For the Ones Who Love (or Really Need) Sleep: A Gift Guide
Since ancient times, sleep has been associated with good health. Experts and studies agree that adequate sleep improves quality of life, mood regulation and even brain and cardiovascular function.
With so many physical, mental and emotional benefits, proper sleep is an often overlooked self-care and health maintenance mechanism. While research suggests that adults require at least seven hours of sleep every night, insomnia and bad sleep quality are recurrent worldwide. Only among the Latinx population in the U.S., 1 in 3 adults sleep less than seven hours.
If you’re among the population getting insufficient sleep, or know someone who’s not sleeping enough, keep reading. We guide you through nine items that will help insomniacs, the sleep-deprived and even sleep lovers improve their sleep health.
1. Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat
Although traditional medicine has been vastly overlooked in modern medicine, research has proven the positive effects of acupressure on sleep quality. This Chinese medicine treatment works by activating body points with pressure, targeting stress, pain and anxiety. An acupressure mat packs all the benefits of this treatment into an easy-to-use device. Experts recommend lying on the mat about 20 minutes before going to bed for better results.
2. Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket
Another favorite for sleep improvement is the weighted blanket. According to Brown University Health, these items activate the sensory input from muscles and joints (proprioceptive input), providing a sense of ease and comfort. The key is finding the ideal weight for your body. If you’re just getting started, the best option is a lower-weight blanket like this 15lb Luna cotton blanket.
3. Kitsch Glazey
If you’re not into weighted blankets, you can achieve the same sensorial effect with weighted loungewear. Latina-owned brand Kitsch has the perfect option: a universal-size satin hoodie that offers subtle pressure and coziness.
4. Hugimals Sensory Weighted Comfort Plush
Tactile stimulation can significantly enhance your sleeping experience. To help you fall asleep faster, experts recommend embracing soft-touch plushies or pillows. Hugimals carries a wide range of stuffed animals and pillows for kids and adults. Featuring removable weighted inserts, these objects provide an experience similar to that of a hug—hence, the name. The sensory support helps people calm anxiety and step into a relaxation state suitable for sleep.
5. L’Occitane Cocon de Sérénité Relaxing Pillow Mist
Following the sensorial stimulation principle, scents can influence sleep quality and even contribute to memory formation during sleep time. For example, pleasant fragrances and herbal aromas such as lavender exert a sedative effect. L’Occitane’s Cocon de Sérénité pillow mist encapsulates the power of lavender, along with other botanicals and essential oils. The result? A calming scent you can spray on your bedroom and pillow to create the perfect nighttime atmosphere.
6. Bigood 50dB Ear Plugs for Sleeping
If noise and sounds keep you awake at night, finding a powerful noise reduction tool might be high on your priority list. Options vary, but the most straightforward answer is a pair of earplugs. Bigood offers a great alternative with these high-density silicone plugs. They come with 7 pairs of ear tips for different sizes, suitable for targeting different noise frequencies.
7. Brown Noise Sound Machine
An alternative for those who prefer calming noise over silence might be sound machines. Experts don’t recommend sleeping with them, but rather, setting timers so they turn off once the person falls asleep. This machine by Brown Noise comes with 30 soothing sounds, including white noise, nature sounds and lullabies.
8. Kate McLeod Sleep Pebble
Showering or taking a bath before bedtime is a widespread habit. But do you know why? According to NPR, a bath or shower helps the body cool down, mimicking the natural temperature drop that occurs when the body prepares to sleep. To further enhance your bath or shower, Kate McLeod developed the Sleep Pebble, a solid bath & shower oil that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin with ingredients that stimulate relaxation.
9. Coyuchi Cloud Soft Organic Sateen Eye Mask
Blocking light is another science-backed recommendation for fast and good-quality sleep. Sleep masks are a no-brainer to achieve the perfect dark atmosphere. But, they’re not only helpful when it comes to improving sleep. According to a study by Cardiff University, wearing an eye mask to sleep could also impact learning and alertness. If you want to add one to your bedtime routine, nothing better than a soft, environmentally friendly and cozy Coyuchi eye mask.
