°C and 20°C.
5. Screens: disconnect before bedtime.