Struggling to get your full 8 hours of shut-eye? Optimise your sleep with these tried and tested sleep products.
Getting a good night’s rest might seem like an easy feat, but studies have shown that 51% of adults worldwide report that they get less rest than they need to on an average night and that a whopping 80% use weekends to repay what many refer to as their ‘sleep debt!’ So if you, like the vast majority, spend your nights lying awake worrying about not getting enough night’s sleep, know that you’re not alone in this sleepless epidemic.
Avoid the growing risks of sleep deprivation which include weight gain, heart disease, mental stress, alongside many others, with just a few smart purchases. Here’s our pick of the top 6 sleep products that actually work!
1. Weighted Sleep Masks
Elevate your usual sleep mask with a weighted version. Using a technique known as Deep Pressure Therapy, these masks are specially manufactured to increase the body’s production of both melatonin and serotonin, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and even autism! Similar to the benefits of a weighted blanket, the idea here is that the evenly distributed pressure sends signals to the brain that reduce the ‘fight or flight’ response and, instead, stimulates a calming sensation that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer.
Insider’s Tip: Our top pick for overall comfort has to be the ‘Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask’, now available on Amazon.
2. Calming Pillow Mists
As a fast-acting natural remedy, pillow mists contain natural, aromatherapeutic blends of various stress-relieving essential oils such as Lavender, Camomile, and Jasmine. These floral ingredients create a physiological response that causes our bodies to produce hormones like melatonin, AKA the hormone that tells our bodies when it’s time to go to sleep. Inexpensive and easy to introduce to a daily and nightly routine, we recommend opting for a formula that contains lavender or a fragrance that you associate with a calming memory.
Insider’s Tip: We highly recommend winding down with the ever-popular ‘This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray,’ available at Net-a-Porter. Or, if you’re looking for something extra special, the ‘Jo Malone London Lino nel Vento Linen Spray’ will help you fall asleep faster and wake feeling more refreshed and alert.
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3. Smart Lights
It’s a fact of life that our circadian rhythm or ‘body clock’ is controlled by an area of the brain that responds to light. That’s why we humans are usually more alert in the day and (hopefully) sleepy when it’s dark. That’s where smart lights come in. Featuring an LED-based bulb that can be controlled by a hub (think: Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa) or via an app on your smartphone, these popular gadgets help to ease you into a deeper sleep at night and then gently wake you the next morning by gradually adjusting their colour and brightness. Aside from improved sleep, other benefits include improved mood and wellbeing.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re looking for the best overall smart light bulb, ‘Philips Hue’s White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit’ comes with three dimmable coloured bulbs and is packed full of features, available on Amazon. Or go for the ‘Lifx Mini Wifi Smart Bulb’ for a more affordable option, also available on Amazon.
4. Bedtime Tea
For centuries, herbal teas have been used as a natural sleep remedy thanks to their calming and stress-relieving properties. Popular herbs that are proven to aid in sleep and help with relaxation include chamomile and valerian root (known for having a sedative effect), as well as lavender and lemon balm (both known for having calming and mood-boosting properties). So, the next time you’re tossing and turning in bed, brew yourself the perfect cup of tea to help ease your mind and body to sleep – just be sure to check its caffeine content beforehand!
Insider’s Tip: Our favourite picks include ‘Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Sleepytime’ and ‘Twinings of London Nightly Calm Green Tea’, both available on www.iherb.com.
You might also like Silentmode: Meet the Entrepreneur Who Engineered a USD 200 PowerMask For Naps
5. Sleep Apps
Due to the growing epidemic of sleep deprivation, there are fortunately a number of different apps out there designed to help you get a night of quality sleep. From monitoring your sleep patterns to providing soothing soundtracks to lull you into a restful slumber, there really is an app to cater to all your sleeping needs.
Insider’s Tip: We recommend checking out the 4 best sleep apps currently on the market!
6. Silk Bedsheets
Tired of your average cotton or polyester blend bedding? It may be time to switch to silk sheets. Smooth, velvety, and, perhaps best of all, hypoallergenic, silk sheets will help you get the quality sleep you need – especially since its breathability will help keep you cool throughout the night.
Although it might be pricier than your average bedding, silk happens to be the longest-lasting natural fabric, so your initial investment will be worth it in the long run!
Insider’s Tip: Don’t know where to start? Sleep Standards has pulled together a comparison review of the top silk sheets available on the market, weighing up everything from durability to softness, available colours to breathability.
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