Ten of the best sleep gadgets to improve sleep in innovative ways

From weighted blankets to sleep masks and sunrise body clocks, we've got the best sleep gadgets to help you drift off.

Photo of a woman sleeping on a bench in a museum - the best sleep gadgets

by Emily Farquhar |
Updated on

We all know what a good night’s sleep can do to us. Our productivity improves, energy levels rise, and our mood almost does a 360-degree twist. We say fewer nos, and our to-do lists halve by the hour. Enter the best sleep gadgets.

But it isn’t just our mental health and positive attitude that reels in all the benefits. Our metabolism has been found to fasten, our chances of getting heart disease and inflammation lessens, and we build a much stronger immune system.

The best sleep gadgets, at a glance

• Best sleep mask: Earths Secret Sleep Mask - View now on Amazon
• Best light alarm clock: Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150 - View now on Amazon
• Best meditation sleep gadget: Dodow Sleep Aid Device - View now on Amazon

As World Sleep Day (15 March 2024) is on the horizon, we're encouraged to find ways to achieve regular sleep. It's one of the main pillars of our health – mentally and physically – and prepares us for a healthier future.

How to get a better night's sleep

There are many ways people like to reduce stress and to set themselves up for a decent night’s sleep. Aromatherapy for one is a great way people are able to de-stress with essential oils and diffusers, aromatherapy candles, and calming products for around the house.

Now more than ever, sleep has become one of our most precious commodities after sustaining ourselves through a global pandemic. Three lockdowns have taken a big toll on many and saw a spike in stress levels with a lot to juggle daily. If you are finding it hard to lower your stress levels and switch off before bedtime, here are nine innovative ways to take control of your night’s sleep and prioritise it.

SHOP: The best sleep gadgets

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Best sleep mask

Earths Secret Sleep MaskEarths Secret

Eager to block out all those creeping bedroom lights? The Earths Secret sleep mask will give you a complete blackout alright. With its unique C-shaped eye cups that provide complete darkness, you won't be woken up by that annoying spring light creeping through again. Whether you're boarding a flight, or simply seeking tranquillity in your own bedroom, this mask promises to cocoon you in darkness, guiding you effortlessly into the realm of deep, restorative sleep.

Pros

  • Complete blackout design with C-shaped eye cups
  • No pressure on eyelids
  • Made from a soft and breathable material

Cons

  • Sometimes slips down during the night
ColourBlack
ClosureVelcro
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 light alarm clock

Wake up without a fright with Lumie's Bodyclock Glow 150 Wake-up Light Alarm Clock. With its sleek design and easily customisable settings, this alarm clock features a natural sunrise simulation (thanks to mixed LEDs). So you can signal your body into wakefulness. Plus, you can drift off to sleep under the soft glow of its sunset feature, which gradually dims to aid in relaxation.

Pros

  • Choose from either a 20, 30 or 45 minute sunrise
  • Mimics real sunrise and sunset colours using mixed LEDs
  • Proven to help treat SAD/winter blues

Cons

  • Only displays 24 hour time, but there are AM and PM indicators
ColoursWhite, Black
DimensionsD4.7cm x W7.5cm x H6.3cm
Number of sounds10
  • Our review: "Never have I been more glad to kiss goodbye to my iPhone's generic morning alarm and welcome Lumie's sunrise bliss. Perfect for bad sleepers like myself, this alarm clock doesn't just rouse you 30 minutes before your alarm (with ten soothing sounds) in the most gentle and natural way, it also helps lull you to sleep through encouraging your body to produce more melatonin. The three-in-one product too helps towards people who struggle with SAD and winter blues." Tried and tested by Affiliate Business Development Manager Emily Farquhar.

