It has to be one of the worst feelings when you’re lying in bed for hours, simply staring at the ceiling, and no matter what you do, you just can’t fall asleep. People with chronic insomnia perpetually have trouble falling and staying asleep throughout the night, but symptoms can affect anyone and everyone from time to time, even if you normally conk out without a problem. Why you can't fall asleep could be stress-related, due to a medication, anxiety, or even substances like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine — as well as skewed natural rhythms. Things like constant travel, lack of sunlight, or new environments can cut down on snooze time, too. As you can see, a whole bunch of things might be affecting your sleeping patterns, and that’s perhaps why it’s often a challenging issue to fix.
Insomnia isn’t a reoccurring thing for me, but I’m one of those people who needs eight hours of sleep in order to function without drooling on myself. So when sleeplessness hits, I’m always prepared with an onslaught of gadgets and items to help me get back to that place of blissful near-nothingness. Here, I’ve comprised a list of my all-time favorites that allow me to fall asleep (and stay asleep) until my alarm goes off in the morning, so I can tackle the day.
Invest In A Hypnotic Night Light
Realistic Aurora Borealis LED Projector, $26, Amazon
If your inner child is still comforted by night lights, this Realistic Aurora Borealis Projector is one of the coolest ones out there. It provides an enjoyable and relaxing bedtime experience with eight different color modes, and it also comes with a built-in speaker and automatic shut-off function. The lamp rotates for a hypnotic movement of colors on your ceiling, and that’s why reviewers have easily deemed it “The best night light ever.”
Diffuse Relaxing Essential Oils Into The Air
Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier, $30, Amazon; Good Night Essential Oil Blend, $9, Amazon
This Essential Oil Diffuser humidifies and distributes oil into the air, and when paired with this Good Night Essential Oil Blend, you’ll be asleep in no time. The diffuser has a built-in seven-color LED system, and utilizes a new fan technology to distribute the mist around a much larger area, while the Good Night Blend is made with premium and undiluted oils like lavender, sage, balsam, and chamomile. The combination of the two is guaranteed to relax and sooth your mind and body, allowing for a restful sleep all night long.
Fill The Room With White Noise
Sound Spa Relaxation Machine, $20, Amazon
If you’re one of those people who need a constant source of white noise to cover the silence or the intermittent sounds, this No. 1 best-selling Sound Spa Relaxation Machine is the perfect thing to fill your bedroom with static, soothing noises. It comes with a selection of six different tracks (white noise, thunder, rain, ocean, summer night, and brook) and also has a three-option auto timer so you don’t have to keep it running all night. You can operate it with either a battery or an adapter, and reviewers say it’s both subtle and calming enough to help them slip into the most restful sleep, night after night.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones In Bed Without Worry
Noise Canceling Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds, $18, Amazon
White noise isn’t for everyone; some people need something a little more interactive, like an audiobook, a meditation track, or a podcast, but falling asleep with headphones on can be both uncomfortable and dangerous. These Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds don’t have a cord that might wrap around your neck, and they cancel outside noises without clunky ear cushions that limit you to back-only sleeping. They come with a built-in rechargeable battery, and they can connect to two separate cell phones or tablets simultaneously for convenient, one-step use. Best of all, they’ve got a great, clear sound.
Purify The Air In Your Sleeping Space
Himalayan Natural Crystal Lamp, $30, Amazon
This Hand Carved Himalayan Natural Crystal Lamp is all the rage in spas and yoga studios right now, so why not bring that kind of relaxation right into your bedroom? When turned on, this lamp lets off a calming amber-colored glow, as well as heats the naturally-mined salt particles inside — a process that supposedly purifies the air of allergens like smoke, dander, and pollen. Everyone who uses it is positively in love with their improved breathing and newfound relaxed mood, and it adds a beautiful accent to any room or space.
Wake Up With The Sun (A Synthetic One)
Philips Wake-Up Light, $70, Amazon
A great way to overcome sleep issues is to reset your natural internal clock (AKA circadian rhythm), and one of the easiest methods is through the manipulation of light. This Wake-Up Light gives off a gradual, natural-looking glow when it’s time to wake up, prompting your brain to stop releasing melatonin (the sleep hormone). It has ten different brightness settings, as well as a gentle beep function to assure that you get up on time, and a snooze function if you really don’t feel like it. People love it because it’s effective, stylish, easy to use, and one of the most reasonably priced morning-light alarm clocks out there.
Make Every Position A Comfortable One
Snoogle Total Body Pillow, $60, Amazon
This best-selling body pillow was originally created for pregnant women, but if it helps a lady to sleep soundly while there’s a baby growing inside her (a time known for perpetual nausea and full-body aches), I’m more than convinced it’ll help anyone. It takes the place of multiple pillows to support every area of the body, including hips, back, neck, and stomach, and it’s got a removable and machine-washable cover for easy cleaning. Reviewers aren’t just limited to pregnant women, either — people with back problems, arthritis, and just plain insomnia use it, too. If you have trouble finding a comfortable position at night, this one’s a game-changer.
Try Guided Meditation For Deep Sleep
Guided Meditation for Restful Sleep, $1, Amazon
I’m a huge fan of meditation, and as far as sleep-inducing tactics, this Guided Meditation for Restful Sleep is one of the best out there. Reviewers have given up their sleeping pills in lieu of this soothing track, where background music and a woman’s relaxing voice gently guide you into a restful, full-night’s sleep. The track utilizes imagery and guided breathing techniques, which are some of the best tactics to naturally and effectively switch off your mind in a matter of minutes.
(Psst: Don't have Amazon Prime Music to listen? Check it out here for an annual $99 subscription).
Track Your Sleeping Patterns
Sleep Pill For Sense, $57, Amazon
This little Sleep Pill is part of the Sense set, which aims to help people understand their sleep cycles so they can correct them, thus getting the most out of their rest. The Sleep Pill clips right onto your pillow to detect your movements throughout the night using a variety of high-tech sensors. It then sends the information straight to your phone, so you can tell at what points you were tossing and turning, and at what points you were deep in REM sleep. Best of all, it’s small, subtle, and you don’t have to wear anything to bed.
Block Out The Outside World
Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask And Ear Plugs, $13, Amazon
Sometimes you just need to block out the world, and this Bedtime Bliss Mask and Ear Plugs Set is perfect for doing just that. The mask is made with high-quality materials that are comfortable and contoured, so there won’t be any pressure on your eyes or nose. It’s also lightweight, washable, and fits any and all facial structures. It comes with a pair of ear plugs and an eBook filled with sleeping tips, and reviewers say that this little set right here might have just saved their marriage.
Have A Cup Of Valerian Root Tea Before Bed
Day Is Done Relaxing Blend Organic Tea, $20, Amazon
A cup of this Relaxing Blend Organic Tea before bed just might send you off to sleep the second your head hits the pillow. It’s made with all organic and vegan ingredients, like Valerian Root and Chamomile (which have been used for years to naturally treat insomnia), and contains no gluten or caffeine. Users say this tea tastes great and calms them down right away; they wake up the next morning feeling refreshed, renewed, and thankful for the invention of tea.
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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (12)
