Key Points
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Explore the landscape of sleep accessories, uncovering how tools like sleep watches, diffusers, and weighted blankets can improve your sleep experience.
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Understand the mechanisms behind and scientific studies of popular sleep accessories, and discern fact from fiction in the world of sleep products.
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Equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed choices about sleep accessories, so you can improve your sleep hygiene practices.
There's more to getting a good night's sleep than just pillows and mattresses. Indeed, a spectrum of sleep accessories has emerged, each promising to transform your nocturnal experiences and awakenings.
These innovative aids target various aspects of sleep, from soothing pre-sleep rituals to tech-infused sleep-tracking devices that offer personalized insights. Categories like aromatherapy products, sound-based solutions, and smart wearables each purport to unlock new dimensions of sleep quality.
Not all sleep accessories are equal, nor are they universally effective. By understanding how these tools work, you make the right choices on your journey toward optimal rest.
by LEVOIT
Humidifiers
When it comes to quality slumber, sleep accessories like humidifiers are a game-changer. These gadgets promise to improve your sleep quality by tackling air dryness, a common nighttime annoyance.
How Humidifiers Work
Humidifiers are simple: they emit water vapor or steam to increase moisture levels in the air. This process battles against the harshness of dry climates or indoor environments, particularly during winter, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
Should You Use a Humidifier?
If you're waking up with dry skin, scratchy throat, or sinus issues, a humidifier could be your ticket to a more comfortable and peaceful sleep. By balancing your bedroom's humidity, you create an environment conducive to restful slumber. Incorporating a humidifier into your bedtime regimen could help you sleep better, leaving you refreshed and recharged for the new day.
An excellent starter humidifier that works for most room sizes is the Levoit VeSync Classic 300S Ultrasonic Smart Humidifier.
by ASAKUKI
Diffusers
Diffusers create an aromatic haven in your bedroom, which can improve relaxation and sleep quality.
How Diffusers Work
Essential oil diffusers function by dispersing micro-particles of oils into the air. This process transforms your space into a soothing oasis, as calming scents like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus fill the room, known to encourage sleep and relaxation.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Should You Use a Diffuser?
While some claim diffusers aid in relaxation and improve sleep quality, the truth is more nuanced. Scientific research presents a mixed bag of results, with no concrete consensus on the efficacy of essential oils for sleep improvement. However, if you do enjoy the pleasant atmosphere a nice scent can create, then a diffuser could be a relatively low-cost way to better your sleep environment.
The Asakuki 300ml Essential Oil Diffuser Quiet 5-in-1 Premium Humidifier is a solid choice for your first diffuser that won't break the bank.
by Calm
Sleep Applications
In our digital age, sleep accessories have ventured onto our phones and smartwatches. Sleep apps provide a variety of features from meditation guides to sleep tracking, all aimed at bettering sleep consistency and quality.
How Sleep Apps Work
Sleep apps work by offering a wide range of features designed to improve your sleep. This includes guided meditations, soothing white noise playlists, sleep-tracking analytics, and smart alarms. These features aim to foster a consistent sleep routine and enable users to understand their sleep patterns better.
Should You Use a Sleep App?
If you're battling with irregular sleep schedules or poor sleep quality, sleep apps can offer comprehensive solutions. They provide insights into your sleep patterns and arm you with strategies to improve them; consider a sleep app as a personal sleep consultant, right at your fingertips. An effective sleep app can help make you make more informed decisions about how to improve your sleep hygiene.
Calm is available for most Android and iOS devices, and comes with an extensive library of relaxing stories, music, and guided meditation programs.
by LectroFan
Noise Machines
Noise machines generate soothing sounds, masking intrusive noises and creating a tranquil sleep environment.
How Noise Machines Work
Noise machines work by generating a range of peaceful, natural sounds like the pitter-patter of rain or ocean waves. These sounds serve to mask disruptive environmental noise and foster a serene sleep setting, which can lead to better sleep.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Should You Use a Noise Machine?
If your sleep is frequently disturbed by external sounds, a noise machine could be a great solution. By creating a consistent, soothing soundscape, these machines can help to distract your mind from other noises and facilitate sleep onset.
The LectroFan Evo White-Noise Machine is inexpensive yet very effective at what it does.
by Bedfan
Bed Fans
Maintaining an optimal sleep environment is critical for high-quality sleep. Bed fans help regulate body temperature, an often overlooked factor in sleep disruptions.
How Bed Fans Work
Bed fans work by creating a gentle airflow across your sleeping space. They effectively regulate your microclimate, ensuring that you remain cool and comfortable throughout the night. This cooling effect combats the discomfort of overheating, which can negatively impact your sleep quality.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Should You Use a Bed Fan?
If overheating disrupts your sleep, a bed fan could be a practical solution. While not a one-size-fits-all remedy, it is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to night sweats or hot flashes. Although a bed fan is not a complete solution to sleep issues, when used as part of a comprehensive sleep strategy, it can contribute to a more comfortable and restful night's sleep.
