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If You Don't Get Enough Sleep, These Clever Things Are Life-Changing

What to do when noise, stress, and busy schedules get in the way.

by Maria Cassano
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Sleep is a precious commodity, and most people could use more of it — but light, noise, stress, irregular routines, and busy schedules often get in the way. Fortunately, if you’re going to bed too late, waking up throughout the night, or still feeling tired come morning, small habits can make a huge difference. For those who don’t get enough rest, these clever things are life-changing, either because they improve your sleep quality or help you to look and feel more awake (even when you’re not).

1An Amber Bulb That’s “Life-Changing”

Life-changing,” one reviewer wrote about this amber bulb. Another called it a “major sleep hacking tool.” Install it in your bedroom and use it before bed to take advantage of the warm, soothing light that’s 99.94% free of blue spectrum light, but still provides enough illumination that you can read, unwind, and prepare for the next morning.

  • Available styles: 2

2A Topical Magnesium Spray For Relaxation

Magnesium is necessary for hundreds of functions in the body, but it also lowers cortisol levels, which may reduce anxiety, boost relaxation, and help with insomnia. This topical magnesium spray uses magnesium chloride sourced from the Dead Sea for rapid absorption and a non-greasy feel. “This stuff is GOLD,” one reviewer wrote. “My entire family uses this every night and within [three] days our sleep quality improved immensely.”

  • Available sizes: 4 Fl Oz — 16 Fl Oz

3A Screen Protector That Blocks Blue Wavelengths

Place this blue light screen protector on your phone that’s designed for around-the-clock protection from eye fatigue and sleep-disrupting wavelengths. Made from tempered glass with a curved edge, it also minimizes the likelihood of scratches and cracks, and it reduces smudges from fingerprints.

  • Available sizes: iPhone 13 mini — iPhone 14 Plus
  • Available styles: 6

4A Portable Daylight Lamp To Increase Alertness

Since bright light can increase alertness, I use a light therapy lamp every morning at 6 a.m. to boost my energy and regulate my circadian rhythm. This personal LED daylight lamp is lightweight and portable with a built-in stand, three color temperatures, and four brightness levels that reach 15000 LUX. It also has four timer settings to automate your sessions.

5Aromatherapy Steamers To Energize Your Morning Shower

Energize yourself for the day ahead with these shower steamers, which dissolve slowly when placed outside the stream of water and release invigorating aromas into the air. This particular pack features four scents (orange, grapefruit, citrus, and mandarin) made with essential oils for rejuvenating aromatherapy.

  • Available styles: 3

6An Affordable Under-Eye Putty That Brightens & De-Puffs

This e.l.f. under-eye brightener comes in six shades with peachy hues to counteract dark circles, helping you to look well-rested (even if you’re not). Its putty-like consistency contains illuminating pearls for brightening effects, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and squalane for de-puffing.

  • Available styles: 6

7Or A Serum With Caffeine To Brighten Under Eyes

“I’m amazed at the reduction of the puffy bags under my eyes,” one reviewer wrote about this under-eye serum. The formula contains 8% caffeine to reduce puffiness, niacinamide to brighten, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize — plus it has a metal massage ball that cools and stimulates the area during application.

  • Available sizes:
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8Red Night Lights That Won’t Affect Melatonin

Our bodies’ circadian rhythms take cues from the environment to determine when to produce sleep and wake hormones, but blue light from screens and artificial lighting trick us into thinking it’s daytime. Red light, on the other hand, may help you sleep. These plug-in night lights emit a soft red glow without blue frequencies, so they won’t affect your body’s production of melatonin, according to the brand. They also turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.

  • Available styles: 2

9Or Stylish Night Lights That Look Like Sconces

For a stylish, customizable alternative, opt for these LED night lights. They look like mid-century modern sconces with their tubular design that directs light both up and down, but they plug right into outlets so they don’t require any wiring. They also come in eight color options (including red, orange, and multicolor for nighttime use) and you can personalize the brightness with the built-in dimmer switches.

