Ever since discovering the nighttime fragrance ritual of French women, I have incorporated it into my own bedtime routine. Spritzing on a calming scent before sleep helps me to relax and signals to my body that it is time to wind down. I have switched from baby cologne to Aqua Universalis by Francis Kurkdjian, a classic and clean-smelling scent that was revolutionary upon its release 15 years ago. Kurkdjian aimed to create a fragrance that evoked feelings of cleanliness and wellbeing, rather than just smelling like soap. The Aqua Universalis Linen Mist is now available for bedding, and I find that it instantly calms me after dark.
French women like Mathilde Thomas, creator of Caudalie, have long used scents like chamomile, basil, lavender, and mint on their pillows to help them relax before bed. Using scent as a way to separate the daytime from nighttime can be a helpful part of a pre-sleep ritual. This practice is part of a concept called “scent-scaping”, where defined olfactory spaces are created in the home to improve mental wellbeing. Julien Pruvost, creative director of Trudon, explains that using different scents in different spaces can help to separate activities and create positive experiences. In the bedroom, it is recommended to use calming floral notes like jasmine or neroli, avoiding citrus or energetic fragrances to prioritize rest.
To make your bed as relaxing and inviting as possible, it is important to take care of your sheets as well. Linen specialists Dalfilo recommend washing bedding with mild detergents and softeners at a maximum temperature of 40C, and ideally drying outside. This care routine can help to maintain the quality and comfort of your sheets, enhancing your overall sleeping experience. Additionally, incorporating a calming scent into your bedtime routine, whether through spritzing on a fragrance or using scented linen mist, can help to relax the mind and prepare the body for sleep.
Creating a relaxing bedtime environment is not only a self-care practice, but an important aspect of overall mental wellbeing. Scent can play a powerful role in setting the tone for relaxation and separation of activities within the home. By incorporating calming scents like lavender or chamomile into our bedtime routines, we can signal to our bodies that it is time to wind down and prepare for rest. Taking care of our sheets and bedding with gentle washing practices can also contribute to a more comfortable and inviting bed, enhancing our overall sleeping experience.
In conclusion, the practice of using calming scents before bed, such as spritzing on a fragrance or using scented linen mist, is a valuable tool for relaxation and improving sleep quality. By following the lead of French women who have long utilized scents for bedtime rituals, we can create a calming environment that signals to our bodies that it is time to wind down. Additionally, taking care of our sheets with gentle washing practices and using soothing scents like jasmine or neroli in the bedroom can further enhance the relaxation and comfort of our sleeping space. Overall, creating a relaxing bedtime routine with the help of calming scents and gentle care practices can greatly improve our overall mental wellbeing and sleep quality.
