Sleep is one of the most important things when it comes to your health. If you want a healthier lifestyle, it often starts with the quality of your sleep - you need to sleep more and sleep better. This might be easier said than done, though. That's until you're introduced to sleep gadgets, or the cheap things to buy on Amazon to help you sleep better.
Off to bed? The best things on Amazon to help you sleep better, at a glance
• Best night essence to help you sleep better: Jan De Vries Night Essence - View on Amazon
• Best satin pillow cases to help you sleep better: Bedsure Satin Pillow Cases - View on Amazon
• Best balm to help you sleep better: BADGER Sleep Balm - View on Amazon
The big villain today is our mobile phones. We often have them next to us 24/7, but turning them off at least an hour before bedtime is essential to improve the quality of your sleep. This goes for all electronics – so, your TV, tablet, and phone should say goodnight before you do.
Unfortunately, several other factors might be affecting your sleep. The NHS advises that if you haven't slept well for at least three nights a week, every week, for the last three months, you could have insomnia and should get advice from your doctor. Here are 10 tips from the NHS to sleep better.
Health issues aside, creating a good sleep ritual will help you sleep better and there are lots of products on Amazon to help you do just that.
Cheap things to buy on Amazon to help you sleep better
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best night essence to help you sleep better
AmazonPop a few drops in water three times daily. The flower remedy may calm your sleep patterns. Not only this, but the essence works to help with quietening an over-stimulated mind, all while bringing your body back to harmony. Plus, unlike some sleep fixes, this one is suitable for children over the age of two. So if your little one is struggling to sleep, add three drops to water three times daily and wait for the magic to happen...
Pros
- Has a combination of flower extracts to support and balance emotional well-being
- Suitable for children over the age of two
- Also suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Cons
- Has to be taken three times daily which can be difficult to remember
| Quantity | 30ml |
| Suitable for | Vegetarians, Vegans |
| Dosage | 5 Drops in water, 3 times daily |
| Active ingredients | Chamomile |
- Customer review: "A few drops of the Jan De Vries Essence at bedtime really helps settle me down and get to sleep."
Best satin pillow cases to help you sleep better
AmazonAdd luxury to your life for less than £10. These pillowcases are great for your hair and your skin, keeping your skin healthier and hair less damaged. You can choose from more than 10 colours meaning your pillow cases effortlessly blend with any decor style. Watch yourself doze off without a worry every time your head hits your silk pillow.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Envelope closure end design prevents your pillow from moving around or falling out
- Creates less friction to reduce hair breakage, compared to cotton pillow cases
Cons
- Easily stained
| Material | Polyester |
| Pack of | Two |
| Colours | Various colours available, including: Khaki, Red, Beige, White |
| Dimensions | L75cm x W50cm |
- Customer review: "I bought these Bedsure pillow cases as I like to smush my face in to my pillow and I have curly 3C hair. I’ve had these for well over a year now and they have held up great. I think one has a slight pull in it now but I can just flip it. I no longer wake up with lines on my face and my hair is less frizzy even if I leave it down! I would by more again. Nice and cool in summer too."
Best balm to help you sleep better
AmazonYou can use this sleep balm to massage your hands, your feet, and your shoulders while clearing your mind and calming your thoughts. It's concentrated, so you only need a little to be able to feel relaxed. Plus, another benefit is that it's completely organic, made from nine simple ingredients that include beeswax, bergamot, lavender and rosemary.
Pros
- Safe and organic with only nine simple ingredients
- Moisturising base softens skin while soothing the mind
- Recyclable tin
Cons
- Bergamot scent is a little faint
| Scent | Lavender |
| Quantity | 56g |
| Organic | Yes |
- Customer review: "This Badger Balm is absolutely amazing. I love the strong infused lavender that emits when you apply it on your pulse points. The bergamot smell is a little faint, so if one is looking for a balanced smell of bergamot and lavender, this is probably not something that you might want. However, if you are a lavender fan, this product is a must have. It is travel friendly and will aid your sleeping. I suggest, putting the balm on your temples, back neck and risk pulse points. All of these points, will aid any night owls out there, whom are experiencing insomnia. The price might be a put off, as it is quite pricey for a small balm. But, personally I think this balm is really worth your money."
Best mask to help you sleep better
AmazonLooking to shield yourself from intrusive bedroom lights? The Earths Secret sleep mask offers total darkness for an uninterrupted sleep experience. Its innovative C-shaped eye cups ensure absolute darkness, preventing any disruptive light from disturbing your slumber. And, it's ideal for use on a plane or in the comfort of your bedroom.