  • Available styles: 8

10A Bluetooth Eye Mask That Blocks Light & Plays Music

A sleep mask and headphones in one, this wireless rechargeable eye mask has contoured eye sockets that block out light and flat Bluetooth speakers that play music, podcasts, or white noise directly into your ears without discomfort. “I’ve never slept better!” wrote one of over 22,000 reviewers.

  • Available styles: 13

11An Odor-Fighting Body Wash That Cools On Contact

Made with non-irritating ingredients that cool skin on contact, The Energizer body wash is a great way to feel refreshed and awake after your morning shower. It also has mandelic acid to fight unwanted body odor, a low pH to tackle germs, fermented sugar cane enzymes to neutralize sweat, and a revitalizing scent of citrus and herbs.

12A White Noise Machine To Help Block Out Noise

Sleeping with a white noise machine completely transformed my rest by blocking out all disturbing sounds so my brain could fully relax. This one has 30 settings to choose from, including fans, nature sounds, and music. You can also adjust the volume and set automatic timers, plus it’s compact enough for travel.

  • Available styles: 2

13A Weighted Shoulder Wrap You Can Microwave Or Refrigerate

Microwave this shoulder wrap to ease tense muscles with soothing heat, or store it in the fridge for a burst of energizing cold therapy. It’s covered in plush material and filled with flaxseeds to retain temperature, beads for gentle weight, and lavender for aromatherapy. “Hands down one of the best items I’ve purchased,” one reviewer wrote. “Great for sore and tight neck and shoulder muscles.”

  • Available styles: 3

14An Adult Coloring Book That’s “Absolutely Adorable”

Research shows that coloring promotes mindfulness and minimizes stress, and this best-selling Fuzzy Hygge adult coloring book is filled with illustrations of cute animals doing relaxing activities. The single-sided pages prevent bleed-through and the designs are “absolutely adorable” and “easy to color,” according to reviewers.

15Melatonin Mints That Aim To Regulate Your Sleep Cycle

These Neuro Sleep & Recharge mints are fast-dissolving, sugar-free supplements that aim to help you regulate your sleep cycle and achieve faster, deeper rest. They’re made with melatonin, chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, and elderberry, all of which promote relaxation while remaining non-habit-forming — and according to reviewers, the mixed berry flavor tastes “amazing.”

  • Available sizes: Pack of 6 — Pack of 12

16A Pillow Spray For Bedtime Aromatherapy

Bedroom must-have!” one reviewer raved about this Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual spray. “It has significantly improved the quality of my sleep, making it easier for me to drift off and enjoy a restful night.” Infused with essential oils for relaxing aromatherapy, it’s designed to calm the body and mind while giving your pillow a soothing scent.

  • Available sizes: 4 Fl Oz — 8 Fl Oz
  • Available styles: 6

17A Draft-Stopper That Also Insulates Against Noise

This under-door draft stopper helps you regulate the temperature in your bedroom for a better night’s sleep — but its memory foam design also insulates against disruptive noises and easily glides across all floor types, including wood, vinyl, tile, and carpet. Simply slip it under your door, trim it to size, and enjoy a cozier, quieter bedroom.

  • Available sizes: 1 Pack — 4 Pack

18Blackout Curtains That Make Your Bedroom Dark & Cozy

These blackout curtains are made from triple-weave fabric that blocks out 100% of light to make your bedroom dark and cozy, no matter what time it is. They also insulate against temperature fluctuations and noise while offering privacy from nosy neighbors. Get them in ample colors and sizes.

  • Available sizes: 37"W x 40"L — 70"W x 108"L
  • Available styles: 31

19A Lock Box That Prevents Nighttime Scrolling

Since blue light from screens disrupts sleep patterns, experts recommend avoiding devices before bed. This portable lock box fits most iPhones and Androids, so you can overcome your urge to scroll. While it keeps your phone locked away for a set amount of time, you can still access the charging port, Siri, and the areas of the screen necessary to accept or make emergency calls.

