Sleep Starts in the Shower: The Science Behind Our Nightly Ritual Body Wash

Not Just a Body Wash — A Sleep Ritual in a Bottle 

We all know the feeling: racing thoughts, tense muscles, and a mind that refuses to switch off. Whether you're a light sleeper, shift worker, or simply carry the weight of a busy day, winding down can be a struggle. That's why we created the Surmanti Sleep Body Wash - a soap-free, sensory-rich formula designed to help your body shift from stress mode to rest mode, starting right in your shower. 

Why Sleep Starts in the Shower 

Your evening shower is more than just hygiene - it's a biological cue. Warm water, gentle touch, and calming scent signals tell your nervous system it's safe to relax. Our Sleep Body Wash builds on this natural ritual, combining skin-friendly cleansers with GABA, botanical extracts, and essential oils traditionally used to support restful sleep.* 

Why It Works 

  • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): This naturally occurring amino acid plays a crucial role in calming the nervous system. Topically applied GABA may support your body's ability to relax and unwind. 

  • Valerian Root, Passionflower, Hops & Lemon Balm: Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to reduce restlessness and promote relaxation,* these herbs create a foundational layer of calm beneath your skin. 

  • Aromatherapy Oils: We use a blend of essential oils chosen for their grounding, sedative properties. Inhaling these during your shower can help lower heart rate, relax muscles, and ease the mind into sleep. 

  • Soap-Free & Skin-Loving: With coconut-derived cleansers and no harsh surfactants, this wash gently purifies without disrupting your skin's barrier, making it ideal for daily use before bed. 

  • No Melatonin: We respect your body's rhythms. Our formula works with your natural sleep-wake cycle rather than overriding it with synthetic melatonin. 

Why What Goes on Your Skin Matters 

The skin isn’t just a passive barrier - it’s your body’s largest organ, with the ability to absorb compounds, interact with nerve endings, and influence internal systems. 

Research from Dr. Philippa Darbre has shown that many common ingredients in cosmetics can penetrate the skin and accumulate in tissue. More recent work, including studies on GABA and herbal actives, supports the idea that even wash-off formulas can influence mood, muscle tension, and sleep quality when properly formulated. 

That’s why we use only skin-friendly, naturally derived ingredients — free from synthetic fragrances, hormone disruptors, or PEGs. What you put on your body should support your health, not compromise it. 

Who It's For: 

  • Light sleepers and shift workers 

  • Busy minds that struggle to switch off 

  • Families wanting a gentle, nightly routine 

  • Anyone seeking a melatonin-free way to support restful sleep 

Directions for Use :

Use nightly in a warm shower or bath. Dispense a small amount onto a damp loofah or body cloth and massage in gentle circular motions. This not only creates a rich lather but also stimulates lymphatic flow, helping to enhance ingredient absorption and support your body’s natural detoxification process. Inhale deeply, then rinse thoroughly. 

For best results, follow with your favourite Surmanti Magnesium Sleep Support Spray, Gel, or Body Oil. 

FAQs 

Is it safe for kids or during pregnancy? Yes, it’s gentle and melatonin-free. However, always patch test or consult your health provider if you have specific concerns. 

Can I use it on my face or intimate areas? While it’s a body wash, the soap-free formula is gentle enough for most skin areas. Avoid direct contact with eyes or broken skin. 

Does it contain synthetic fragrance or hormone disruptors? No. Only pure essential oils and herbal extracts are used. No synthetic fragrance, no parabens, no PEGs. 

Is it a replacement for sleep supplements? No, it's designed to support your wind-down routine as part of a holistic sleep ritual, not to replace supplements or prescribed treatments. 

What if it doesn’t work for me? We stand by our formulations. If you don’t love it, it's covered by our Surmanti "Love it or your money back" guarantee. 

Does it really work if it's washing off in the water? Yes. While it doesn’t stay on the skin long-term, key ingredients like GABA, herbal extracts, and essential oils still interact with your skin and senses. Inhalation during showering and brief skin contact both play a role in signalling the nervous system to relax. Studies show even short exposure to calming aromas and topicals can influence mood and stress levels. 

The Surmanti Difference 

  • 100% plant-based ingredients 

  • 99% natural origin and 1% nature-identical or naturally derived actives 

  • No synthetic melatonin or hormone disruptors 

  • Made fresh in New Zealand in small batches 

  • Packed in black PET for UV protection and purity - BPA-safe plastic for shower-time safety 

Our Love It Guarantee We believe you should fall in love with your skincare. If you’re not 100% happy, we’ll make it right - with a full product refund. No stress, no hassle. 

References: 

  • Darbre, P. D. (2006). Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 20(1), 121-143. 

  • Pergolizzi, J. V., et al. (2018). Transdermal applications of natural agents for pain and sleep. Pain Practice, 18(4), 446-458. 

  • Greaves, M. W. (2005). Pathophysiology of sensitive skin. American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, 16(3), 106-110. 

  • Lehrner, J., et al. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Physiology & Behavior, 86(1-2), 92-95. 

*Herbal ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to promote relaxation and support restful sleep. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and has not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).