Best meditation sleep gadget

Dodow - Sleep Aid DeviceDodow
Price: $59.90
Alternative retailers
UncommonGoods$60.00View offer

If you simply have tried everything and can't get yourself to sleep, why not join Dodow's sleep community of over 500,000 users? The sleep aid device has a built-in metronome with a light system that teaches you how to fall asleep naturally, without taking unnecessary medicine. The exercise can last between eight and 20 minutes (depending on how stubborn your body may be), switching itself off and helping users fall asleep and get back to sleep 2.5 times faster on average.

Pros

  • Dodow switches off on its own
  • Works by synchronising your breath with the blue light projected onto the ceiling
  • 100% Natural and non-addictive, unlike sleeping pills

Cons

  • Cannot change the direction of the beam of light
ColourWhite
Dimensions9cm x 9cm x 1.8cm
Weight180g
  • Customer review: "This attractive little Dodow device has been very effective in helping me get to sleep quickly and easily. I have recommended it to several friends and clients. Easy to use, small and aesthetically pleasing, this sleep aid assists you to breathe in a way that encourages sleep; simultaneously, the soft blue light is mesmerising; trying to keep your eyes open to finish the cycle is the challenge: you win - by failing. The idea is to train your body and brain to recognise the pattern of falling asleep, so the process begins to be faster by doing this each night.

    "If I wake in the night, I touch the surface, and it quietly begins the program; I try to watch the light and synchronise my breathing, and before I know it, I'm back to sleep. The light is not intrusive - if someone has their eyes closed, they will not be aware of it at all - and as it is silent, that won't be a problem either. If you have trouble sleeping, I recommend this product."

Best travel pillow for sleep on the go

Ostrich Light Travel PillowOstrich
Price: $49.00
Alternative retailers
Bloomingdale's$49.00View offer
Nordstrom$49.00View offer
Nordstrom$49.00View offer

You might have seen the full Ostrich range appear on your Instagram – you know the alien-looking pillow allowing you to sleep anywhere at any time? If this is a little outside of your league, Ostrich has a superb (and less scary) light travel pillow, ideal if you're on-the-go flying, in the car or at the office. Coming in a range of colours, this innovative sleep alternative is stylish, smart, and very versatile. Also, handmade, hand-washable, and reversible!

Pros

  • Lightweight making it super portable to take with you on any trip
  • Made using a combination of viscose and elastomer, coated with microbead filling for comfort
  • Reversible with a choice of two colours

Cons

  • Fragile material
ColoursGrey, Black
Dimensions31.5cm x 16.5cm x 7cm
Weight110g
Fill materialBeads
  • Customer review: "This is my second Ostrich pillow, the previous one lasted about 5 years with frequent use - so it's really good quality product. Helps a lot when suffering from headaches or just needing to block out noises. It's pricey but worth it."

Best sleep capsules

Motion Nutrition Night Time Unplug 60 CapsulesHolland and Barrett

The Motion Nutrition Unplug Night Time Nootropic is an award-winning sleep aid formulation, perfect as an additional way to help you drift straight to sleep. Made with a blend of Ashwagandha, Cherry and L-Theanine, these capsules are designed to support deep, uninterrupted sleep cycles. And it doesn't stop there, also in the capsules are Zinc Picolinate, an element that contributes towards the protection of cells from oxidative stress. So, say goodbye to restless nights and hello to waking up feeling refreshed.

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
FormatCapsules
DosageTwo in the evening
Quantity60
Dietary requirementsSuitable for vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians
  • Customer review: "I'm having a better sleep, feeling less tired. I suffer from insomnia a lot, but since taking these, I can sleep without interruption. I started with 2 for the first week and now I take only 1. The magnesium on it makes me feel calmer and less restless. I totally recommend it."

Best sleep gift set

Tisserand Sleep Better Discovery KitTisserand

Tisserand Aromatherapy Sleep Better Discovery Kit features a trio of aromatherapy products to help you create a ritual that leaves you feeling soothed, sleepy and ready to take the morning in your stride. The kit also contains a Sleep Better Massage & Body Oil which can used for a relaxing bath, A Sleep Better Pillow Mist to spritz over your pillows before bedtime and Sleep Better Pulse Point Roller Ball which can also make a perfect gift.

