Like many of us, I’ve spent countless evenings tossing and turning in bed, replaying the day's stresses and anxieties.
Even if you aren’t a naturally stressed person, sometimes the unexpected pressures of work, social engagements, or the constant barrage of notifications, means that it’s easy for the mind to race, making getting to sleep feel like an elusive luxury.
After one too many nights aimlessly scrolling through my phone until long past midnight, I spoke to Rebecca Nicholls, development specialist at wellness brand Jurlique, who gave me some expert insight into how aromatherapy diffusers can offer a helping hand during these restless moments.
Why use a diffuser to soothe anxiety and improve sleep?
“Scents can help relax our mind, and prepare ourselves for a restful night’s sleep,” Nicholls says. “It doesn’t have to be an extra chore, all you have to do is fill your diffuser with water and add five to eight drops of your desired essential oil to diffuse the scent in your home.”
I’ve always been sceptical of quick fixes, but when the stress of an active, caffeine-fuelled day follows me home, I need more than just a cup of herbal tea to calm down. The right scents can transform your space into a sanctuary, offering a much-needed mental break from the daily grind.
Using a diffuser means I don’t have to rely on external distractions to wind down. There’s something about the calming scent that helps clear the fog in my mind. It's about creating an environment where the air feels fresher, the mood softer, and the stress a little more manageable.
What ingredients to look out for
“Essential oils are the key players in any diffuser, and each one has a unique role to play in helping you relax,” says Nicholls. Here are a few favourites, and why they’re ideal for easing anxiety and encouraging better sleep.
- Lavender: Perhaps the most well-known for relaxation, lavender works wonders on the nervous system. Its soothing scent reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and has an almost instant calming effect. It’s the first oil most reach for before bed for winding down.
- Magnesium: While magnesium isn’t an essential oil, it’s often found in blends designed to ease tension and encourage relaxation. It’s known for its ability to relax muscles and calm the mind, which is perfect after a long day of running around. Some oils even combine lavender with magnesium, so you get double the calming power.
- Chamomile: Known for its mild sedative properties, chamomile is a fantastic choice when you need a little extra help in the sleep department. Its subtle, sweet fragrance works to reduce stress and anxiety, making it ideal for those times when your mind just won’t switch off.
- Eucalyptus: If you’ve ever had eucalyptus tea or bath salts, you’ll know how refreshing it can be. It opens the airways, calms the mind, and helps you focus on deep breathing, which is essential when trying to let go of the day’s stresses.
- Bergamot: A citrus scent that’s as uplifting as it is calming, bergamot is great for reducing anxiety. It’s a natural mood booster, but it also promotes relaxation, making it an excellent oil for use throughout the evening.
Why these ingredients work so well in a diffuser
The beauty of using a diffuser lies in its ability to disperse these calming scents throughout the room, creating an environment that actively supports relaxation.
While you could use a candle or an essential oil roller, diffusers spread the scent evenly, which means the benefits last longer. The soothing scents can linger in the air, offering continuous relief as you go about your evening routine; whether you're unwinding with a book, taking a hot bath, or simply preparing for bed.
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Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Reed Diffuser
Whenever I’m feeling overstimulated, there’s something instantly calming about the Perfect Night's Sleep scent. It’s warm, floral, and soothing without being overpowering.
The lavender and chamomile help me feel more relaxed, and the patchouli gives it this grounding, cosy feel. I use the basil and jasmine version when I want something a bit fresher to help clear my head and switch off better.
Buy now £30.37, Anazon
L'Occitane Ambre Cade Home Diffuser Set
The scent of L'Occitane’s Ambre Cade fragrance softens the mood of the room. It’s warm, rich and really comforting without being too heavy. It opens with a fresh lemon and elemi hit, which gives the space a clean, bright feel straight away. But it’s the deeper notes that help me feel more settled.
As it lingers, the cade oil and clearwood create this cosy, woody warmth that makes everything feel more still.
Buy now £65.00, L'Occitane
Boostology Lava Rock Essential Oil Diffuser in Relax
The Destress and Relax options from Boostology are natural, calming scents that help with anxiety and winding down. I love this product as the diffuser is eco-friendly and refillable —plus it’s such a nice tactile, minimalist option that looks great in a room.
