FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SLEEP-INDUCING HERBAL PILLOW SPRAY USING AROMATIC MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for maintaining physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The increasing prevalence of insomnia and other sleep disorders due to stress, irregular lifestyles, and excessive digital device use has created a demand for safe and natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a sleep-inducing herbal pillow spray containing essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) and sandalwood (Santalum album), selected for their calming and anxiolytic properties. The formulation was prepared using a suitable solvent system and evaluated for pH, clarity, spray pattern, and organoleptic parameters. Its mechanism involves inhalation of volatile phytoconstituents that stimulate olfactory receptors and modulate the limbic system, promoting relaxation and sleep. The formulation exhibited satisfactory physicochemical properties, and safety, indicating its potential as a natural, non-invasive, and potential alternative for improving sleep quality and managing mild sleep disturbances.