Pros
- Complete blackout design with C-shaped eye cups
- No pressure on eyelids
- Made from a soft and breathable material
Cons
- Sometimes moves during the night
| Colour | Black |
| Closure | Velcro |
| Eye cups? | Yes |
- Our review: "The Earths Secret sleep mask is great for people who find it difficult to sleep, even when there's an inch of light in the room. That's me, and since having this eye mask I haven't had a bad night's sleep. The mask itself is really comfortable. It is a little bulky, and not the most attractive, but it doesn't feel claustrophobic and I sleep really well with it on. I'm excited to try their new stuff for 2024." Tried and tested by Health & Fitness Writer Gemma Lavers.
Best bath salts to help you sleep better
AmazonTaking a warm bath before bed will help you to relax and let go of any tension you might be holding on to from the day. Choose some lavender salts to help relax your muscles. For anyone seeking a spa-like experience at home, this product promises to transform your bathing routine into a ritual of serene indulgence.
Pros
- Helps ease any aches and pains
- Soothes the mind and body with the scent of lavender
- Large quantity so you don't have to rebuy after one bath
Cons
- Smell is a little subtle
| Scent | Lavender, Eucalyptus, Menthol, Salt |
| Quantity | 1.36kg |
| Organic | No |
- Customer review: "Purchased the Dr Teal's salts to soothe tired feet after many hours at work on construction site. Beautiful aroma of lavender and healing affect on sore tired feet. Highly recommend."
Best capsules to help you sleep better
AmazonDiscover the award-winning Motion Nutrition Unplug Night Time Nootropic, your new ally for achieving seamless transition into sleep. This innovative formula features a potent mix of Ashwagandha, Cherry, and L-Theanine, all carefully chosen to foster deep, undisturbed sleep cycles. Moreover, it includes Zinc Picolinate, known for its cell-protecting benefits against oxidative stress.
Pros
- A soothing blend of herbal extracts and minerals, including iodine
- Contains Zinc Picolinate, which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Uses the most bioavailable forms of Magnesium, Zinc and Iodine for cognitive and psychological support
Cons
- Two tablets are required in the evening, which can be difficult to remember
| Format | Capsules |
| Dosage | Two in the evening |
| Quantity | 60 |
| Dietary requirements | Suitable for vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians |
- Customer review: "Now I can't say how well this will work for everyone, particularly if you have a major case of insomnia, but if like me you find that you can't switch your brain off at night, or you've had a lot of caffeine to get you through the day, these should do the job.
"Usually I'd get to bed & lights out by 11pm but wouldn't fall asleep until 1am at the earliest. I used to try "wearing my brain out" with podcasts or reading wikipedia pages, with little effect.
"First night of trying these and I was out within what felt like just 10 minutes, I could feel my eyelids getting heavy very soon after taking them. I'm now on my third bottle, and whereas that feeling isn't as "strong" as it was on the first few nights, I'm still able to sleep a lot faster and definitely notice the difference if I go away and forget to pack them."
Best night-time tea to help you sleep better
AmazonPukka's Night Time tea is a comforting concoction, organically grown and ethically sourced, featuring chamomile, lavender, lime flower, oat flower, and valerian. This blend is crafted to ease your mind and body into a state of relaxation, preparing you for sleep by combining the soothing properties of chamomile and lavender with the mind-clearing effects of valerian and tulsi.
Pros
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Ethically sourced
- Flavours of chamomile and lavender
Cons
- Quite a strong smell
| Quantity | 20 Per box |
| Flavour | Strong flavours of chamomile, lavender, oat flower and lime flower |
| When to drink | Before bed |
- Customer review: "I'm a terrible insomniac so I thought I'd buy these Pukka Herb teas to try to see if they worked. I like a cup of tea, Tetley's or the like for during the day and don't usually mess around with witchcraft blends so was dubious of anything that doesn't contain milk or a teaspoon of sugar.
I've left mine dipped in for ten minutes, then gave it a squeeze out. The flavour is fragrant but not overpowering and I figured that if we hadn't managed to blend a truly sedative like tea considering how much the world drinks, then we would be in a pickle. I think it works and it's quite nice tasting for a quick cup before bed."
Best white noise machine to help you sleep better
AmazonWhite noise can help to block out all the undesired sounds you might hear in your bedroom – whether that's traffic, or a snoring partner. You can also choose from a selection of six sounds, like the waves of the ocean, or a running brook. This is definitely the white noise machine to go for if you're looking for something that won't look chunky on your bedside table.
