27 sleep products that will help you get a better night's rest, according to people who swear by them
We asked the Business Insider Reviews team for the sleep products they swear by for better sleep, from weighted blankets to cooling essentials.
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It's the perfect time to improve your sleep routine and set up to boost your emotional, mental, and physical health with daylight-saving time and Sleep Awareness Week happening. Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality affect concentration, memory, and decision-making and can cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, and impulsiveness.
To fall asleep faster, stay asleep, and have a better night's sleep overall, build a sleep routine, says Dr. Benjamin Smarr, assistant professor at the University of California San Diego specializing in neuroscience and sleep science. "Sleep is very complicated and requires many parts of your brain and body to agree," he said. "So the more familiar your pre-sleep routine is, the more likely all those parts will line up."
Everyone has little tricks to help them achieve this ideal sleeping state, so I asked the rest of the Business Insider Reviews team to share the products they've built into their nightly routines.
Unsurprisingly, many of their favorite products directly relate to our best sleep products, including the best pillows and best weighted blankets. Apps and accessories also help our team, whether filling the air with soothing scents and sounds or contributing to overall comfort and coziness.
But if you're experiencing serious sleep disturbances that consistently impact your life, the following solutions may not be adequate, and you should consider consulting a specialist. Dr. Azizi Seixas, an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine whose research focuses on sleep disparities, says, "If these disturbances occur for longer than a month, then the person should seek professional help. Another sign that suggests immediate intervention is needed is if the person feels physically sick as a result of sleep disturbances."
Here are 27 products and apps the Reviews team uses to fall asleep faster
Suzy Hernandez/Business Insider
Hatch Restore 3
First, I spied all the influencers on TikTok touting their Hatch. Then, once my contributors raved about it, I was curious to see how an alarm clock could quite literally have a cult following. I quickly realized how it's much more than a sunrise alarm clock. It puts you in the habit of developing a sleep routine, combining light and sound to guide you through winding down to waking up. Likewise, on the first morning after Daylight Savings Time, it was comforting to not awaken to a completely dark room.
The latest generation emphasizes its onboard controls to lessen your reliance on using your phone around bedtime, but in order to maximize the full suite of content, including guided meditations, podcasts, and music, you'll need to subscribe to Hatch+ app for $50 a year. —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Read our Hatch Restore 3 review.
Dagsmejan
Dagsmejean Slip Dress
Dagsmejan uses patented technology in their fabrics, including "Nattcool," a textile with impressive moisture-wicking properties that it claims is eight times as breathable as cotton. I tested this claim by sleeping in the August heat without air conditioning, and sure enough, it kept me comfortably dry through the night. Usually when I sweat in my sleep, my pajamas are damp as a result, but I felt genuinely refreshed waking up in this slip dress.
It's made with 100% Lyocell, which feels slippery and lightweight to the touch. It's a bit of a shock to the system when you feel how cold it is, even after it's been sitting in a climate-controlled room. The fit of the dress is relaxed with a split hem, so it's easy to move in if you tend to toss and turn in your sleep. The price may be considered too steep to justify on a nightie, but if you're curious about which Dagsmejan pieces are most worth it, I recommend the Relaxwear Kimono. I wear this bathrobe daily and it's likewise made with a special cooling material. —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor
Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
Blue Crab Warmies
With all the cute and cozy benefits of a regular plushie plus soothing warmth, I'm really passionate about my Warmies. Warmies are lightly weighted, lavender-filled stuffed animals that can be placed in the microwave to become, as the name suggests, warm.
My Warmies has been a total lifesaver when I have cramps or a stomachache. Plus, since there are no wires, I can have pain relief without a fire hazard. It's also just nice to have a little extra warmth in the bed, especially on cold winter nights. — Kinsley Searles, home and sleep reviews fellow
Parachute
Parachute Linen Box Quilt
I'm both a hot and light sleeper — a terrible combination, since any hint of overheating wakes me up. For the past six years, my go-to blanket has been Parachute's Linen Box Quilt, since even the lightest comforters are too hot for me.
