One of our little boys has profound autism and this sleepy spray blanket forms part of our nightly routine to help him to settle down for sleep peacefully. I prefer to spritz the mild scent onto a cloth, as opposed to a pillow, because I am then able to warm the blanket on a radiator or in the airing cupboard first. I can also remove it once he has fallen asleep, so that he isn’t breathing in the essential oils all night, and he then doesn’t have it during the day, so there is no risk of it becoming a habitual comfort blanket he cannot be without.
A muslin cloth can be washed and dried in minimal time, is entirely portable (for day trips, holidays or long journeys where a nap might be needed) and easily replaceable. We usually give the warm, lavender cloth to our son around an hour before bedtime, just after he has had his evening bubble bath, and he loves it – holding it to his cheek and breathing deeply.*
Ingredients:
6 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops frankincense oil (or replace with four more further drops of lavender oil)
2 tbsp witch hazel
7 tbsp boiled, cooled water.
Equipment:
Small jar with lid (or a small bowl and spoon)
Small funnel
Recycled old perfume jar or small spray bottle.
Muslin baby cloth
Instructions:
Place the oils and witch hazel into the jar, put the lid on and shake to disperse the oils. Then add the water, replace the lid, and shake again to combine the ingredients before using the funnel to decant the liquid into the spray bottle.
*before using essential oils, check that it is appropriate for your own family. For example, Lavender is not recommended during pregnancy, and is often cited as toxic for cats.
Tiny Potager 
I love the smell of lavender, I will try this one for sure. I made your homemade antibacterial spray. I really liked it, my whole kitchen was smelling so citrusy.
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Oh that’s great, I’m glad it worked for you too! I’ve not looked back since making that kitchen spray, I’ve started making lots of household products myself. I’ve been converted to using soap nuts instead of washing powder too now … 🙂
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I think this sounds wonderful. I will definitely try it. Thanks.
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Thanks! 🙂 It works really well for all of us, but particularly our autistic little son, who loves the rhythm and routine of it. If you find any variations etc, let me know – I love to hear how recipes can be adapted. -beck 🙂
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will do.
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I use lavender oil in a spritzer bottle with distilled water as an air freshener, so much better than commercial chemical-based sprays. Nice tonic for winter’s shut-up houses.
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That’s a great idea actually, I should sort out a general room spray version – thanks for the inspiration 🙂 We’re trying really hard to get rid of all the commercial chemicals in the house, it’s astonishing how many creep into the cupboards over the years.
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Vinegar, baking soda and borax is what our forebears used and they work well. We have hard water and the vinegar (or lemon juice) cuts right through the lime buildup. No chemicals needed!
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I can’t wait to try this! I have been making a lot of sprays with EOs lately, but this recipe sounds great. I made a linen spray with witch hazel, I love it! But adding water is smart!
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Thanks Ashley – and I’m so glad you commented because I then found your beautiful blog – and followed straight away! 🙂 I think we’re on very similar paths towards leading healthier, more sustainable lives, I can’t wait to read through all of your posts over a cuppa x -beck
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I started using lavender essential oil for sleep! It’s amazing, turns out it works for tons of other people too!
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