Sleep is such a huge component into feeling better, feeling energetic and functioning well throughout the day. Without sleep, our brain cannot function and our bodies haven’t had that rest and repair time that it needs to get going again for the next day. Essentially, we will die without sleep but because the need for sleep is so powerful, there are things our body does to send us to sleep. But our bodies also have the ability to keep us awake too.
And unfortunately, some of these things keep us awake, even in times when we’re begging it to shut down.
There are so many aspects of our modern lives that affect our quality of sleep. And there are studies to also back up the importance of getting it.
Thankfully, because the importance of sleep is so widely recognised (I mean, who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep?!) then there are so many sleep products out there that will assist you with dozing off when you are so desperate to.
How do we know the bad ones from the good?
I wish I could say that I’d tried and tested every single device, technique and approach that I have found and read about. But that’s just not possible.
We all sleep differently and have our own version of a good sleeping condition so some products won’t be for you and some will be a lifesaver for others. It’s about trial and error and finding the best bedtime components for you.
Pillow Spray
Pillow Sprays are one of my favourite things to use before going to sleep. I have the So Sleepy pillow spray by Tropic which contains lavender, chamomile and frankincense essential oils to help me drift off on the evenings I’m having trouble winding down.
All of these essential oils have calming qualities that will make that time before shut-eye just that little bit easier.
Drop or spritz some on your pillow and maybe a dash on the front of your pyjama shirt to make the most of it.
Sleep Temple Balm
Don’t fancy trying the spray? Well there’s a different way. In the same collection as the pillow spray, there’s a sleep temple balm.
It holds all the same characteristics as the pillow spray, except you can dab it on your temples and let it soak into your skin before dozing off.
If you’re worried about spraying too much product on your pillow or just don’t want to try something different, this temple balm is the way to go.
Satin Sleep Mask
I’ve never been too much of a fan of a sleep mask as I sometimes find it hard to fall asleep with the restrictive band around my head. However, I recently tried out this satin sleep mask that isn’t too tight, feels so smooth and silky. I tried spraying some of my pillow spray on it too to help me drift off even quicker.
Sleep Aid Device
This little device by Dodow is a touch activated sleep device that helps you to focus on your deep breathing in order to get to sleep.
It’s an alternative to medication and combines the principles of meditation to put your body into a calmer and more relaxed state so that you can ease into sleep much easier.
It does this by projecting a faint blue light onto your ceiling so that you can use it’s movement as a guide for your breathing. Set to either 8 or 20 minutes and let the device run its course and automatically switch itself off so that you can let your heavy eyelids close.
The great thing about this little sleep device too, is that you can not only use it for sleep. You can let it guide you through your own meditation or deep breathing sessions. Use it when you’re experiencing feelings of anxiety or stress and relieve those negative thoughts by letting it ground you and pull you back into calmness.
I haven’t tried this yet myself, but more than 700,000 happy users? Sign me up!
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets can help you with your sleepless nights for many reasons. There is still a lot of research diving into the real reasons why weighted blankets have such great benefits. Nevertheless, while we wait on the outcomes, we must trust the results!
From what we know, the use of deep pressure stimulation increases serotonin and melatonin which are the hormones that boost your mood and help you sleep.
The weight distribution puts even pressure across the body and is said to calm the fight or flight response that is contained just under the surface when our brains are on high alert. An overactive nervous system like this can stop us from sleeping as it can bring feelings of anxiety, hyperactivity and a higher heart rate.
If this is all true, it means that a weighted blanket can help people who suffer from anxiety and depression as it works to soothe those symptoms that often keep our brains alert.
As an added extra, weighted blankets provide a sense of comfort and security, much like when our parents or carers would tuck us into bed or swaddle us as newborns. The idea of security under the blanket can psychologically help to send us to sleep.
There are plenty of them on the market so have a little look around and find one that you think suits you best.
Silk/Satin Pillow Case
Silk pillows may not directly help you to sleep better but it has so many other benefits that can in the longer term help your sleep quality.
Silk, copper or satin pillowcases have a smoother surface and often feel cool to the touch which is great for people who love that cold pillow feeling as well as those that need a more breathable material to sleep with. (This can apply to duvets too).
They also absorb much less moisture which helps your skin and hair as well as keeping you slightly more hydrated, making it less likely you’ll experience those midnight awakenings for a glass of water.
It can’t hurt to give them a go!
That’s just a few you can try and research further yourself. If you’re inspired, take a look around at similar products to see what piques your interest and think will work for you.
I know I’ll give anything a go when it promotes sleep quality!
If you are really struggling with insomnia or you don’t think your sleep is as good as you think it should be, check the resources available on my site on where to seek help and look for more guidance. And as always, see your GP.
