We all know what a good night’s sleep can do to us. Our productivity improves, energy levels rise, and our mood almost does a 360-degree twist. We say fewer nos and our to-do lists halve by the hour.
But it isn’t just our mental health and positive attitude that reels in all the benefits. Our metabolism has been found to fasten, our chances of getting heart disease and inflammation lessens, and we build a much stronger immune system because of it.
As we celebrate World Sleep Day (19 March), we're encouraged to find ways to achieve regular sleep. It's one of the main pillars of our health – mentally and physically – and prepares us for a healthier future.
How to get a better night's sleep
There are many ways people like to reduce stress and to set themselves up for a decent night’s sleep. Aromatherapy for one is a great way people are able to de-stress with essential oils and diffusers, aromatherapy candles, and calming products for around the house.
Now more than ever, after sustaining ourselves through a global pandemic, sleep has become one of our most precious commodities. Three lockdowns have taken a big toll on many and saw a spike in stress levels with a whole lot to juggle in everyday life.
If you are finding it hard to lower your stress levels and switch off before bedtime, here are nine innovative ways you can take control of your night’s sleep and make it your top priority.
Related: The best weighted blankets for a great night's sleep
Best sleep gadgets
1. Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 - Wake-up Light Alarm Clock with 10 Sounds and Sleep Sunset
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Wake up without a fright with Lumie's Bodyclock Glow 150 Wake-up Light Alarm Clock. Tried and tested, Emily, Commercial Content Writer: "Never have I been more glad to kiss goodbye to my iPhone's generic morning alarm and welcome Lumie's sunrise bliss. Perfect for bad sleepers like myself, this alarm clock doesn't just rouse you 30 minutes before your alarm (with ten soothing sounds) in the most gentle and natural way, it also helps lull you to sleep through encouraging your body to produce more melatonin. The three-in-one product too helps towards people who struggle with SAD and winter blues."
2. Amazfit Zenbuds Noise-Blocking wireless earbuds with sleep and heart rate monitoring
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The Amazfit Zenbuds Noise-Blocking wireless earbuds are certainly not something to miss. With sleep and heart rate monitoring for up to 12 hours, the beauty of these earbuds is that they weigh next to nothing (1.78g per earbud) and have skin-soft ear tips so you will barely even notice they exist. Apart from of course, the numerous noise-masking sounds to help you drift off to sleep. Whether that be at the beach or in the middle of the rainforest, these earbuds even have an in-ear alarm to keep you in good books with your partner!
3. Dodow - Sleep Aid Device
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If you simply have tried everything and can't get yourself to sleep, why not join Dodow's sleep community of over 500,000 users? The sleep aid device has a built-in metronome with a light system that teaches you how to fall asleep naturally, without taking unnecessary medicine. The exercise can last between eight and 20 minutes (depending on how stubborn your body may be), switching itself off and helping users fall asleep and get back to sleep 2.5 times faster on average.
4. Brookstone Sleep Sound Mixer
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Brookstones Sleep Sound Mixer is the best sleep gadget for anyone wanting to put their inner DJ skills to the test. For £71.75 ($99.99), you can drift away to eight perfectly distributed soothing sounds. To create this custom blend, it is as simple as using the sliders across the broad range of options (fan, ocean, campfire, summer night etc) to layer up your favourite tones. The mixer also has seven ambient night-light colours to add to your sensory experience and an auto-off timer.
5. Manta Sleep Mask - 100% Blackout Eye Mask - Zero Eye Pressure - Adjustable Eye Cups - Guaranteed Deepest-Possible Rest
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Eager to block out all those creeping bedroom lights? The Manta Sleep Mask will give you a complete blackout alright. Tried and tested, Emily, Commercial Content Writer: "Zero eye pressure and a 100% guaranteed backout, I think I can finally get some beauty sleep. With over 4,500 Amazon reviews, the breathable and adjustable eye mask certainly lives up to its hype. Being machine washable too, it's a great sleeping alternative for all those light sleepers, travellers and midday nappers."
6. Ostrich Pillow Light Travel Pillow for Airplane Neck Support - Travel Accessories for Head Rest, Power Nap Pillow for Flight
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You might have seen the full Ostrich range appear on your Instagram – you know the alien-looking pillow allowing you to sleep anywhere at any time? If this is a little outside of your league, Ostrich has a superb (and less scary) light travel pillow, ideal if you're on-the-go flying, in the car or at the office. Coming in a range of colours, this innovative sleep alternative is stylish, smart, and very versatile. Also, handmade, hand-washable, and reversible!
7. Gravity Nap Mask
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If you struggle with migraines, The Sleep Lab has come out with an innovative Gravity Nap Mask. Similar to the weighted blanket (but not too heavy don't worry), this mask uses weight to apply gentle pressure to areas around your eyes, which are directly linked to relaxation. Filled with micro glass beads and made of 100% ultrasoft bamboo, you can actually put the Gravity Nap Mask in the freezer for 10 minutes and it will help alleviate the pain.
8. Motion Nutrition Unplug Night Time Nootropic Supplement
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The Motion Nutrition Unplug Night Time Nootropic is an award-winning sleep aid formulation, perfect as an additional way to help you drift straight to sleep. Tried and tested, Emily, Commercial Content Writer: "These vegan Unplug capsules have been crafted to promote sweet dreams, a calming mind and soothing mood. The Nootropics brain supplement contains Zinc Picolinate and a blend of nutrients which not only helps towards your stress but is great for your health and nervous system. Quell your racing mind, fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed."
9. Tisserand Aromatherapy, Sleep Better Discovery Kit
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Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Discovery Kit features a trio of aromatherapy products to help you create a ritual that leaves you feeling soothed, sleepy and ready to take the morning in your stride. The kit also contains a Sleep Better Massage & Body Oil which can used for a relaxing bath, A Sleep Better Pillow Mist to spritz over your pillows before bedtime and Sleep Better Pulse Point Roller Ball which can also make a perfect gift.Tried and tested, Natalie, Deputy Commercial Content Editor: "The sleep mist and roller have become a regular part of my routine before bed. The calming lavender scent really does make a difference, spritzed on my pillow and then the roller ball on my temples and wrist just envelope my in a calm haze before I drift off. It's so simple yet so effective."
What the experts say about improving sleep
"For some constant worrying may make it hard to fall asleep, while low mood and depression will see others sleep too much," explains consultant neuropsychiatrist, and medical director of the London Sleep Centre, doctor Irshaad Ebrahim.
"Prolonged periods indoors especially in the winter, means lower levels of natural light which can throw off our circadian rhythm, disrupting our natural sleep patterns. And a totally altered schedule or no schedule at all will also affect the quality and duration of our sleep."
This of course doesn’t include our increased screen time, 24-7 childcare patrol and homeschooling. Not to mention, a few extra bottles of wine and virtual TV exercise (from the comfort of our own couches) to get us through this absolute pile of mess (we mean stress).
"When we sleep our parasympathetic nervous system kicks in. This is the function responsible for stimulating digestion, activating metabolism, and helping the body relax."
Doctor Ebrahim continues: "However, stress leads to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, better known as our fight or flight response – which causes an increased state of arousal. As a result of this heightened arousal, sleep disruption and insomnia ensue and this can lead to a vicious cycle of chronic sleep issues."
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