New Nordic Melissa Dream Tablets

RRP: £14.99 for 40 or £29.99 for 100

--What does the promo say?--
"New Nordic's Melissa Dream tablets are recommended to people who want help to maintain a healthy calm sleep and relaxation. The B vitamins in New Nordic Melissa Dream Tablets can help maintain the normal functioning of your nervous system.

The unique bioactive micronutrients and herbal extract combination contained in each tablet is manufactured in Sweden and contains a lemon balm extract, L-theanine amino acid, chamomile extract, B vitamin complex and magnesium. The content of B vitamins contributes to normal psychological and nervous system function. Helps support restful sleep and focus your mind. Helps maintain the normal functioning of your nervous system."

--Packaging--
The bright yellow box gives a feeling of optimism and echoes the rising sun - suggesting that you will be woken up naturally after a night of deep, restful sleep. Equally, the colour scheme replicates the yellow centre of one of the key ingredients, camomile (which looks like a giant daisy).

--Usage--
Take 2 tablets an hour before going to bed. The tablets are a little larger than average size, but shouldn't pose considerably difficulty for most people in terms of taking them comfortably.

--Appearance--
Disappointingly the tablets are an almost grey/muddy colour - but I suppose most people would prefer this to an artificial colour being added. 

--Scent--
Nothing detectable.

--Effects--
I wasn't actually expecting these to work terribly well. I am a long-term insomniac who falls asleep easily but frequently wakes in the night and finds it very difficult to fall asleep again. So the placebo effect cannot be blamed, in my view, for the fact that I actually started sleeping very well from the moment of beginning to take these tablets. Not only did I continue to fall asleep easily but I was able to sleep peacefully throughout the whole night. Hoorah!

--Value for money--
As far as supplements go, these are very reasonable value (particularly if you buy the larger pack and/or are able to capitalise on Holland and Barrett's buy one, get one half price deal). I was sent mine for free, but would happily continue to pay to take them as for me at least they seem to ensure a decent night's sleep the natural way. 

This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less

RRP: £12 for 10ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Clears your head so you can breathe more deeply and stress less. this works Deep Sleep Stress Less is a soothing natural remedy to help you breathe more easily and calm your senses promoting a better nights sleep. Refreshing eucalyptus cleanses, invigorates and helps to counter physical and mental fatigue. Frankincense essential oil acts as an antiseptic to help fight infections and to help you relax physically and mentally whilst rejuvenating the skin. Lavender oil is the most effective oil in helping hypertension, nervous tension and insomnia. this works Deep Sleep Stress Less is a multi-purpose aromatherapy blend that can be used anytime to de-stress or at night-time to help promote a restful sleep."

--Packaging--
A soothing blue and white colour scheme fits well with the purpose of the product, and the minimalist design also fits well with this works' general aesthetic. The roller ball design is convenient, secure and easy to use, making it handy for travel too.

--Application--
Roll onto pressure points, such as your wrists and neck, as well as chest area, to enable inhalation of the essential oils' vapours throughout the night. Can also be rolled onto tissues.

--Appearance--
A clear oily liquid that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
The lavender is the most obvious essential oil in this blend, but it's counterbalanced well by the eucalyptus in particular, which would also make it a good choice to help you sleep when you have a cold. I love a good multi-use product :)

--Texture and consistency--
While it is of course oily, it rubs well into skin and won't stain bed linen or nightclothes. 

--Effects--
Will not irritate skin during use, so great even for sensitive skin types. I am a perennial insomniac, so my experiences will obviously always vary, but I would definitely say that it has a calming effect and can aid sleep. As mentioned, it's also excellent for other purposes (e.g. helping you breathe more easily during coughs and colds).

--Value for money--
While it appears on the expensive side, this is made with high-quality essential oils and one bottle would last you a long time. Equally, it's not much for a multi-use product (which I was sent for free by this works' lovely PR) whose ingredients are proven to help you destress, sleep better and even decongest. As we know, a good night's sleep is not called beauty sleep for nothing! Would recommend :)

perfect partners
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, from £16
Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle, £25
Deep Sleep Night Oil, £25
Deep Sleep Dream Cream, £18
Deep Sleep Body Therapy, £20
Deep Sleep Bath Oil, £80