The classic, portable, effective bFan Bed Fan should work well for most sleepers.
by Easysleep
Sound Machines
Sound machines have been growing in popularity, thanks to their ability to facilitate restful slumber through calming sounds and melodies.
How Sound Machines Work
Sound machines generate a broad array of relaxing sounds and tunes, from the gentle murmur of a babbling brook to peaceful instrumental melodies. Unlike noise machines, which primarily emit ambient sounds to mask disruptive noises, sound machines focus more on producing a diverse range of relaxing sounds that not only cover up noise but also decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Should You Use a Sound Machine?
If you struggle with sleep due to stress or an overactive mind, a sound machine could be beneficial. By providing a soothing auditory backdrop, these machines can help quiet mental chatter and foster a peaceful sleep environment. A sound machine is a worthy addition to a holistic sleep improvement strategy.
The Easysleep Sound White Noise Machine not only comes programmed with an array of soothing nature sounds and lullabies, but it comes in three different colors and has an attractive night light feature.
by MZOO
Sleep Masks
Sleep masks are a simple yet effective solution for those sensitive to light during sleep. They may not be fancy, but they can help you get better sleep.
How Sleep Masks Work
Sleep masks block out any light in your bedroom, creating a dark environment that is conducive to sleep. They are particularly useful for people who have difficulty sleeping due to light exposure, whether it's the early morning sun or artificial indoor lighting.
Should You Use a Sleep Mask?
If light sensitivity disrupts your sleep, using a sleep mask could prove beneficial. Sleep masks provide an accessible and portable solution, ideal for maintaining sleep quality in various settings, from brightly lit rooms to overnight flights. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person.
The MZOO Sleep 3D Contoured Eye Mask is smartly designed to avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes, which makes it a comfortable wear for the entire night.
by NEOM
Pillow Mists
Pillow mists aim to enhance sleep quality through the power of calming and pleasing scents.
How Pillow Mists Work
Pillow mists operate by dispersing a fine spray of scents onto pillows and bedding. Infused typically with sleep-promoting essential oils, these mists create a relaxing olfactory environment, setting the stage for a more restful sleep.
Should You Use a Pillow Mist?
If you find relaxation through pleasant aromas, then using a pillow mist could be advantageous. However, it's essential to note that not everyone responds the same way to scents. What may be calming for some may be irritating to others. As with any sleep accessory, it's crucial to understand your personal preferences and sensitivities.
There aren't many scents more soothing for sleep than Lavender, and Neom's Perfect Night's Sleep Mist is a blend of lavender, patchouli, chamomile, and more pleasing essential oils.
by Google
Sleep Assistants
Among sleep accessories, sleep assistants stand out due to their tech-centric approach to improving sleep quality. These devices go beyond basic tracking, providing detailed analytics and personalized feedback.
How Sleep Assistants Work
Sleep assistants record and analyze various sleep metrics, from the duration and quality of your sleep to your heart rate and breathing patterns. With advanced algorithms, they generate personalized insights into your sleep patterns, helping to identify potential issues and suggest improvements.
Should You Use a Sleep Assistant?
If you're struggling with sleep and need detailed insights into your sleep habits, a sleep assistant could be useful. However, remember that these devices should complement, not replace, professional medical advice if sleep issues persist. If used thoughtfully, a sleep assistant can provide valuable data to inform your sleep improvement strategies.
Google's 2nd generation Nest Hub sits on your nightstand and uses motion and sound to track your sleep and give you comprehensive metrics on your sleep quality — no wearables necessary.
by SAMSUNG
Sleep Watches
Smart watches — the most recent model of the Samsung Galaxy Watch just came out on July 25, 2023 — offer cutting-edge sleep tracking capabilities.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
How Sleep Watches Work
Sleep watches function by monitoring a variety of sleep-related metrics, including sleep duration, quality, and different sleep stages. Equipped with advanced sensors and software, these wearable devices provide detailed data about your nightly rest.
by Apple
Should You Use a Sleep Watch?
If you're interested in quantifying your sleep and looking for ways to enhance it, a sleep watch can provide actionable insights. However, their accuracy and utility vary by model and user, so it's crucial to understand your device's limitations. Moreover, while these watches can provide valuable data, they don't substitute for professional medical advice. Used responsibly, a sleep watch can serve as a valuable tool to help improve your sleep.
It's simple. If you're in Apple's ecosystem, get the latest Apple Watch. If you're an Android user, it's hard to go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Watch6.
Oura Ring
The Oura Ring is a unique sleep accessory, offering comprehensive health tracking in a compact form.
How the Oura Ring Works
The Oura Ring works by collecting various health metrics, including sleep patterns, activity levels, and overall well-being. Despite its small size, it provides a detailed analysis similar to smart watches, covering key areas such as sleep stages and readiness based on factors like heart rate variability and body temperature.
Should You Use an Oura Ring?
