How many times have you been at the Dr’s and they asked: “Are you getting enough sleep?”? Probably more times than you can count. That’s because lack of sleep has been shown to have a number of serious health risks from heart conditions, to weight gain, to lowered immune systems.
And even though one and four Americans have bouts of acute insomnia each year, there are ways to combat it and get back to being well-rested, Here are 7 of the best products to help you sleep better.
1. A White Noise Machine
A white noise machine is a must for several reasons. First, it creates a soft, soothing sound to help drown out any noises from outside like car horns, people shouting, or animal sounds which could wake you from your sleep. Second, it can help you actually get to sleep by creating a non-descript noise to help keep you from overthinking.
There are several apps you can download on to your phone which come with a variety of noises from your standard white noise to more fancy ones like waves or babbling brook. Or you could go the more traditional route and get a traditional white noise machine. Either way, having a little white noise in your bedroom can help create a peaceful sleeping environment.
2. New Pillows
Over time, pillows wear out and gather dust mites and all sorts of other things we won’t talk about here. So, if it has been more than a couple of years since you went out and purchased new pillows, you might want to consider it. Plus, as our understanding of our bodies and how we sleep affects them, you are spoiled for pillow choices.
They have the best pillows for side sleepers and stomach sleepers. They have the best memory foam ones and the best hypoallergenic ones. They even have the best pillows for joint issues.
So, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find a pillow to your liking.
3. A Good Humidifier
Humidifiers are an absolute must for those living in a cold climate. They help by sending a cool mist into the air which allows you to breathe easier and keeps your nose from feeling stuffy and your throat from feeling dry. Plus, the cool damp air feels warmer so you won’t have to use your heater (one of the main culprits in drying out your room) as much meaning your room is going to be a much better climate for sleeping in.
And thanks to modern technology, gone are the super bulky, noisy days of humidifiers. Now there are plenty of models which are small, portable, and so quiet you can’t even hear them.
4. Blackout Curtains
While these are nice to have everywhere, in places where there is a ton of light pollution, or if you work the graveyard shift, they are an absolute must. Too much light can counteract the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps influence and regulate our sleep patterns. Blackout curtains can help keep unwanted light out of your bedroom and help you get to sleep.
Plus, they also make it so you won’t get woken up by the sun rising and can also act as a sound barrier. So, they do double duty. That is a plus.
5. Sleep Spray
This sleep spray is regularly called one of the best products to help you sleep by the people who use it. In fact, it is so amazing it has something of a cult following which is growing every day. Infused with lavender and chamomile essential oils, this calming spray helps you relax and slip into a deep sleep.
Not only does it help you fall asleep faster, but it also helps you sleep longer, wake up more refreshed, and lulls you back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night. And it is safe for children and women who are pregnant. Sounds like a win to us.
6. A Gentle Wake-Up Light
Sometimes even just knowing a loud, jarring alarm will be blaring in eight short hours is enough to leave you too anxious to sleep. That is where this alarm comes in. Designed to simulate the rising sun, accompanied by calming sounds, this alarm clock gently wakes up you up slowly.
One of the pluses of the wake-up light is that it doesn’t just jar you out of sleep. It works with your body’s natural rhythms to help you feel well-rested and can help to alleviate S.A.D symptoms. Plus, thanks to several useful apps, you don’t even have to spend a ton of money and can take it with you wherever you go.
7. Valerian Root
When all else fails and you absolutely need to get some sleep, try reaching for valerian root instead of some OTC sleep aid. This natural sleep aid is especially helpful for those who suffer from acute insomnia.
You can either take it in a capsule or add it to some tea anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours before you want to go to sleep. It has also been shown to help relieve anxiety, which can also help you get a better night’s sleep.
The Best Products to Help You Sleep
With so many adults suffering from insomnia, it is no wonder so many of us are suffering from all sorts of ailments from constant colds to depression to feeling like we are just sort of float through our days. Thankfully, we have provided you with a list of amazing products to help you sleep.
For more insights on how to live a healthy life, check out our blog to learn about everything from gum disease to how to create an eco-friendly menu for the week.