Why Magnesium and Scent Make the Perfect Sleep Ritual: The Science Behind Dream Time
The benefits of Dream Time go beyond relaxation. In this blog post, we explore how magnesium and calming essential oils can transform your nightly routine and support deeper, more restful sleep—backed by real research.

If you’re tired of tossing and turning, you’re not alone—many mums struggle to get a good night’s sleep. That’s exactly why we created Dream Time, a calming duo featuring Dream Spray and Dream Sea Soak, designed to help you unwind, relax your muscles, and drift off naturally. But what makes this ritual so effective? Let’s look at the science.
The Role of Magnesium in Sleep
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in nerve function, muscle relaxation, and energy production. Research shows that magnesium deficiency can contribute to poor sleep quality, insomnia, and restless legs (Abbasi et al., 2012). In one clinical trial, magnesium supplementation significantly improved sleep time, sleep efficiency, and early morning alertness in older adults with insomnia.
Another study found that transdermal (through the skin) magnesium may help increase magnesium levels in the body (Kass et al., 2017). This means that using products like Dream Spray and Dream Sea Soak could be a gentle, effective way to support your sleep routine—especially if you find it hard to take oral supplements or want to target sore, tired muscles directly.
The Power of Scent: Sandalwood and Bergamot
It’s not just magnesium that makes Dream Time special. The calming aromas of sandalwood and bergamot are more than just a treat for your senses—they have real, research-backed benefits for relaxation and sleep.
- Sandalwood: Studies suggest that sandalwood essential oil can have sedative effects, significantly impacting the sleep-wake cycle by reducing total waking time and increasing non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep (Rohloff & Dräger, 2023).
- Bergamot: Research shows that using bergamot essential oil before bedtime can help relax the mind and body, improve sleep quality, and relieve psychological stress. When used upon awakening, it can also boost mood and morning wakefulness—making it a perfect addition to your bedtime and morning rituals (Kawada et al., 2023).
How to Use Dream Time for Better Sleep
- Dream Sea Soak: Add a generous scoop to a warm bath, swirl to dissolve, and soak for 10–20 minutes. Let the magnesium and essential oils relax your muscles and calm your mind.
- Dream Spray: Spritz onto pulse points, neck, or legs as part of your evening wind-down. Breathe deeply and let the soothing scent help you drift off peacefully.
Not a Silver Bullet—But a Beautiful Ritual
By Bec Farthing
Bec is Salt + Earth Co.’s founder, chief magnesium mixer, and go-to wellness storyteller. She’s the brains (and heart) behind our calming creations, science-made-simple blogs, and those honest “mum life” updates you see on our socials. If you spot a post about juggling kids, sleep, or self-care, that’s probably her. Fun!

References
- Abbasi, B., Kimiagar, M., Sadeghniiat, K., Shirazi, M. M., Hedayati, M., & Rashidkhani, B. (2012). The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 8(7), 719–723. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.11206
- Kass, L., Weekes, J., & Carpenter, L. (2017). Effect of transdermal magnesium cream on serum magnesium levels in humans: A pilot study. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0174817. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174817
- Rohloff, J., & Dräger, B. (2023). Biological Properties of Sandalwood Oil and Microbial Synthesis of Its Major Sesquiterpenoids. Molecules, 28(10), 4076. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11352278/
- Kawada, T., Nakamura, T., & Nakamura, H. (2023). Relieving psychological stress and improving sleep quality by bergamot essential oil use before bedtime and upon awakening: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 13(4), 341–347. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229923000638