Modern life can be pretty hectic and while ensuring that you get enough rest is essential to managing stress levels, it's often easier said than done.
When your head does finally hit the pillow, you want to make sure you fall asleep quickly and enjoy a restorative night's rest. If this sounds like a struggle, you might benefit from some relaxing accessories to help you wind down at bedtime.
We've rounded up nine of the best bedtime accessories to ease you into a state of calm before you sleep.
Weighted blanket
Whether you use it to sleep under or as an addition to your existing bedding, a weighted blanket is a fantastic way to help you unwind before sleep.
The extra weight creates a sensation known as deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which mimics the sensation of being hugged or held. This has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and encouraging the release of serotonin and melatonin.
Silk pillow case
The sleep benefits of silk pillowcases often go overlooked, but for many people they're a real game-changer. Silk is much smoother than cotton and creates less friction, preventing hair breakage and reducing the appearance of sleep lines.
They also tend to stay cool throughout the night, which helps to regulate your temperature as you sleep.
Weighted eye mask
Similar to weighted blankets, weighted eye masks create a calming sensation across the eyes and forehead, mimicking the feeling of a gentle touch. This pressure encourages the release of serotonin, helping you to relax.
They also eliminate light from your eyes, encouraging the release of melatonin and helping your brain to switch off. Our weighted eye mask is filled with glass beads and has a removable lavender pouch to further enhance relaxation.
Essential oil diffuser
Aromatherapy has well-established links with relaxation and improved sleep. A diffuser disperses essential oils into the air for you to breathe in, with some oils – such as lavender, chamomile, and bergamot – known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties.
Add a few drops of oil to your diffuser 30 minutes before bed to allow the scent to fill the room, setting the stage for a peaceful night.
White noise machine
A white noise machine can be an effective solution for those who are easily disturbed by sounds in the night. It works by producing a consistent, low-level sound that masks other noises and prevents them from disrupting your sleep.
White noise machines are popular amongst parents of young children, but they can be just as useful for adults. They can also play more natural sounds, like rain or ocean waves, if you find pure white noise too harsh.
Book light
Reading before bed is a popular relaxation technique and, unlike screen time, it won't disrupt your sleep by interfering with your natural melatonin production. A book light allows you to read without disturbing your partner.
Not all book lights are created equal. Look for one with low blue-light emission to avoid disrupting your melatonin levels.
Cooling pillow
If overheating is disrupting your sleep, a cooling pillow might be just what you need. These pillows are designed to regulate your head temperature by dispersing heat, helping you to stay comfortable throughout the night.
They can be particularly helpful for people going through the menopause or those who suffer from night sweats.
Lavender spray
Similar to the essential oil diffuser, a lavender pillow spray uses aromatherapy to help you relax and drift off to sleep. You simply spray it on your pillow before bed and breathe in the scent as you drift off.
Research has found that lavender is effective at promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. Some sprays also include other relaxing scents, such as chamomile or bergamot, for an extra boost.
Sunrise alarm clock
A sunrise alarm clock might sound counterintuitive – but waking up gradually to a warm, bright light is much easier on the body than being suddenly roused by a loud alarm sound. This is because it mimics the natural sunrise, which triggers our bodies to reduce melatonin production and prepare for the day ahead.
These clocks are a popular option for those who struggle to get up in the morning, or those in locations where natural light is limited during the winter months.