Pros
- Choose from a selection of six sounds
- Built-in adjustable timer so you can set it for 15, 30 or 60 minutes
- Compact and lightweight so you can take it with you when you go away
Cons
- The sound loops are a little clunky
| Sounds | 6 |
| Weight | 333g |
| Power source | Corded Electric and battery powered |
- Customer review: "This is a product I am glad I researched, and purchased. I suffer from a very broken sleep cycle, and the tiniest noise can wake me up such as a gutter dripping, or even a light shower hitting the windows in my bedroom. Through the summer I had a fan in my room to keep me cool, but the underlying noise seem to prolong my sleep. At the end of summer it was too cool to use a fan, so I decided to invest in a white noise machine.
"I invested in this model because it was cheap and small. Also, the fact it has different sounds (6 of them) and a volume control made this an essential purchase. It's exactly what I wanted. It is small enough to not swamp the top of my bedside cabinet. The volume adjustment is spot on for me as it doesn't disturb my partner, and my chosen noise is the fan. I like the fact the buttons light up in the dark, but go off after a few seconds. And although there is a timer function I let it run all night, mainly because I drop off to sleep quite heavily, but struggle to stay in deep sleep. I haven't used this as a portable device so I can't say how long it lasts.
"I am not saying that this has cured my sleep problems, but it has certainly helped me a lot. At this price it is worth seeing if it could help you, and I am glad I bought mine."
Best earplugs to help you sleep better
AmazonIf external noise is keeping you awake, get this set of 60 pairs of earplugs. They come with an keychain case so they're great for travelling. Plus, for all-night comfort these earplugs are made from a non-toxic PU material that easily fit to the shape of your ears. Reuse them for two to three times, and then replace - which is pretty easy when you have 60 pairs of earplugs to be going at.
Pros
- Made from a non-toxic PU material
- Each package contains 60 pairs of earplugs, which is enough for your and your whole family
- Comes with a handy keychain travel case so you can take them wherever you go
Cons
- Not the most high-tech earplugs on the market
| Quantity | 60 Pairs |
| Material | Foam |
| Colour | Teal |
Best gummies to help you sleep better
AmazonIndulge in a burst of fruity delight with these irresistible raspberry-flavoured gummies! Packed with the natural goodness of five RESCUE flower essences and White Chestnut essence, each gummy is a symphony of sweet and tangy flavours that will have you nodding off in no time. The best part? They contain no artificial colours or preservatives, and they're suitable for vegans.
Pros
- Contains five RESCUE flower essences
- Delicious raspberry flavour
- No artificial colours or preservatives, and suitable for vegans
Cons
- Can be difficult to remember to take them just before bed
| Format | Gummies |
| Dosage | One in the evening |
| Quantity | 60 |
| Dietary requirements | Suitable for vegans |
- Customer review: "I think the Rescue Remedy gummies work as my sleep has improved. I’m a diabetic and asthmatic who frequently wakes up to visit the bathroom, after starting these, I find going back to sleep easier."
A guide to sleeping better
How can I sleep deeper?
There's a whole host of things you can do to sleep deeper. For one, you can invest in nifty little products to help, whether that be as simple as a pair of earplugs or a sleep eye mask. Secondly, create a bedtime routine that signals to your brain that it's time to wind down. So get rid of any distractions (yes, we mean TikTok or that book you can't put down), and engage in relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation instead. Also, in the hours leading up to your bedtime, limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as these substances can disrupt sleep. Each one of these little lifestyle changes will help you work towards improving the quality of your sleep.
How many hours of sleep should I be getting a night?
For most adults, you're advised to aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. This is so your body has time to recharge and rest. Saying that, it's essential to listen to your body's signals. Factors like age, activity level, stress levels and overall health can influence how much sleep you need. So, some people might thrive on seven hours sleep, while others might need more or less. Although there really isn't a 'one size fits all' answer, the key is prioritise consistency and quality and make sure your sleep is enough for YOU.
Why do I wake up during the night?
Waking up during the night isn't necessarily something to be worried about. This is because it can most likely be attributed to a variety of things. From disturbances like noise or light, to room temperature, and the other half stealing your blanket - our surroundings can play a key part in sleep. Alternatively, stress, anxiety and other thoughts can manifest as night-time awakenings as our brain tries to process these. If neither of these reasons seem like a likely solution to you waking up during the night, also consider factors like caffeine intake, screen time or irregular sleep schedules. It's worth experimenting and finding a trigger so that you can reclaim a restful nights sleep.
Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.
When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.
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