Crying, angst, nightmares, restless nights. Parents are constantly dealing with a variety of reasons for rowdy behavior or an ostensible lack of fatigue in their children during bedtime. While some young ones may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, other children and adolescents are plagued with crowded agendas, noisy environments, technology distractions such as T.V., or sickness, which prevents them from getting a good night’s rest.

According to a WebMD report by Stacy Lu, reviewed by Charlene H. Beard, MD, the National Sleep Foundation recommends between nine and 14 hours of sleep per day for children ages 3 months to 18 years old. Most kids (and parents) get significantly less.

One product that claims it can aid in the bedtime ritual and help young ones drift asleep is Sleep Blend from Essence of Vali. According to owner Valerie Bennis, the potion’s unique blend of lavender, marjoram, cedar wood and ylang-ylang relaxes you, acting as an anti-anxiety solution with its potent bouquet and works to lull you into a recuperative sleep.

Ms. Bennis told Scooter that some of her best clients for this top-selling blend are parents who need a natural and non-invasive sleep aid for their children—or themselves for that matter!

Midori Kameoka, who purchased Essence of Vali Bedtime Ritual for a friend and mother, said that her gal pal was able to use the droplets around her baby’s crib.

“She told me that her baby went to sleep and did not wake up in the middle of the night,” recalled Ms. Kameoka. “My friend loves it because now, she too can get a good night’s sleep.”

While Scooter didn’t quite have the time to take a nap with heavy mists of Sleep Blend, we did test Ms. Bennis’ Sleep bedtime balm on our wrists and can attest to its soothing aroma. We’d love to hear from other parents on their alternative sleep aids. Ms. Bennis’ concoction is available as a mist, concentrate and massage/bath oil.

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