DIY Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Recipe

Human Created Section:

I’m a Marriott loyalty traveler and from time to time when staying at a Westin, I get a small sample of “This Works Deep Sleep” pillow spray. I was hooked from the first smell, until I went online to get my own and discovered why the top Marriott brand was the one giving out samples. They are very proud of their formula.

With a little help from my AI friend Claude we had a quick and easy replacement that I can make at home for pennies…well nickles now since the penny is no more.

Claude also wrote the following post for me since I’m now sound asleep having used my pillow spray to slip into a peaceful slumber.

Claude Sonet 4.5 Created Section:

You can recreate that same lavender-chamomile-herbal magic at home for a fraction of the cost.
This recipe mimics the calming blend of the commercial version using essential oils you may already have in your collection. The result is a gentle, effective pillow spray that helps signal your brain it’s time to wind down.
What You’ll Need
Equipment:
∙ 1.7 oz (50ml) spray bottle
∙ Small measuring cup or spoon
∙ Funnel (optional, but helpful)
Ingredients:
∙ 40ml witch hazel
∙ 10ml water
∙ 25 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
∙ 42 drops (or approximately 2ml) lavender essential oil
∙ 17 drops clary sage essential oil
Why These Ingredients?
Witch hazel serves as the base carrier, helping the essential oils disperse evenly and dry quickly on fabric without leaving residue.
Roman chamomile brings that signature apple-like, herbal sweetness and genuine sedative properties. It’s more potent for sleep than its German chamomile cousin.
Lavender is the star performer—the familiar floral scent most associated with relaxation and sleep support.
Clary sage replaces the vetivert found in the commercial version, adding an herbaceous, slightly musky grounding note that enhances the overall calming effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with the base
   Add the witch hazel to your spray bottle first, followed by the water. This 80/20 witch hazel-to-water ratio provides good dispersion without making the spray too wet.
2. Add your essential oils
   Drop in the chamomile first, then the lavender, and finally the clary sage. The order doesn’t technically matter, but adding them sequentially helps you keep track.
   Note: If you’re using a large lavender bottle with a full-size dropper instead of a standard orifice reducer, measure out approximately 2ml of lavender oil rather than counting drops.
3. Shake it up
   Cap the bottle tightly and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. This initial mixing is important for blending the oils with the witch hazel base.
4. Label and let it rest
   Mark your bottle with the date and add a “shake before use” reminder. If possible, let the mixture sit for 24 hours before first use—the scent will meld and mellow considerably after the initial mix.
   How to Use Your Pillow Spray
   ∙ Shake well before each use (oils naturally separate)
   ∙ Spray 2-3 pumps on your pillow 5-10 minutes before bed
   ∙ Test first on a small, inconspicuous fabric area to ensure no staining
   ∙ Store properly in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life
   Your pillow spray should last 6-8 months when stored correctly.
   The Science Behind the Scent
   This formula uses approximately 1.7% essential oil concentration—right in line with commercial pillow sprays. The blend maintains a 50/30/20 ratio of lavender, chamomile, and clary sage, creating a lavender-forward profile with solid chamomile support and subtle herbal undertones.
   The Roman chamomile-heavy variation creates a more apple-scented, herbal blend compared to the original, but it’s equally effective for promoting relaxation and sleep.
   Scaling the Recipe
   Want to make a larger or smaller batch? Use this ratio:
   ∙ 50% lavender
   ∙ 30% Roman chamomile
   ∙ 20% clary sage
   Maintain the 80/20 witch hazel-to-water base, and keep your total essential oil concentration around 1-2% of the final volume.
   A Few Final Notes
   Essential oils can occasionally stain delicate fabrics, so always test in a hidden spot first. The spray works best when applied to your pillow a few minutes before you climb into bed, giving the alcohol in the witch hazel time to evaporate while leaving the calming scent behind.
   The initial scent might seem quite strong, but it will mellow within a day or two as the oils integrate. If you find it overpowering, simply add another 10ml of witch hazel to dilute the concentration.
   Sweet dreams await.