The use of lava and obsidian stones gives it a more grounded, earthy feel which works so well for stress relief. You’ll feel like you’re in a luxury spa.
Buy now £29.00, Boostology
Tisserand Aromatherapy - Total De-Stress Aromatherapy Diffuser Oil
Tisserand’s Total De-Stress diffuser oil is a small bottle with a big impact. Just a few drops of this blend, which contains geranium, nutmeg and orange, can help take the edge off a stressful day. It’s warm, slightly spicy and lifts your mood without being too intense. Ideal when you’re feeling anxious or overstimulated.
Paired with the Aroma Spa Diffuser, the ultra-quiet mist and soft mood lighting create a peaceful atmosphere, and the five-hour run time means it carries you through an evening of unwinding without interruption. Try the Total De-Stress and Relax versions for a de-stressed zone.
Buy now £7.91, Amazon
Alexandra Kay Time to Inhale Handheld Diffuser
The Alexandra Kay portable diffuser is a self-care essential, especially when anxiety hits on the go. It’s heatless and fits in your bag - so you can enjoy a burst of calm anywhere.
Just add a couple of drops of your favourite blend (like Time to Relax or Time to Sleep) and let it work its magic every 60 seconds. It’s rechargeable, super easy to use and preserves the power of your oils thanks to heat-free ultrasonic tech. Ideal for travel, work, or just keeping in your handbag for when life feels a bit too much.
Buy now £21.00, Green People
Espa Soothing Reed Diffuser
This grounding scent of Espa’s Soothing Reed Diffuser is ideal for unwinding after a long day. The blend of myrrh, rose geranium and frankincense works quietly in the background to soften anxious energy and create a more peaceful atmosphere.
Whether it’s in the bedroom, bathroom or living space, it helps create a setting that encourages deep breathing and stillness. Beautifully packaged and hand-poured, it’s as elegant as it is useful.
Buy now £33.60, Amazon
Homedics Ellia Adore Diffuser with Eucalyptus and Lavender Oils
The Ellia Adore Diffuser is more than just a pretty addition to your shelf—it’s a sensory delight. Made from glass and wood, it looks and feels natural, but it’s what it does for your mood that really matters.
With a soft mist of essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus, it fills the space with calm or clarity depending on what you need. The colour-changing light adds a gentle glow to help you unwind, while the built-in sound settings let you choose between relaxing or energising vibes. It’s quiet, subtle and surprisingly powerful.
Buy now £58.99, Amazon
Elemental Herbology Harmony Reed Diffuser
The grounding scent of ylang-ylang, frankincense and cedarwood works quietly but effectively to ease stress and help you feel more centred. The Elemental Herbology Harmony Reed Diffuser is the kind of fragrance that makes you breathe a little deeper, and let go of whatever’s weighing on your mind.
The natural rattan reeds give off a steady, long-lasting aroma without being overpowering; just a gentle reminder to slow down. Perfect for creating a calm corner in your home, whether you need to reset between meetings or unwind before bed.
Buy now, Elemental Herbology
Nikura De-Stress Diffuser Oils
If you’re feeling tense or overwhelmed, the de-stress trio from Nikura is like a reset button in a bottle. The Anti-Anxiety, Floral Relief and Sweet Dreams blends work together to help you slow down, switch off and breathe again. Lavender, clary sage and ylang-ylang create a calming scent that instantly soothes racing thoughts.
Whether you’re adding a few drops to your diffuser or into a warm bath, it’s a simple way to turn your space into a peaceful retreat. The oils are all-natural, vegan and ethically sourced, so you can relax knowing they’re kind to both you and the planet.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Jurlique Relax Blend Essential Oil
The scent of the Jurlique Relax Blend Essential Oil is grounding without being too heavy — you get the calming hit of frankincense and patchouli, but there’s also a subtle citrus lift from the orange and bergamot that stops it feeling too intense.
I usually put it on about an hour before bed, and it helps me feel less on edge. It’s not overpowering or fake-smelling like some blends, just natural and comforting. The Australian Blue Cypress gives it a slightly smoky, woody feel which I’ve grown to really like — it’s different, in a good way.
Buy now £24.00, Jurlique
