Fed up of spending every night tossing and turning? Trying out some of these sleep aids could be the solution. From blackout curtains to weighted blankets, there are various accessories on the market that can help us to enter a more comfortable and deeper slumber. Some of them may be better for certain types of sleeper or certain bedroom environments. This guide explains more as to how each accessory can help and why they could be the dream solution for you.
Lavender pillow mist
It’s possible to buy lavender oil in a mister bottle to spray on your pillow each night. When inhaled, the scent of lavender acts as a mild sedative, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure and promoting the production of sleep hormones. Lavender can also be incorporated into one’s bedtime ritual via bath bombs, scented candles or oil diffusers. You can also buy lavender detergents to wash your bedsheets in.
Weighted blanket
Weighted blankets are filled with glass or plastic pellets to make them heavier than regular duvets. While some people find them a bit smothering and stuffy, others find that the extra weight helps them to sleep. This could be because weighted blankets can help simulate the comforting feeling of a hug. You can buy weighted blankets in different sizes for different beds. Check out this Good Housekeeping guide to the best weighted blankets.
Bed socks
Not everyone likes the idea of wearing socks to bed, however scientific studies suggest that wearing socks to bed can help many people to fall asleep. Our feet are key to our body’s temperature regulation and keeping them warm at night can help lower our core temperature and promote sleep. You can buy specialist sleep socks made from soft and warm materials like cashmere and alpaca. Choose moisture wicking materials like bamboo if you get sweaty feet at night.
Body pillow
Are you a side sleeper? Using a body pillow could help to provide extra comfort and align the spine. These long narrow pillows are designed to be cradled between the legs to reduce strain on the knees, hips and back. Many pregnant women and people with back problems find that they alleviate lumbar pain. They come in a few different forms including full body maternity pillows that cradle the entire body (these are designed for pregnancy, helping to support your growing bump).
Mattress topper
Is your mattress too hard? Or too soft? Instead of having to fork out on a new mattress, you may be able to improve the comfort of your bed by buying a mattress topper. Memory foam mattress toppers can help soften up hard mattresses, while specialist foam and latex toppers can be used to add firmness. You can also buy insulated and heated mattress toppers, as well as waterproof mattress toppers for protecting mattresses from fluids like sweat and urine.
Sleep mask
Many people find that pitch blackness helps them to sleep. Light from the early morning sun or streetlights can interfere with melatonin production. By wearing a sleep mask, you can block out this light. Not everyone is able to sleep with an eye mask on due to the pressure from the strap or irritation from the mask itself. Investing in a top quality sleep mask such as a Drowsy sleep mask could make a difference – these are made from mulberry silk and have contoured cups to prevent pressure on the eyes and eyelashes.
Blackout curtains
Blackout curtains are an alternative solution to sleep masks for blocking out light. These are totally opaque drapes that cover the entire window (make sure to buy solutions that are made-to-measure). Some parents find that hanging blackout curtains on their child’s bedroom window can prevent them getting up at the crack of dawn (encouraging your child to sleep longer and helping you to get more sleep too). Blackout curtains can also come in the form of blinds or shades.
Sunrise alarm clock
A downside of blocking out the early morning sun is that it can make many people feel groggy when they have to wake up to an alarm – the dark can encourage a deep sleep, which can mean that many people get woken up by their alarm in the deepest part of their sleep cycle. This is where sunrise alarm clocks come in handy. These alarm clocks gradually brighten up the room the closer it gets to your alarm, simulating the sun and helping you to come out of a deep sleep before your alarm goes off. Check out this Which guide to the best sunrise alarm clocks.
Earplugs
A common cause of insomnia is noise. One time-tested solution to this problem is earplugs – a good pair of earplugs can help you to sleep soundly through outside traffic, loud neighbours and even a partner’s snoring. Earplugs come in different materials: wax, foam and silicone. Some people find that wax and silicone options are more comfortable, while foam options can sometimes provide better noise muffling. It could be worth trying out each of them to find the most comfortable and effective solution for you.
White noise machine
Not everyone sleeps better in silence. In fact, some people find that background noise actually helps them to get a better night’s rest. White noise machines help to provide a steady non-distracting background noise that can help mask tinnitus and outdoor noises. This noise can also be effective at helping newborn babies to sleep by simulating the background noise of the womb. While white noise machines are a traditional solution, it’s also possible to download apps that play white noise – which some people find can be just as effective as white noise machines.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most effective and popular accessories to help improve sleep quality. Read reviews when comparing products in order to find the best quality options.
