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As you know, we’re big believers in the small steps that can make a BIG difference when it comes to better wellbeing - especially when it comes to sleep.
So we recently partnered with soundcore by Anker to host an event exploring how two powerful senses - scent and sound - can help shape calmer bedtime vibes.
Alongside NEOM’s Product Director Louise Moore, Sarah Mansell Director at soundcore, and Vicki Beevers from The Sleep Charity, the panel discussed everything from evening habits to wind-down routines.
Here are a few of the insights that came out of the conversation.
Why do so many of us struggle with sleep?
Sleep challenges are something many people experience today, and according to Vicki Beevers, CEO of The Sleep Charity, modern lifestyles can play a big role.
“Stress and an overactive mind are among the biggest disruptors - the body may be tired, but the brain is still ‘on’,” she explained. Environmental factors such as light, noise, temperature and irregular routines can also interrupt sleep more than we might realise.
The good news? Small changes to our routines and sleep environments can help support better sleep habits over time.
Where scent and sound come in
The panel also explored how different senses can work together to create a more relaxing bedtime environment.
For many people, sound can play an important role in masking distractions.
According to Sarah Mansell from soundcore by Anker, background noise can be one of the most common things that interrupts sleep, whether it’s traffic, neighbours or a snoring partner.
“Consistent, soothing audio - such as rainfall or calming soundscapes - can help mask sudden disturbances and create a more relaxing sleep environment.”
Paired with calming fragrance, these sensory cues can form part of a wind-down routine that can help give signals to the body that it’s time to switch off for the night.
The small habits that can help
While everyone’s sleep routine will look different, the panel shared a few simple habits that can support better sleep hygiene:
• Try to keep sleep and wake times consistent, even on weekends
• Allow 30–60 minutes to wind down before bed
• Create a cool, dark and calm bedroom environment
• Reduce evening stimulation such as screens or bright lights
• Build relaxing cues into your evening routine - whether that’s calming fragrance, gentle audio or quiet time to unwind
While these habits can help create the right conditions for sleep, everyone’s wind-down routine will look a little different. For Louise Moore, Product Director at NEOM Wellbeing, consistency and simple habits are key.
“Consistency is key for me. I try to go to bed at roughly the same time each night because our bodies really respond well to routine. I also keep the bedroom cool and quiet, which makes a big difference.”
For Louise, building small calming moments into the evening also helps signal that the day is coming to an end.
“Whenever possible I like to include a bath in my evening routine. When you get out of a warm bath, your core body temperature naturally drops, which signals to the body that it’s time to prepare for sleep.”
Fragrance also plays a role in helping create that moment to slow down.
“Something like our Magnesium Body Butter is a firm staple in my bedtime routine - top tip, I love putting this on my feet.”
A more mindful approach to bedtime
Sleep isn’t about perfection, and there’s no one-size-fits-all routine. But creating small moments that help you unwind can play an important role in preparing both body and mind for rest.
As the conversation highlighted, sometimes it’s the simplest habits - repeated consistently - that can have the biggest impact on how we feel at the end of the day.