Why Women Lose Sleep (and How Aromatherapy Helps Overthinking Nights)
Most women know the feeling: lying awake replaying the day, worrying about tomorrow, scrolling on your phone when you wish you could sleep. Studies show that 1 in 3 adults in the UK struggle with sleep at least once a week, and women are 40% more likely to suffer insomnia than men. Hormones, stress, and mental load all play their part. On average, women lose 2–4 hours of sleep on restless nights due to overthinking — that’s almost a full day of lost rest every week.
Why Overthinking Steals Sleep
- Stress & anxiety loops — the brain stays in “problem-solving mode” instead of winding down.
- Blue light & late screens — evening scrolling delays melatonin, the “sleepiness hormone.”
- Hormonal changes — teen years, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause all affect sleep rhythms.
- Modern life overload — never-ending to-do lists and 24/7 notifications keep us switched on.
It’s not laziness — it’s your nervous system struggling to switch from “alert” into “rest.”
What Lost Sleep Really Does to Us
Sleep is when the body repairs, the skin regenerates, and the mind resets. Missing those hours ripples through wellbeing:
- 💜 Skin — cortisol breaks down collagen, leaving skin drier, duller, and more prone to fine lines.
- ⚡ Energy — fatigue, low motivation, and slower physical recovery.
- 😊 Mood — irritability, worry, and a higher risk of low mood.
- 🧠 Focus — brain fog, slower recall, poor concentration.
- 🛡️ Immunity — those who sleep less than 6 hours a night are 4x more likely to catch a cold.
- ⚖️ Hormones — poor sleep disrupts appetite, increases cravings, and unsettles balance.
- ❤️ Heart health — long-term sleep deprivation is linked to higher blood pressure risk.
Better sleep means brighter skin, steadier mood, clearer thinking, and more balanced energy.
How Aromatherapy Supports Restful Sleep
Aromatherapy is not a cure for insomnia, but it can be a gentle way to support relaxation. Scents travel directly to the brain’s emotional centres, signalling safety and calm. Studies suggest:
- Lavender — reduces heart rate and blood pressure, encouraging deeper rest.
- Chamomile — contains apigenin, which can calm the nervous system.
- Neroli — eases stress and emotional tension.
- Frankincense — slows the breath and encourages grounding calm.
Build a Bedtime Ritual
Small, repeatable rituals can teach your body that it’s time to rest:
- Dim the lights and put away your phone at least 30–45 minutes before bed.
- Run a warm bath with a soothing oil to help muscles and mind unwind.
- Massage in Chamomile Dream Lavender Cream — not just for your face and hands, but also the soles of your feet where absorption is rapid and soothing.
- Apply Dreamtime Roll-On to temples or wrists; breathe slowly as you settle into bed.
- Mist your pillow with lavender and focus on three things you’re grateful for, instead of your to-do list.
Our Favourite Herbs on the Hill Sleep Rituals
- Dreamtime Roll-On — a pocket-sized ritual for racing thoughts at bedtime.
- Chamomile Geranium Lavender Cream — a deeply nourishing cream that comforts both skin and mind. Customers love applying it to their face, hands, and even feet before bed.
- Sleep Easy Gift Box — a full ritual in one set, including Lavender Mist, Little Pot of Magic, Chamomile-Geranium-Lavender Cream, Lavender & Clary Sage Oil, and a luxurious bath creamer.
- Sleep Kit — a simple starter set if you’re beginning your sleep ritual journey.
What’s Inside the Sleep Easy Gift Box
- Lavender Mist — to instantly shift your environment.
- Little Pot of Magic — a tiny balm with a big reputation for calming minds.
- Chamomile, Geranium & Lavender Cream — relaxes skin and senses, perfect for face or feet.
- Lavender & Clary Sage Bath & Massage Oil — melts away tension before bed.
- Lavender, Rose & Geranium Bath Creamer — a touch of indulgence to look forward to.
Thousands of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews tell us this set has become a trusted bedtime ritual. Some of these blends are even used in NHS settings, which many find reassuring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Women, Sleep & Overthinking
😴 Why do women have more trouble sleeping than men?
Women are around 40% more likely to experience insomnia. Hormonal shifts and mental load are major reasons. Consistent bedtime rituals can help the body adapt.
🛌 How much sleep do women need?
Most adults need 7–9 hours. Some studies suggest women may benefit from slightly more, but consistency is key.
💭 Why does overthinking make it so hard to sleep?
Because the nervous system stays in “problem-solving” mode. Simple physical cues — like applying Dreamtime Roll-On to temples or feet — can remind your body to switch into “rest mode.”
🌸 What helps with sleep during perimenopause or menopause?
Many women find Chamomile Dream Lavender Cream soothing when applied to skin and feet before bed. Pair it with a pillow mist or the Sleep Kit for consistency.
🕰️ What if I can’t fall asleep until very late?
You may have a circadian rhythm pattern like “Delayed Sleep Phase.” Evening aromatherapy — as in our Sleep Easy Gift Box — can support a steadier bedtime routine.
💡 How do I calm a racing mind?
Write down your to-do list earlier, breathe slowly, and introduce a consistent ritual. Many customers say the Dreamtime Roll-On has become their “switch off” signal.
🌿 Do aromatherapy products really work?
Aromatherapy isn’t a cure, but research shows lavender, chamomile, and frankincense help calm the nervous system. Thousands of Herbs on the Hill customers use our Sleep Kit or Dreamtime Roll-On nightly with great success.
Herbs on the Hill: Trusted Comfort Since 1996
For nearly 30 years, we’ve handcrafted plastic-free, natural products to bring comfort, calm, and everyday rituals into people’s lives. Trusted by thousands, loved by generations.
Because when you sleep better, everything feels better.
Start your ritual tonight: Sleep Easy Gift Box · Sleep Kit · Chamomile Dream Lavender Cream · Dreamtime Roll-On
Tags: sleep, overthinking, women’s health, insomnia, circadian rhythm, aromatherapy, lavender, chamomile, frankincense, neroli, bedtime ritual, perimenopause, night owl, Herbs on the Hill