Pros

  • Perfect for a gift as it contains three different sleep boosters: pillow mist, body oil and roller ball
  • Made from 100% natural pure essential oils
  • Incorporates smells like jasmine, lavender and sandalwood

Cons

  • Scent might be too subtle for some
Active ingredientsLavender
Quantity2x9ml, 1x10ml
IncludesBody oil, Pillow mist, Point roller ball
  • Customer review: "Great brand for the price, and you’re still getting clean quality essential oils. Scent is nice without being pure lavender."

Best weighted blanket

Kudd.ly Weighted BlanketKudd.ly

The Kudd.ly blanket is more than just your average cosy blanket. Its a weighted blanket made with glass micro-sand beads and double-stitched pockets that moulds to the shape of your body like one giant hug. The aim of a weighted blanket is to reduce anxiety, provide muscle tension relief and send you into a deeper, restorative sleep. With these three benefits in mind, we don't see why you wouldn't want to invest in a weighted blanket, and this Kudd.ly one comes in at a good price too.

Pros

  • Anti-rustle so it doesn't annoy you while you sleep
  • Filled with glass micro-sand beads
  • Moulds to the shape of your body like a hug

Cons

  • Not easy to fold up and manoeuvre around
ColoursBlue, Grey
SizesDouble, Queen (UK Standard)
MaterialFleece
FillingGlass micro-sand beads
  • Our review: "If you are on the hunt for a blanket that feels like a cosy hug, this one is perfect for that. I have the Kudd.ly weighted blanket in the blue colour, and it's the nicest blue colour that goes with everything (even my green cushions.) The blanket itself is nice and soft, and it doesn't feel overly suffocating like some weighted blankets do. The only issue I have with it is that it's difficult to move around as it's quite heavy. As in when I want to fold it up in the morning, it's quite the task. This hasn't put me off buying another one though." Tried and tested by Health & Fitness Writer Gemma Lavers.

Best sleep tea

Pukka Herbs Night Time TeaPukka Herbs

Pukka's Night Time tea offers a soothing blend of chamomile, lavender, lime flower, oat flower and valerian - all which are organically grown and ethically sourced. This tea combines traditional herbal wisdom with modern research to naturally relax your mind and body as you prepare to sleep. Like chamomile and lavender, that release calming essential oils, and valerian and tulsi that work together to clear and settle the mind. Plus, Lime flower adds a restorative touch, aiding your body's recharge.

Pros

  • Naturally caffeine-free
  • Ethically sourced
  • Flavours of chamomile and lavender

Cons

  • Quite a strong smell
Quantity20 Per box
FlavourStrong flavours of chamomile, Lavender, Oat flower and Lime flower
When to drinkBefore bed
  • Customer review: "I've been trying to go to bed more calmly, less TikTok and more reading and skincare routine. I wanted to pair this with a calming Pukka drink as well before bed, rather than caffeine I thought this would be a good alternative. I can honestly say I've had much better calmer nights sleep than previously. One tea bag goes a long way so I make a large cup and sip through the late evening and into bedtime. I would definitely recommend."

Best silk pillowcase

Kudd.ly 100% Mulberry Silk PillowcaseKudd.ly
Price: $49 (was £84)

www.kudd.ly

Designed to complement your existing bedding (whether that be white or grey), the Kudd.ly Mulberry silk pillowcase is there to turn your bedtime up a notch. Made from premium 22-momme woven mulberry silk, this pillowcase offers a plush, velvety surface that calms the senses and promotes a restful sleep. So, whether you're curling up with a book or drifting off into the world of dreams, this pillowcase is there to envelope you in softness - and, keep your skin and hair healthy too.

