Over the years, I’ve developed a few simple habits that have significantly improved my health. One such habit is prioritizing quality sleep. This soothing sleep lotion harnesses the power of aromatherapy to enhance your sleep quality.
Understanding Sleep Lotion
As the name suggests, sleep lotion is a type of lotion or body butter that’s ideal for your bedtime routine. It’s safe for children, ensuring they too enjoy a restful night. I use lavender and cedarwood essential oils, which are child-friendly.
Lavender and cedarwood have calming and relaxing properties, but you can experiment with other soothing essential oils to achieve your preferred scent. For children, I use about 20-40 drops of essential oils in total (a 0.5% to 1% dilution). Adults can safely use twice that amount, but a more subtle scent is preferable for me.
The base consists of moisturizing oils and butters, making it excellent for dry skin. Even if your skin is oily, you can apply it to your feet or legs, making it suitable for most skin types. However, it’s best to avoid face application as coconut oil can clog pores.
Reasons to Make Your Own
Like many body care products, there are many options I choose to avoid. Ingredients such as phthalates and parabens are not something I want on my skin or my children’s. Popular store-bought sleep body lotions, like Dr. Teal’s, also include melatonin. Melatonin is a debated hormone, especially for children, and it’s challenging to monitor the dose when in skincare.
Another well-liked option is the lotion from Bath & Body Works, but I found it difficult to locate the ingredient list.
Where to Purchase Sleep Lotion
While there are numerous subpar brands, a few companies offer excellent sleep lotions. These might include other skin-nourishing ingredients such as aloe and glycerin. If you’re short on time or desire to make your own, here are some top choices. They’re cruelty-free and contain clean ingredients.
My favorite is the magnesium lotion from Magnesium Lotion Shop. They offer a version specifically for sleep containing lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) but it also includes melatonin, which you may want to avoid.
Ingredients Used in Sleep Lotion
This sleep lotion combines coconut oil, shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii), and cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao). Shea and cocoa butters are highly nourishing and help solidify the lotion. Once set, I whip it until it’s creamy and smooth.
This is a rich lotion, so I only apply it to my feet and lower legs. You can replace some of the coconut oil with a few teaspoons of rosehip seed oil if preferred. Rosehip oil is astringent and helps in reducing greasiness. Jojoba oil is another excellent option as it resembles the skin’s sebum.
Adding vitamin E oil is optional but extends the oils’ shelf life. It’s not a preservative, but since there’s no water, it will last 6-12 months when stored correctly. Look for vitamin E blends that are labeled as "mixed tocopherols" or "tocopheryl acetate."
Infused Oil
To enhance this further, you could infuse the coconut oil with calming herbs beforehand. Lavender, chamomile, and rose are ideal for this purpose. Here’s how to make a solar-infused herbal oil.
DIY Calming Sleep Lotion
This sleep lotion is thick, creamy, and filled with a delightful aroma. Apply it before bed as part of a calming bedtime ritual.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Active Time: 5 mins
Cooling Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 8 ounces
Author: Katie Wells
- Add coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to a double boiler or a heat-safe glass bowl placed over a pot half-filled with water.
- Heat, stirring occasionally, until melted.
- Add vitamin E oil, if using, and the chosen essential oils. Stir to blend.
- Pour immediately into a stand mixer bowl or mixing bowl, then let it cool completely. I recommend placing it in the refrigerator to harden.
- Once hardened, use the whisk attachment to whip it until fluffy and creamy.
- Store in a glass jar in a cool, shaded area.
To use: Apply a small amount to the feet and/or legs. If stored properly and used with clean hands, this lotion will last at least 12 months.
Additional Ways to Relax
If you’re seeking other methods to achieve restful sleep, I’ve discovered many over the years. They’re excellent for ensuring you or your family members get high-quality sleep, and you’re not limited to just one.
What’s your favorite way to unwind in the evenings? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Leave a Reply