If you're interested in a less obtrusive, yet comprehensive health-tracking device, the Oura Ring could be a fitting choice. It offers similar functionalities as sleep watches but in a smaller form factor. However, the ring doesn't provide all the features of a smart watch, such as app notifications. As always, your choice of accessory should align with your personal needs, comfort, and style preferences.
by Silk & Snow
Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets offer a unique approach to tackling sleep disturbances, promoting feelings of calm and security.
How Weighted Blankets Work
The best-weighted blankets work by applying gentle, evenly distributed pressure across the body. This mimics the sensation of someone holding you, which experts believe encourages the release of calming hormones.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Should You Use a Weighted Blanket?
If anxiety or insomnia frequently disrupts your sleep, a weighted blanket might be beneficial.
Swedish sleep researchers Bodil Ekholm et al. confirm this in their analysis of the effectiveness weighted blankets have on psychiatric disorders: "Weighted chain blankets are an effective and safe intervention for insomnia in patients with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, [while] also improving daytime symptoms and levels of activity."
Though popular, it's best to skip the weighted beads and get a woven weighted blanket, like the Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket.
by Woolzies
Aromatherapy
In the realm of sleep accessories, aromatherapy products — encompassing essential oil drops, oils, and lotions — offer a potentially relaxing route to improved sleep.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy works by engaging the olfactory system with soothing scents, promoting relaxation, and setting a tranquil stage for sleep. You apply these products topically or disperse their scents throughout your sleep environment.
Should You Use Aromatherapy Products?
While some find them beneficial for sleep, it's important to note that scientific research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy is mixed. Responses to scents are highly individual, and what aids one person's sleep may not work for another. Allergies and skin sensitivities also need consideration when using these products topically. Aromatherapy products are a component of an overall approach to sleep improvement, but they are not a universal solution.
There's a whole world of aromatherapy products out there, but the Woolzies Lavender Therapy Kit, with lavender essential oil, double-sided roll-on, and body oil, is a great starting place for your journey.
by DubsLabs
Sleep Buds
Sleep buds stand apart as a personal audio solution designed to create a tranquil sleep environment.
How Sleep Buds Work
Sleep buds, similar to wireless earbuds, deliver soothing sounds or white noise directly into the ears. Some models feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, adding another layer of noise control by countering ambient sounds in your sleep environment.
Should You Use Sleep Buds?
If you struggle with noisy environments or need sound to relax, sleep buds could be beneficial. However, comfort is paramount for a good night's sleep, and the fit of these earbuds is crucial. Sleep buds are a valuable tool for those needing a personal, noise-controlled sleep environment.
While you might be tempted to use your own wireless earbuds for the task, a product specifically designed for the task, like the DubsLabs Bed Wireless Bedphones will work a lot better
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Sleep Trackers
In our quest for optimal sleep, sleep trackers, often found in smartwatches or fitness bands, provide data-driven insights into our nocturnal habits.
How Sleep Trackers Work
Sleep trackers work by recording various parameters during sleep, including movement, heart rate, and sleep stages. By analyzing these data points, these devices can offer insights into your sleep patterns, helping you understand what might be affecting your sleep quality.
Should You Use a Sleep Tracker?
If you're curious about your sleep habits or seeking to improve your sleep, a tracker can provide useful data. However, while they offer insights, they are not foolproof. Variability in accuracy exists among different devices, and they are not replacements for professional medical advice. With a discerning approach, sleep trackers can serve as a valuable tool in your journey towards better sleep.
It's tempting to give it to the Oura Ring again — so, again, the best sleep tracker is the Oura Ring.
by Mountain Rose Herbs
Essential Oils
Essential oils represent an aromatic approach to creating a calming sleep environment.
How Essential Oils Work
Essential oils work by releasing potent, naturally-derived aromas. These scents diffuse in the air or apply topically, aiming to promote relaxation and facilitate sleep.
Should You Use Essential Oils?
While many attest to the sleep-promoting benefits of essential oils, it's important to note that the scientific evidence is mixed, and they aren't regulated by the FDA. Therefore, individual experiences can vary significantly. Certain individuals may also have allergies or skin sensitivities to some oils. If you're on the fence, then it's important to consult a healthcare professional to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
Lavender is tough to top, so the best starting point for essential oils is the Lavender Essential Oil from Mountain Rose Herbs, who are very open about their sourcing and testing process.
© Snooze Testing Lab.
Make the Most of Sleep Accessories
Improving your bedroom and nighttime routine with sleep accessories goes beyond mere comfort; it's about personalizing your sleep ecosystem to support your unique needs.
From the soothing power of sound-based aids to the sleep-optimizing potential of advanced wearables and the calming influence of aromatherapy, the world of sleep accessories opens up an array of opportunities for improving your sleep.
Adapting your sleep environment and practices with tailored sleep tools can revolutionize the way you approach rest, potentially improving your sleep quality and overall well-being. The key is to be discerning and patient, and in time, you discover what works best for you.
Subscribe to Snooze and, as always, sleep well.