  • Available styles: 5

20Or A Digital Alarm Clock That Doubles As A Mirror

Instead of locking their phones in a box, some people prefer to keep them outside of the bedroom entirely. In that case, this minimalist digital alarm clock ensures that you still wake up in time for work. It has a large display that doubles as a mirror when the backlight is off, plus dual alarms, four brightness levels, a snooze button, and five volume settings.

  • Available styles: 7

21An Essential Oil Blend To Promote Sleep

Using lavender, ylang-ylang, and clary sage essential oils, this aromatherapy blend is designed to promote relaxation and help you drift into a restorative sleep. Use it alongside an essential oil diffuser or put a few drops in a nighttime bath. “It has absolutely helped me to relax and sleep better!” wrote one reviewer with chronic insomnia.

  • Available sizes: 1 Fl Oz — 6 Fl Oz
  • Available styles: 18

22A Diffuser For Your Bedside Table Or Work Desk

Due to its compact size and optional color-changing night light, this essential oil diffuser is ideal for relaxation on your bedside table or rejuvenation on your work desk. Its 300-milliliter water tank works for up to 10 hours on the lowest setting, and it automatically shuts off when the water runs out to ensure your safety.

  • Available styles: 6

23Valerian Root Tea To Improve Sleep Quality

Studies show that valerian root may improve sleep quality, and this valerian root tea comes in round, eco-conscious bags that are easy to brew. They’re caffeine-free and non-GMO, with lemongrass, licorice, peppermint, and cardamom to create a soothing, woodsy taste. “After trying numerous sleep aids, this product seems to work as promised. With no residual effects it promotes restful and relaxing sleep,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 40+

24A Hexagonal Timer To Combat Fatigue

To combat fatigue and boost productivity during the day, try interrupting your work routine with regular breaks that include movement to get your blood flowing. This multi-hexagon clock timer has six timer intervals that start counting down at the touch of a finger. It also has a backlit display and functions as a clock and an alarm, too.

  • Available styles: 3

25A Light-Up Alarm Clock That Mimics The Rising Sun

Waking up to a gradually brightening light (rather than an annoying sound) can also help you regulate your sleep cycle, and this sunrise alarm clock does exactly that. It gets brighter and brighter to mimic the rising sun, gently rousing you awake — but if you’re a particularly deep sleeper, you can also choose between seven soothing wake-up sounds.

  • Available styles: 6

26A Wedge Pillow To Reduce Snoring, Sleep Apnea & Heartburn

Elevating your upper body with a wedge pillow may result in deeper sleep by reduced snoring, sleep apnea, and heartburn. This one is made from supportive but comfortable high-density foam and comes with a removable, washable cover. Its 12-inch incline is also great for reading or watching TV in bed. “I’m sleeping better and told I’m snoring less,” one reviewer wrote.

27An Adjustable Body Pillow Filled With Shredded Memory Foam

“I have never slept this well,” one reviewer wrote about this body pillow, which has a 4.5-star overall rating from more than 7,000 reviewers who sleep in all different positions. It’s filled with shredded memory foam, which you can add or remove depending on your preferred density level, plus the whole thing is machine-washable for easy upkeep.

28Coffee Packets With Magnesium & Electrolytes

Coffee helps countless people perk up throughout the day — but it’s also a diuretic that depletes your magnesium levels. These VitaCup packets contain instant coffee for a burst of energy, Himalayan salt for electrolytes, coconut water for hydration, and magnesium to replenish your body’s supply. “Tastes just like real coffee and makes you feel awake and alive,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available sizes: 24 Count — 72 Count
  • Available styles: 8

29A Yoga Mat With 70 Printed Poses On It

In addition to giving you a boost of energy, exercise also releases endorphins and helps you to sleep better at night — and yoga is one of the most relaxing forms of exercise. This yoga mat cushions your body with BPA-free foam and creates a non-slip, moisture-wicking surface for your practice, but it also has 70 printed poses that function as a cheat sheet to help you perfect your postures.

30A Fitness Deck So You Can Work Out Anywhere

Get in a good workout wherever you happen to be and with no equipment other than your own body weight and this deck of fitness cards (though there are also options for stretching, Pilates, kettlebells, and more) . Each deck contains 62 sweat-proof, tear-resistant cards with detailed illustrations that walk you through different exercises. Mix and match them to create customized workouts at home, on your lunch break, or while traveling.

