Originally famed as an aphrodisiac during the Middle Ages, the therapeutic benefits of lavender have been revealed over the centuries.

The dried flowers and the oil have both been traditionally used in many countries as a remedy for a wide variety of minor ailments.

It’s well known that lavender is supposed to help you sleep, but researchers at the University of Southampton have recently uncovered the facts that support the story.

In a recent study they compared the sleep patterns of people in a room in which lavender essential oil was dispersed with those exposed to a placebo.

After a week the two groups switched rooms. Afterwards people reported their sleep was 20 per cent better on average while exposed to lavender.

A subsequent study at Wesleyan University found that lavender increased the level of slow-wave sleep, which in turn improved the level of rest achieved.

The recommendation: sprinkle a few drops of pure lavender oil on a tissue and tuck it beneath your pillow.

Sweet dreams.