I love that this quilt is thin and made from breathable, cooling linen. It satisfies my urge to have something wrapped around me as I sleep, without adding much heat at all. Even if you don't sleep hot, it's a great layering piece — many of my Reviews team coworkers are also big fans. —Lauren Savoie, deputy executive editor
Amazon
Therabody SmartGoggles
Therabody's SmartGoggles combine heat, massage, and vibrations into a black-out eye mask. It's the indulgent sleep gear I never knew I needed. Now, I prepare for bed with a temple massage and comforting heat, with the added benefit of reducing eye strain and easing stress. There are three settings for personalized relaxation, headache relief, and sleep prep, but you can sync it with the Therabody app to unlock an audio experience, customize settings further, and track your resting heart rate. —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Gel Pillow
After sleeping on ancient and uncomfortable pillows for way too long, we finally made the plunge and upgraded to the Beckham Hotel Collection's Original Down Alternative last year.
I'm a hot sleeper, so a pillow with cooling properties was a must. The gel fiber pillow is definitely breathable and helps keep me from overheating too much at night. It's a fairly fluffy and plush option, but it's not overstuffed, so I've found it comfortable no matter what position I'm sleeping in. —Lillian Brown, associate editor
Kinsley Searles/Business Insider
Snooz White Noise Machine
During a visit back home for the holidays, my partner's grandparents urged us to try their Snooz White Noise Machine. We ended up loving it so much that we got our own. The white noise machine uses a real fan to create comforting, soothing sounds.
The design is super simplistic, too — a simple tap of a button starts the machine. It's fantastic at helping me sleep, especially when my neighbors throw a party or my dog decides to give the squirrels in our backyard a piece of his mind. —Kinsley Searles, home and sleep reviews fellow
Read our guide for the best white noise machines.
Buffy
Buffy Breeze Sheets
When my wife wanted to splurge on Buffy's Breeze sheets, I was initially skeptical. But I'm so happy we decided to get them — they are the most comfortable, cooling sheets I've ever slept on. It was worth paying a little more than I was comfortable with, as it truly feels like a luxurious experience to get in bed every night.
They are much more breathable than classic, crispy cotton sheets and allow me to sleep comfortably throughout the night while feeling cool and sweating less. — Will Fischer, senior content strategist
Amazon
Gorilla Grip Bed Sheet Straps
When I sleep, I toss and turn… a lot. My constant flip-flopping often leads to my fitted sheet coming loose and slipping off the corner of the bed. I've frequently had to get out of bed to pull the sheet back into place.
The Gorilla Grip Bed Sheet Straps have been a lifesaver. They clip onto the corners and sides of my sheets to ensure that I won't have to worry about the sheet creeping up the bed. Now, I can sleep comfortably through the night knowing that my fitted sheet will remain snug on my mattress. — Kinsley Searles, home and sleep reviews fellow
Loop
Loop Quiet Earplugs
My street-facing bedroom in New York gets noisy, so I pop in my Loop earplugs every night before sleep. They've been worth the splurge because they drown out noise better than your standard disposable foam earplugs and are way more comfortable. I can barely feel them and they stay put without fail. —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor
Amazon
The Genesis Box Fan
My apartment is perpetually too warm, so I'm always on the lookout for ways to stay cool. I love a fan's white noise, but I don't like feeling direct wind all night.
The Genesis Box Fan is a perfect solution: powerful enough to cool down my small bedroom while standing far enough from my bed that all I feel is a gentle breeze. Plus, its lightweight enough that I can easily move it around my apartment for more cooling options. — Lily Alig, kitchen editor
Suzy Hernandez/Business Insider
Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow
As a side sleeper, I need to straddle a body pillow to keep my knees from knocking into each other and align my spine. For the last four years, I've used the Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow, the best body pillow in our guide. It hasn't lost any of its fluff and continues to provide me with the comfort and support I need. I like that I can easily mold it to my body. —James Brains, senior reporter
Read our guide for the best body pillows.