  • Available styles: 13

31A Brightening Eye Pencil That Compares To Much More Expensive Options

Using a highly pigmented cream formula with a slightly shimmery finish, this mechanical eye pencil in the shade Quartz Queen helps to brighten your eyes so you look more awake. It also glides smoothly onto your waterline and stays put with its smudge-proof formula. According to reviewers, it compares to Tarte Fake Awake and helps you “look refreshed and bright-eyed.”

  • Available styles: 12

32Under-Eye Patches That “Work Like A Charm”

A best-seller with over 40,000 ratings, these under-eye masks are designed to reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, and plump skin. The consensus from reviewers? “These work like a charm to perk you up and make you look [fresh] and rested.” They also come packaged in pairs for easy travel and to retain their moisture.

  • Available sizes: Count of 20 — Count of 50

33Blue-Light-Blocking Glasses That Are Comfortable & Stylish

Made with or without magnification for reading, these blue-light-blocking glasses are designed to filter out blue wavelengths to regulate your sleep cycle before bed. Some also use them to reduce eye strain and prevent headaches while staring at screens all day. According to reviewers, their round, plastic frame is “lightweight and stylish.”

  • Available sizes: 0.0 x — 3.0 x
  • Available styles: 4

34A Knee Pillow For Side Sleepers

I’m a side sleeper, and after trying a knee pillow, I’m never going back. The foam construction cushions your knees and creates a gap between your legs, which better aligns your spine while you sleep. This one also has a breathable, hypoallergenic cover with a zipper so you can remove it for machine washing.

35A Leg-Elevating Wedge Pillow For Back Pain

This wedge pillow elevates your legs at a 45-degree angle to stimulate blood flow and relieve back pain. Its high-density foam conforms to your body without flattening, while its microfiber cover is soft, breathable, grippy, and washable. Those with back pain or a recent surgery wrote that they “finally got [eight hours] of uninterrupted sleep.”

36A 74-Ounce Water Bottle To Combat Dehydration Fatigue

Fatigue is a common sign of dehydration, so drinking more water throughout the day could help your energy levels. This BPA-free water bottle holds 74 ounces and comes with an insulated neoprene sleeve, a carrying strap, and a leak-proof cap. “I feel so much better and [have] more energy when I drink the entire water bottle in [one] day,” one reviewer wrote.

  • Available styles: 14

37A Meditation Light That Guides You Through Breathing Exercises

This isn’t your average night-light. The Breathing Pal meditation light has three modes that use gentle lighting cues to guide you through breathing exercises that promote mindfulness, relaxation, and stress relief. It’s rechargeable for cord-free portability and comes in four cute designs: a bear, a snowman, a hippo, and a bird.

  • Available styles: 4

38A Magnesium Supplement That’s “Your New Best Friend”

“If you’re on the hunt for a magnesium supplement for sleep and anxiety support, magnesium glycinate is your new best friend,” one reviewer wrote about this magnesium supplement. Each serving delivers 400mg in a form that’s easily absorbed by the body for better sleep, mood, and digestion, according to the brand.

  • Available sizes: 120 Count — 240 Count

39The Best Comforter Reviewers Ever Purchased

With a 4.7-star average rating from over 10,000 reviewers, this down-alternative bedspread is the “best comforter” buyers have “ever purchased.” It has plush but breathable fill for all-season use as well as diamond baffle stitching for style and durability. Since it’s machine-washable with corner loops, you can use it on its own or as a duvet insert.

  • Available sizes: Twin/Twin XL — King/California King
  • Available styles: 9

40A Berry-Flavored Supplement For Energy

A blue-green algae that’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants, blue spirulina may help boost energy throughout the day. This KOS energizing blue spirulina blend contains the superfood alongside caffeine from green coffee and other adaptogens like ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and Rhodiola. According to reviewers, the berry flavor is “delicious” and the texture “mixes well” with water and smoothies.