Pros

  • Gentle silk fabric prevents hair breakage and skin outbreaks
  • Made from premium, 22-momme woven mulberry silk
  • Works to regulate your temperature for a regenerative, restorative sleep

Cons

  • Easily stained
ColoursCloud white, Lunar grey
SizesStandard, King
Material22-Momme woven mulberry silk
  • Our review: "Kudd.ly's Mulberry silk pillowcase is perhaps my favourite new addition to my bed. I've been using it for over two months now and I've definitely found my skin to improve when I use this pillowcase vs a normal one. I'm not saying it's a miracle worker, but it definitely stops any blemishes from spreading. The only little gripe I have about this pillowcase is that it does easily get stained. As gross as it is, dribble or leftover makeup easily stains the case, and because of the material it does get creased easily. Saying that, I'd still recommend it to anyone who wants their bed to feel extra luxurious." Tried and tested by Health & Fitness Writer Gemma Lavers.

Best sleep headphones

Philips Sleep Headphones With KokoonKokoon
Price: $284.99

kokoon.io

Philips, in collaboration with Kokoon have created a pair of cutting-edge headphones that are designed to help you achieve the perfect night's sleep. Whether you're listening to soothing melodies, guided meditations, or white noise, the Philips Sleep headphones provide unparalleled comfort and immersion, allowing you to drift off effortlessly. With features like sleep tracking and personalised audio programs, they adapt to your unique sleep patterns. Ensuring every night is a journey into restorative slumber. These sleep headphones have got some great features packed into them, so be sure to take a look below.

Pros

  • World's thinnest earbuds designed for comfort in all sleeping positions
  • Audio fade-out feature ensures a great night of non-interrupted sleep
  • Masks out snoring with intelligent noise masking

Cons

  • Battery life is quite short - 11 hours
Battery lifeUp to 14 hours
CapacityLithium Ion, 100mAh
Dimensions200mm x 55mm x 12mm
Warranty1 Year
Other featuresVolume control, Voice call microphone, Armature type drivers, Heart rate sensor, Bluetooth
  • Customer review: "I have been using my Kokoon headphones now for three to four years and I sleep in them every single night! The headphones are also so comfortable compared to many other headphones designed and believe me I have tried a few."

A guide to a sound nights sleep

What the experts say about improving sleep

"For some constant worrying may make it hard to fall asleep, while low mood and depression will see others sleep too much," explains consultant neuropsychiatrist, and medical director of the London Sleep Centre, doctor Irshaad Ebrahim.

"Prolonged periods indoors especially in the winter, means lower levels of natural light which can throw off our circadian rhythm, disrupting our natural sleep patterns. And a totally altered schedule or no schedule at all will also affect the quality and duration of our sleep."

This of course doesn’t include our increased screen time, 24-7 childcare patrol and homeschooling. Not to mention, a few extra bottles of wine and virtual TV exercise (from the comfort of our own couches) to get us through this absolute pile of mess (we mean stress).

"When we sleep our parasympathetic nervous system kicks in. This is the function responsible for stimulating digestion, activating metabolism, and helping the body relax."

Doctor Ebrahim continues: "However, stress leads to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, better known as our fight or flight response – which causes an increased state of arousal. As a result of this heightened arousal, sleep disruption and insomnia ensue and this can lead to a vicious cycle of chronic sleep issues."

Is it normal to wake up multiple times at night?

Waking up in the night is not something to be overly concerned by. Sleep is not a one-step process, involving various different stages and cycles. Brief awakenings or arousals are a natural part of this process and often go unnoticed. For example, factors like stress, temperature, caffeine intake and discomfort can all increase the frequency of these awakenings. Which is why accessories like earplugs, sleep masks and other budget sleep products may come in useful. However, if you are worried about waking up too frequently in the night, consulting with a healthcare professional or doctor may help you to pinpoint any causes.

Emily Farquhar is an Affiliate Business Development Manager at Bauer Media, where she is constantly on the look-out for the next big digital-first partnership. Whether it's covering the newest (and hottest) branded collaboration on the market or showcasing a partner's upcoming collection across on one of Bauer's lifestyle titles, no trend or A-list celeb product feature goes unnoticed.

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