Target
The New York Times Take It Easy Crossword Puzzles: 75 Easy Puzzles
I do a crossword puzzle pretty much every night to help me wind down. Not only is it good for my long-term cognitive function, but it's also the perfect way to tire my mind after a long day (without resorting to screens). I suggest doing them with a gentle light on once you're already in bed — that way you can just zonk out as soon as you're ready. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Cozy Earth
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
We all know how beneficial a silk pillowcase can be for your skin and hair, but when I had the chance to try a silk-filled pillow, I had to see what it was like. Seriously, the fill is fine long strands of high-quality mulberry silk. It's downright luxurious and sleeps cool all night long. I've tried dozens of pillows, and few can compare to the breathable, cool feeling that this silk pillow provides. As a back and side sleeper, I was worried that it wouldn't be lofty enough compared to the pillows I usually gravitate to, but it's perfectly moldable to create the support I need. I'm a silk pillow convert. —Jaclyn Turner, senior editor
Steph Coelho/Business Insider
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
My Google Nest Hub has become a core part of my sleep routine. I rely on its built-in sleep-sensing technology to give me feedback on how I sleep and insight into my sleep habits without having to remember to wear or charge a wearable device or watch. The built-in sunrise wake-up alarm is calming, and while I still stick to my phone alarm, it slowly adapts to my environment with the ideal brightness. I also love how I can control the rest of my smart home products basically from bed, whether I want to adjust the Nest thermostat or turn off a light in the other room that's on a smart plug. It's also useful to connect to apps like Calm or Spotify if I want to try to lessen my reliance on using my phone before bed. —Jaclyn Turner, senior editor
Read our full Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) review.
Amazon
Natrol Melatonin Supplement (5mg, 150 count)
About half an hour before bed, my wife and I take a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. It does an excellent job of helping me fall asleep within minutes of hitting my bed, and I don't wake up feeling groggy. Since melatonin is a supplement authorities haven't evaluated, you should talk to your healthcare professional before taking it. —James Brains, senior reporter
Jacqueline Saguin/Business Insider
Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask
Move over weighted blankets. Weighted eye masks are all the rage. Sometimes described as "hugs for your head," they have gentle weights with just the right amount of pressure to lull you to sleep. For someone who's a light sleeper like me, I love how this completely blocks out light.
It offers dual softness, with one side a cool jersey cotton and the other a warm microfiber. You can also put it in your freezer for added coolness. It lacks straps but you can fit one end into the other to secure it to your head. —Jacqueline Saguin, contributor
Anker
Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds
Unlike regular earbuds, the Sleep A20 Earbuds are comfortable to wear to sleep. It's ideal for people who like to doze off to music or podcasts. The Sleep A20 can play gentle sounds to block out noise if you prefer quiet. — Les Shu, deputy editor
Jen Gushue/Business Insider
Luna Weighted Blanket
I've struggled with insomnia and parasomnias for most of my adult life, and I've tried almost every remedy, medication, and relaxation technique out there. The most marked improvement I've had is with a weighted blanket. I have the Luna Weighted Blanket, the best budget pick in our guide to the best weighted blankets.