  • Available styles: 5

41A Cute Accessory For Foolproof Poached Eggs

Per its name, the Eggondola is shaped like an adorable boat — but it’s actually an efficient, foolproof way to cook poached eggs in boiling water. Made from BPA-free silicone, it’s easy to use, easy to retrieve, and easy to clean in the dishwasher. “As easy as it gets to make a poached egg and it's so cute,” one reviewer wrote.

42An Appliance For A Protein-Packed Breakfast In 5 Minutes

Eating a protein-packed breakfast can uplift your mood and give you more energy throughout the day, and this Hamilton Beach breakfast sandwich maker streamlines the process so it’s quick and easy. Its stacking pans cook eggs, melt cheese, toast English muffins, and heat bacon, sausage, or ham — all at the same time and in under five minutes. Since the plates are non-stick, clean-up is a breeze, too.

  • Available styles: 6

43A Habit Calendar To Help You Build Better Routines

Designed to help you build and stick to healthier routines, this habit calendar has monthly spreads with colorful circular designs so you can track up to eight custom daily activities. It has 24 pages for two years of use, plus inspirational quotes and weekly and monthly goal-setting charts.

  • Available styles: 5

44An Infrared Light For Before-Bed Relaxation

Since red light stimulates the production of melatonin and infrared may help to relieve muscle tension, a red light therapy lamp could be a relaxing way to unwind before bed. This one has LED beads that emit infrared light for skin, muscle, and relaxation benefits, plus it’s lightweight with a built-in stand that folds flat for storage.

45A Reusable To-Do List That’s “Very Functional”

This reusable to-do list comes with four sheets of blank cardstock, so you can create a custom list of daily chores or habits. After slipping the cardstock into the board, you can use the sliders to check off each item one by one. It comes in five colors and reviewers called it a “very functional product” and a “great productivity-building tool.”

  • Available styles: 5

46Wearables Designed To Promote Relaxation & Blood Flow

The LI4 acupressure point is located on your hand between your thumb and forefinger, and pressing on it may help with muscle relaxation and blood flow. The Aculief is a wearable tool that exerts steady acupressure on the L14 point, which aims to induce relaxation, promote stress relief, and reduce headaches. It comes in four color options and three sizes for all ages.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — Regular
  • Available styles: 5

47An Activity Board For Discreet, Satisfying Fidgeting

A best-seller with an average 4.8-star rating, this sensory activity board has reviewers raving: “very satisfying” and “so relaxing and fun.” The flexible strings fit into the grooves on the silicone board for quiet, discreet fidgeting to channel any nervous energy.

48A Basket That Reduces Stress-Causing Clutter

Because excess clutter over-stimulates your senses, a messy environment may cause stress that disrupts sleep patterns. Turn your bedroom clutter into soothing decor with stylish organizational tools, like this storage basket. Made from handwoven seagrass, it has three compartments with a metal frame and a toggle lid for stacking.

  • Available styles: 4

49Or A Stylish Storage Bin That Comes In 3 Sizes

Sold in three sizes and seven colors, this storage bin is made from stylish canvas with a faux-leather handle and a lid that secures in place with velcro. It’s ideal for corralling clothes, bedding, and other clutter into compact, stackable cubes, so your bedroom feels neat and serene.

  • Available sizes: Small — Large
  • Available styles: 7

50A Grounding Mat Designed To Promote Better Sleep

Grounding (also known as earthing) connects your body to the earth’s natural electric charge, which may ease stress and promote better sleep. This grounding mat has a 15-foot cord that plugs into the grounding prongs on most outlets, delivering the earth’s electricity to the non-slip mat that you can place under your body while sleeping, under your elbows while working, or under your feet while standing.

  • Available styles: 2

51A Self-Care Journal That Promotes Mental Wellbeing

Designed to help you cultivate relaxation and mental wellness, this Clever Fox self-care journal has daily spreads with goal-setting prompts, gratitude exercises, to-do lists, schedules, and written reflections. “I’ve recommended it to everyone I know,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s been so helpful in shifting my mindset back into a stable place.”

  • Available styles: 15