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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, which is our 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 particularly helps cut down on 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 editor
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Headspace Meditation App
Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I love to use Headspace’s dedicated sleep content to easily fall asleep. I particularly like Headspace’s Sleepcasts which include soft background noises such as 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/Insider
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed
Having tested more than 30 mattresses, I am always sleeping on something new. Last month, I finished up testing the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed, and I didn’t want to stop. In fact, 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 for me since I often switch between side and stomach sleeping. Since the comfort adjusts, I don’t have to choose a position and stick with it. Also, the mattress tracks your sleep quality and offers personalized insights for improved sleep through the SleepIQ app. —James Brains, reporter
Connie Chen/Insider
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
I’m sensitive to light, and I haven’t had the chance to buy some good blackout curtains for my room yet. 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
Victoria Giardina/Insider
Pure Body Naturals Premium Essential Oils Collection
I never understood the hype until I was gifted a diffuser of my own, along with the Pure Body Naturals Premium Essential Oils Collection, which is a six-piece set of peppermint, lemongrass, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and sweet orange oils. All of the oils make your room smell heavenly. Not to mention, the lavender oil is wonderful to apply on your wrists and even mix with water to spritz on your pillow to help you relax before bed. —Victoria Giardina, contributor
Jacqueline Saguin/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
Life Bloom Organics
Life Bloom Organics Premium Nano Hemp Sleep Spray (currently sold out)
I’ve tested a lot of CBD sleep remedies over the last few years thanks to my job, and this nano spray from Life Bloom Organics is still my leading choice. It’s a tasteless spray formulated with not just CBD but also natural sleep aids like melatonin, valerian root, and L-Theanine. Two to four sprays consistently makes me sleepy within about 15 minutes of use, and I never feel any groggy effects the next morning the way some other formulas can leave me.
The downside is it’s a bit pricey (you get ~25 nights for $40) but, for me, it’s worth buying and saving for the nights you can’t stop tossing and turning. —Rachael Shultz, contributor
Brooklinen
Brooklinen Weighted Comforter
Having a weighted blanket on top of my usual comforter often means it’ll slip and slide throughout the night, which can be disruptive. I’ve been using this weighted comforter for three months and I like that it doubles as a comforter so it won’t shift around and that it decreases the amount of stuff on my bed. I find myself falling asleep faster and waking up more rested each night. There are loops on the corner to secure the comforter in a duvet cover, but you can use it without one. — Jada Wong, contributor
Amazon
ThisWorks 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, senior reporter
Amazon
Trtl Pillow (2-pack)
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 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
Snowe/Instagram
Snowe Bathrobe
I hate to say it, but as I’ve mentioned in my full review, I’ll pull on this fluffy, luxurious Snowe robe after a shower and settle into bed for a few Netflix episodes before doing my nightly routine in earnest. I can’t count how many times I’ve woken up in it eight hours later. It’s more absorbent than my towels and dangerously comfy. —Mara Leighton, senior reporter
Leesa
Leesa Hybrid Pillow
Leesa’s hybrid pillow is pretty much my dream pillow. The gel pillow base is firm enough to make me feel like I’m still sleeping on my memory foam pillow, but the soft, quilted down-alternative topper makes it more comfortable to rest my head on the pillow at night. I’ve been using it for a few months now and I’ve never slept better. —Malarie Gokey, lead training coordinator
Bed Bath & Beyond
Therapedic Weighted Eye Mask
I have anxiety, but I love my comforter too much to part with it for a weighted blanket. I read about this weighted eye mask and decided to give it a try. While I don’t love sleeping through the night with it on, the Therapedic Weighted Eye Mask is perfect for napping.
Napping used to be a passive activity for me – it was more an act of lying down and relaxing than actually falling asleep. I’m now able to sleep deeply for short increments, something I never pictured myself being able to do. The weight is enough to distract from my thoughts and tire my eyes without being so heavy that it’s annoying. Plus, the mask is made of plush fleece, so it’s comfortable to wear. —Emily Hein, associate editor
