We catch up with Hayley Dawes, founder of Dreem Distillery, the luxury CBD wellness brand whose mission is to transform your sleepless nights through organically grown broad-spectrum CBD products. We chat with Hayley about her journey and experience with CBD, how CBD works and its health benefits, her daily non-negotiables to support a good night's rest and the power of resilience.
What inspired you to create Dreem Distillery, and how did you know it was the right time?
As an entrepreneur and mother of four young children, I have spent my career as an interior designer and property developer. I have created many beautiful homes for my clients to live in but struggled to find tranquillity in my own home due to crippling insomnia. This chronic lack of sleep and unrest set me off on a personal voyage to find the solution, and the game-changer came when I discovered the transformative power of CBD as an aid to restful and restorative sleep.
Why is sleep so important for our well-being?
Sleep is crucial for overall well-being as it impacts our physical health, cognitive function and emotional stability. During sleep, the body repairs muscles and tissues, boosts immune function and supports heart health. It also regulates hormones and metabolism, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Sleep enhances memory, learning and decision-making while managing mood and stress. Prioritising quality sleep improves physical resilience, mental sharpness and emotional balance, leading to a healthier, happier and more energetic life.
How has CBD helped to relieve your insomnia, and which products do you find the most beneficial?
Dreem Distillery products improve sleep using broad-spectrum CBD and bioactive botanical formulas to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. By supporting the parasympathetic nervous system and addressing modern stressors, they help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and achieve deeper rest. Rigorous testing ensures purity and potency for maximum efficacy. My absolute game-changing product is our Night Drops – I take them every single night without fail. I am also a lover of our The Z’s bath soak for the ultimate bathing indulgence.
There are many different CBD products on the market. Can you explain how CBD works and how yours is different?
CBD, or cannabidiol, interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates functions like sleep, mood and immunity. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and offers benefits such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep and alleviating pain.
Our CBD uses bioactive formulas with enhanced absorption for maximum efficacy. We pride ourselves in using broad spectrum CBD. This is made up of all the hemp plant except for the THC. The power of the plant is absolutely key to success and, when paired with essential oils, the efficacy is amplified. Our CBD is ethically sourced using organically grown hemp, which is free from harmful chemicals. We use targeted formulations: products tailored for sleep, rest and recovery, and ensure purity, potency and safety through our rigorous third-party testing.
What would you recommend for those wanting to try CBD for the first time?
Start with a low dose: begin with a lower potency product to see how your body responds. You can gradually increase the dose as needed.
Choose the right product: should you suffer from insomnia, I would recommend using an ingestible CBD. If you have pain issues, I would recommend a topically applied CBD such as our Bed Balm. Dreem Distillery offers user-friendly options tailored for sleep, rest and recovery.
Consistency is key: take your CBD at the same time each day to allow your body to adjust and maximise the benefits.
Monitor your response: keep track of how you feel after taking CBD. Note any changes in sleep, mood or overall well-being.
What are your non-negotiables for optimising a good night’s sleep?
Morning sunlight: start your day with at least 15-30 minutes of sunlight exposure. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Regular exercise: engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Exercise boosts sleep quality, but try to finish your workout a few hours before bedtime.
Consistent sleep schedule: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This consistency reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Limit caffeine and alcohol: avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, as it can disrupt your ability to fall asleep. Limit alcohol consumption as it can interfere with sleep quality.
Create a sleep-conducive environment: ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider blackout curtains, earplugs or a white noise machine to eliminate disturbances.
Limit screen time before bed: reduce exposure to screens (phones, tablets, TVs) at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt your sleep.
Relaxation routine: develop a pre-sleep routine that helps you wind down. This could include reading, taking a warm bath using our Into the Deep bath oil or The Z’s bath soak, or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
For the past decade, I've relied on our award-winning Night Drops. They not only help reduce fatigue but also support the nervous system, making a profound difference for many.
How do you unwind and take time for yourself in between running a business and being a mum to four children?
Time is somewhat on the short side! However, I always have an evening bath where I treat myself to 15 minutes of total relaxation using either our The Z’s bath soak or Into the Deep bath oil. This is my absolute sanctuary and the perfect pre-slumber prep.
What does your evening routine look like?
My evening routine starts around 7pm, when I dim the lights and eat a healthy meal – of course in the summer there is no need for any electric lighting at 7pm! My absolute non-negotiable is creating time for myself to enjoy a relaxing bath using either our The Z’s anchoring bath soak, perfect post gym, or our Into the Deep bath concentrate, both of which smell heavenly and prepare my body and mind for deep slumber. If my mind is still busy from the day I carve out time to do 10 minutes of breathwork, which allows my mind to begin letting go of worry and start focusing on solely my breathing. Another way to abandon the day and prepare my body to sleep is to immerse myself in a good book and then finally take a few drops of our Night Drops, to aid me into a restful slumber.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND:
When I’m well rested, I…
Feel more energised and focused, allowing me to tackle the day’s challenges with clarity and efficiency. My mood is elevated (so much better for those around me), making it easier to maintain positive relationships and approach tasks with enthusiasm. I am more productive and creative, able to think more clearly and make better decisions. Overall, I feel healthier, happier, and more capable of achieving my goals.
I feel most empowered when…
I am fully aligned with my goals and values, confidently making decisions that reflect my true self. This sense of empowerment comes from being well-prepared, having the necessary knowledge and skills, and receiving support from those around me. It’s when I am able to take on challenges head-on, overcome obstacles and see tangible progress toward my aspirations.
When I need some self-care, I…
Prioritise activities that help me relax and recharge. I start with a calming breathwork session to centre my mind and reduce stress. I engage in some light exercise, like a walk or yoga, to boost my mood and energy levels. I treat myself to a warm evening bath using our The Z’s bath soak or Into the Deep bath oil to soothe my muscles and unwind completely. Believe it or not, I love spending time watching the children playing competitive football. This is my sanctuary where all my worries and stresses disappear as all my focus is on the game!
The best lesson I’ve learnt in life is…
The power of resilience. No matter the challenges or setbacks I've faced, I've discovered that resilience allows me to bounce back stronger and more determined than before. It's taught me that failure is not the end but an opportunity for growth and learning. By embracing resilience, I've been able to navigate through life's ups and downs with courage, adaptability and a positive outlook, ultimately leading to greater personal development and fulfillment.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Embrace every moment as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Trust your intuition, follow your passions fearlessly, and never settle for anything less than what truly fulfills you. Prioritise your well-being, both physically and spiritually, and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Embrace change with grace and remember that every challenge is a stepping stone towards your highest potential.
Shop Dreem Distillery on Blossom & Preen
You can find Hayley on Instagram via @dreem_distillery
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