We all know how a good night sleep is important for our overall health, but what if you just cannot fall asleep? You get to bed on time, but you just keep rolling from one side to the other, until the dawn. Well, modern technology has a solution even for that. These are the five gadgets that will help any insomniac fall asleep!
1. Smart Sleep Mask
These smart sleep masks help you not only fall asleep faster but block jet lag, as well. They are effective even if you are only looking for a 20-minute power nap. Its unique EEG (brainwave) sensing technology analyses your sleeping patterns, so it can tell you when is the best time for you to take a nap.
You can expect it to wake you up at the lightest period of your sleep, which minimizes fatigue and helps you feel more refreshed during the day. It offers some tips for improving the quality of sleep, too. These masks are compact and light, which makes them convenient for traveling.
2. White Noise Machine
Some people can sleep through a tornado, while others even the smallest noise can wake up. Who would have guessed that a sound as low as 40 decibels can steal your sleep and keep you awake? Luckily, there is something that might help you.
White noise machines (also known as sound conditioners, sound machines, or sleep machines) are able to moderate the noise level of an environment. They emit a consistent, soothing sound, which masks the external noise (barking of your neighbor’s dog, or a traffic).
White noise is not the only ‘color of noise,’ there are other ‘colors’ (pink, brown, grey…), as well, but white noise is usually used to describe a wide variety of constant background noises, including nature sounds, machinery noises, and ambient soundscapes. These sounds are something that might help you relax and fall asleep faster. Just find what suits you best, adjust the tone and the volume, and enjoy in a good night sleep. You can read more over in this guide on white noise on Greatist.
3. Cooling Mattress Pad or a Bed Fan
It is hard falling asleep when you feel hot and sweaty like you are in some kind of a sauna, and not in your bed. But, that no longer has to be the problem! With a cooling mattress pad or a bed fan, you can keep your body’s temperature at a comfortable level. Hot flushes and night sweats are no longer going to keep you awake during the night.
Depending on how much money you want to spend and what level of cooling you need, you can choose between simple fans and well-designed mattress pads or even some complex bed cooling systems. Some of these cooling systems, also have a heating system which is perfect for winter.
And if you and your partner just cannot agree which temperature level is the most comfortable level, you can simply get dual fans and set up the temperature you prefer. You might find it helpful to read this guide from The Sleep Studies website about what to look for the best cooling mattress pad.
4. Sound Pillow
Are you tired of wearing uncomfortable headphones in bed or listening to your partner complaining about the noise you need to fall asleep? A sound pillow might be a solution to your problems. All you have to do is plug the 3.5mm stereo jack plug into your audio player and enjoy listening to whatever sounds you want in the comfort of your bed.
You can adjust the volume and even set up a timer if needed. Its built-in speakers make it suitable for both front and back sleepers. Unfortunately, sound pillows are not machine washable. However, you can clean them with a damp cloth, or use one of your favorite pillowcases to protect them from getting dirty.
It can especially be helpful for suffering from conditions like tinnitus.
5. Blue Light Shield
Even though they know that blue light interrupts their sleep, most people still use their cell phones, laptops, or tablets right before they go to bed (or while they are already in it). If you are one of them, a blue light shield is something you should definitely try.
Some phones and tablets already have this feature built-in, but if your is not one of those, you can use an actual glass, or install one of the apps that allow users to control the level of blue light on a screen. The alternative to an on-screen cover are protective glasses.
Lowering down the level of blue light will lessen the harmful effects blue light has on your eyes and sleep.