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For many of us, lathering up at night is a relaxing way to prime the body for sleep, especially during the remaining days of summer. A nighttime wash will ensure you’re slipping into your bed super clean, which is important when the weather tops 80 degrees.
The Night Pillow co-founder Kalle Simpson notes, “Your body temperature has to drop two to three degrees in order for you to fall asleep and hit your most restful sleep stages.” She adds that hot baths can help facilitate this because body temperature drops in order to counteract the impact of being submerged in a hot environment.
“The body is unable to regulate back to room temperature environment as quickly as you can remove yourself from the bath—which means your body temperature will be lower following a hot bath,” she explains. “This is the perfect state to then enter bed.”
The warm water can also ease tightness and sore muscles, thereby allowing you to enter a superior state of physical and emotional relaxation. This is all critical for quality sleep. Here, we reveal the most snooze-inducing bath salts, body washes, and soaps for nighttime soakers.
Spark It Up
If you’re enjoying a long bath, why not light a candle? You can then turn off the bathroom light, which Simpson notes is great for encouraging melatonin production and letting you relax. We love this tarragon and ivy iteration ($40) from Nest.
Rock Some Rosehip
Simpson recommends Acure Rosehip Oil ($27) before bed, mainly due to its amazing scent and texture. “The scent is so calming, and the oil itself effective,” she says.
Aromatherapeutic Remedies
Simpson explains that aromatherapy has been proven effective against negating cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which allows for a state of relaxation. Lavender is a popular and effective relaxation scent, but she also recommends eucalyptus and rose oils—they have anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. We like Kneipp Sweet Dreams Bath Oil ($20), which contains valerian and hops for sound sleep.
Pass The Salts
Dr. Teal’s Salt Soaking Solution in Soothe & Sleep ($6.27) is a wallet-friendly way to alleviate aches and pains at the end of the day. The lavender fragrance is relaxing, but not overpowering.
Raise The Bar
A fancier version of your regularly scheduled bar soap can take your bath experience from mediocre to mega chic. We love Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Bath Bar ($38)—it’s inspired by the lush foliage of the Italian Riviera.
Better Than Bubbles
Another way to smooth and soothe the skin is to draw a creamy milk bath. Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment ($42.07) provides the skin with a layer of protection and works to hydrate the body, so you can multitask by “lotioning up” in the bath.
Sidestep Stress
Featuring an aromatic blend specifically designed to help you alleviate stress, Aveda Stress Fix Soaking Salts ($39.08) smell sublime. The sugar and salt blend is formulated with essential oils, clary sage, and French lavender to provide a zen end to your evening.
See more chic baths:
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