Just sometimes, getting to sleep is difficult. A racing mind, worry, anxiety, too much stimulation, too much heat, and a whole bunch of other things can make nodding off a challenge.

There are a few things that we can do to help promote sound sleep. One is to try to have a set routine before bed. Another is to get enough exercise during the day or to create a peaceful atmosphere in your bedroom. Some people like to drink relaxing tea before bed or have a lavender-infused bath.

A special way to help induce a calm and relaxing environment in your bedroom is to snuggle up with a sleep or dream pillow. These are little fabric parcels that are filled with aromatic herbs thought to promote relaxation and calm. They are really easy to make, and you just need a few simple materials. If you aren’t too handy with the sewing machine or needles, there is a great option for you.

How to Make a Sewn Herbal Sleep Pillow

Source: Sheep Hill Herbs/YouTube

First of all, you will need some cotton fabric, some cotton pillow stuffing, and some dried herbs and/or flowers. The wonderful thing about this project is that there is no precise measurement for the fabric. You just need to cut two pieces of fabric into a rectangle– 3×4 or 4×6 inches would be fine.

Line up the two pieces of fabric inside out and sew along three sides. You can use a needle and thread or a sewing machine. Next, turn the little bag on the right side out and fill it with herbs, or you can stuff in a little pillow stuffing, then add herbs, then top it off with more pillow stuffing. This will depend on the materials you have at hand. The pillow filled with herbs will, of course, have a different finished texture and will likely have a more intense smell.

Once you have filled the pouch, leave room so that you can sew together the remaining edge, enclosing the contents inside. Your sleep pillow can be placed on your regular pillow at night so that you can enjoy the calming aromas emanating from it.

Since your pillow has been sewn together on all sides, you can refresh it by crushing the pillow in your hands to release more oils from the herbs inside. You can also add a few drops of carefully chosen essential oil to the pillow to rejuvenate it.

How to Make a No-Sew Herbal Sleep Pillow

Source: Mountain Rose Herbs/YouTube

If you aren’t all that great at sewing, this is a wonderful option for you. Instead of making little pillows from fabric, you can get hold of some draw-string muslin bags. You need to make sure that the fabric has a tight weave so that herb dust doesn’t go all over your bed. You can simply fill the bags with your chosen herbs or flowers and draw the bag closed.

Make sure that you close it tightly, as you don’t want an accidental dream pillow explosion in the night. Waking up covered in what can be described as potpourri might just undo the stress-relieving sleep you’ve just had!

One great bonus of this method is that you can change the herbs out once the aroma gets a little dull.

Which Herbs to Use For Sleep Pillows

You want to fill your pillows with dried herbs and flowers that are known to promote relaxation and calm. If you are lucky enough to have a garden filled with such herbs and flowers, you can harvest and dry those yourself. If not, don’t worry. There are lots of sources online where you can buy quality dried herbs and flowers.

• Lavender: Lavender has been used as a herbal sleep aid for centuries. The aroma of lavender is thought to have a positive effect on one’s mood, help to reduce anxiety, induce a sense of calm and promote sound sleep.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is famously used as a sleepytime tea. It also has a lovely aroma that is thought to promote calm and peace.
• Catnip: Known commonly as a herb for our feline friends, catnip is a great herb to have as a sleepy tea. It has a very distinctive aroma, too, that is thought to promote relaxation and sleep.
• Peppermint: Though peppermint conjures thoughts of pep and zing, inhaling it can have a wonderfully calming and destressing effect.

This article is for information purposes only. Consult a medical professional before using herbs medicinally. Always research individual essential oils for recommended usage and dosage. 

Related Content:

• How to Make Your Own Bath Salts
• Things to Do with Dried Flowers
• How to Grow and Use Chamomile in Herbal Tea

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