It took me a few days to get used to the heft, but it's now my go-to solution if I'm having trouble falling asleep. It helps reduce the amount of movement I experience during sleep, which helps me sleep more restfully throughout the night. A weighted blanket is one of the best purchases I've ever made for myself and I highly recommend anyone who wants a better night's sleep take the plunge on investing in one. — Lauren Savoie, deputy executive editor
Connie Chen/Business Insider
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
I'm sensitive to light and haven't had the chance to buy some good blackout curtains. In the meantime, this cool and silky eye mask has been the perfect fix. It's soft and comfortable, and the material doesn't rub against or irritate my acne-prone skin. The elastic band also doesn't squeeze my head, which is a feat since I have a big head and often find sleep masks too tight. — Connie Chen, contributor
Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite
Of all the e-readers you can choose from, the Kindle Paperwhite offers the best balance of affordability and features. I love using mine to read before bed. Since its screen is backlit with adjustable brightness, it helps ease my eyes to darkness with an interesting activity that requires no harsh bright lights. So much better than doom-scrolling on my phone! — Sarah Saril, associate editor
Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty Images
Headspace Meditation App
Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I love to use Headspace's dedicated sleep content to fall asleep easily. I particularly like Headspace's Sleepcasts, which include soft background noises like rain over a quiet narrator's voice. My favorite feature of the Sleepcasts is that you can adjust them to play more background noise or narration, depending on your preference.
I also enjoy the app's "Wind-downs," which help to prepare your mind to sleep or help you get back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night. While features are limited while using the free version of the app, it's a great, low-stakes way to try out Headspace's features before committing to a paid membership. — Maliah West, contributor
James Brains/Business Insider
Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed
Having tested more than 90 mattresses, I always sleep on something new. Yet, I didn't want to stop testing the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed. I chose it as the best adjustable air mattress in our best mattress guide.
As with other Sleep Number mattresses, the i8 is an adjustable air bed with 20 firmness levels. What sets the i8 apart is the "responsive air" feature that automatically adjusts the firmness as you move around at night. This is ideal since I often switch between side and stomach sleeping. Since the comfort adjusts, I don't have to choose and stick with a position. Also, the mattress tracks your sleep quality and offers personalized insights for improved sleep through the SleepIQ app. —James Brains, senior reporter
Amazon
Nag Champa Incense Sticks
I'm sensitive to odors, so much so that different scents can wake me up. This is great for avoiding disaster in the event of a fire but not helpful when my kid decides to cook at two in the morning. I've found incense does an excellent job of masking odors, so I can go back to sleep, and it helps put me in a calm mood to fall asleep in the first place.
I've tried almost every Satya variety in my decades of burning incense, and my favorites are Nag Champa and Romance. I recommend starting with a variety pack to find your favorite. Also, be extra careful using incense as it can start a fire. — James Brains, senior reporter
Amazon
This Works Deep Pillow Spray, 75ml
I've lent this spray out to friends, roommates, and family to help them sleep, and I've always had trouble getting it back from them. The power blend of lavender, vetivert, and chamomile is unbelievably soothing, and it helps set up a sleep routine for me that signifies to my body it's time to relax. — Mara Leighton, former senior reporter
Amazon
Trtl Pillow
At first glance, the Trtl pillow looks nothing like a pillow. It seems more like a scarf or blanket, and in some ways, that's actually what it is. A soft, lightweight fleece wrap hides and cushions a plastic neck support on one side, which rests on either your shoulder or your chest to keep your head in a comfortable position.
The neck support consists of a few stiff ribs on one end of the scarf. To use the Trtl, simply place the ribs in the position you find most comfortable, then wrap the scarf around your neck. Velcro on the other end of the ribs holds the wrap in place while you doze off. The ribs have a little bit of flexibility to eliminate any pressure points or discomfort. — David Slotnick, contributor
Casper/Instagram
Casper Glow Light
My circadian rhythm is hyperactive, which means my sleep is easily disrupted by late-night screen time and bright lighting before bed.
The Glow Light from Casper is the one tool I've found that consistently puts me to sleep. It starts out bright enough to read a book but dims down over the course of about 45 minutes until it's off. (You can adjust the schedule using an app, though I've never tried it). Because it mimics the setting sun, my body responds well and knows it's time to sleep by about 20 minutes into the light's cycle.
To turn the light on or off, you just flip it over; you can also twist it left and right to bring the brightness up or down and shake it while it's off to turn it into a night light. — Stephanie Hallett, former senior editor
Read our full Casper Glow Light review.