Research shows that a new and curious scent can help boost sleep: the scent of a loved one. This smell is both calming and relaxing. The scent of a romantic partner can also help lower stress levels. Studies found women feel calmer after being exposed to their male partner’s scent. Conversely, a stranger’s scent had the opposite effect and raised levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
So, don’t worry if you are not with your partner for the night, a sniff of their old t-shirt could make it feel like they are right at home with you!
More traditional fragrances that are scientifically proven to promote restfulness and relaxation are as follows:
- Lavender
- Vanilla
- Valerian Extract
- Sandalwood
- Juniper
- Lemon
Refs: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/scent-of-loved-one-could-help-improve-sleep
https://news.ubc.ca/2018/01/04
https://www.fragrancex.com/blog/scents-to-help-you-sleep/