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Struggling to Sleep? These Are The Sleep Essentials our Editors Swear By
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Struggling to Sleep? These Are The Sleep Essentials our Editors Swear By

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, we’re even pickier about what we let into our bedrooms (as sleep is the foundation of overall well-being). The wellness team on CNET tests sleep gear all year, and only a handful earn a permanent spot in our night routines.

From , our wellness team swears by these products for

Manta

Using the Manta White Noise Machine has been a game-changer for me as a light sleeper. I use it every single night. It’s a small but mighty device with 15 different sleep sounds, including those popular fan and rain noises. I prefer the brown noise or an ocean sound setting, which lulls me gently to sleep and effectively masks the extraneous apartment noises that used to wake me up at night. With the speaker placed by our noisy street-facing window, I can control and adjust the sound from the bed with its simple remote. 

You can put it on a timer or keep it on all night until you shut it off in the morning, which is what I do. It’s small and highly portable; I even bring it when traveling.

— Aly Lopez

Pros:

  • Continuous noise (not looping)
  • Small and portable
  • Various soothing sound options 
  • No apps required
  • Speaker plugs in, so you don’t have to charge the battery

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Can’t add or play your own sounds
  • Speaker requires an outlet for plugging in

Hatch

Sometimes, dragging myself out of bed in the morning is a little hard. Often it’s because I didn’t get enough sleep, though sometimes it’s because my phone alarm jerks me awake. I’ve recently been testing the Hatch Restore 3 alarm clock, and it’s done wonders for my mornings. This sunrise alarm clock packs a punch with customizable lights, alarm sounds and bedtime routines.I’ve also been really impressed with their collection of sounds for sleep. From nature to colors to zodiac signs, there’s a sound for what seems to be just about anything. I’m serious, there’s even one for an orange shag carpet. I’ve been using the classic rain sounds to help me get off my phone at night and focus on sleep.

— Taylor Leamey

Pros:

  • Customizable light and sound combinations
  • Wide collection of sounds for sleep
  • Several additional features like routines, podcasts, ASMR, music and meditations

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • It is a little expensive at $170 for the device
  • $4.99/month subscription is required to unlock the full library

Lush

I’ve been using the Lush Sleepy Body Lotion for the past seven years and can’t sleep without it. It has the most lovely lavender scent that isn’t too overpowering, while the lotion itself is moisturizing but not greasy. I have it on my nightstand and even put some in a tiny jar so that I can also have it when I travel.

— Anna Gragert

Pros:

  • A soothing scent that can help you fall asleep
  • Moisturizing
  • Affordable
  • Cruelty-free
  • Packaging is made from 100% recycled materials

Cons:

  • May not be for those sensitive to fragrance

Editors’ choice

Amazon

Of all the pregnancy pillows I tested, my favorite was the Frida Mom Adjustable Keep-Cool Pregnancy Pillow. This lightweight cylinder-shaped pillow is filled with microbeads to allow for proper airflow and keep you cool. It’s also fully adjustable and can be molded into a U-, C-, L- or I-shape. Because it’s moldable, it also gets in the way less if you share a bed compared with a full body pregnancy pillow.

If you’re not into a softer option, this may not be the right fit for you. This pillow was the best fit for me and my needs throughout the majority of my pregnancy, but it may be more suitable during the second trimester as your belly grows and needs some support when you sleep on your side.

I liked how this pillow wasn’t too big, and you could easily maneuver it as you switch sleeping positions throughout the night. I also appreciated how the pillow didn’t overheat and remained comfortably cool throughout the night. I even caught my husband napping with it once, so if you’re generally a side sleeper you can enjoy this pillow as well. 
— Giselle Castro-Sloboda

Pros:

  • Easily adjustable
  • Cooling
  • Takes up little space 

Cons:

  • Doesn’t offer full body support
  • May be too soft for some people

Cozy Earth

I’m a huge fan of Cozy Earth’s products. I have tested everything from its comforters and sheets to duvet covers and socks, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the quality and luxurious feel of each. Cozy Earth’s pajamas are no exception. I love to wear the bamboo set to bed almost every night. The material feels light and silky smooth, and the pajamas look like a set you would expect from a high-end hotel and spa. For hot sleepers like myself, the bamboo material feels amazing on the skin and is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating. I have never overheated at night while wearing these pajamas.

— Caroline Igo

Pros:

  • Made of viscose from bamboo
  • Material is breathable and stretch-knit
  • Available in 15 different colors
  • Luxurious look and feel

Cons:

  • More expensive than traditional cotton pajamas
  • Not for those looking for warmth at night

Dēp Slēpwear

My apartment has large windows covered only by sheer day shades. While I appreciate the natural light streaming in during the day, I don’t enjoy the city streetlights that shine into our bedroom at night. I have tried various sleep masks to combat this issue, and my current favorite is the two-in-one Dēp Sleep Hoodie 3.0 by Dēp Slēpwear.

This thin, breathable hoodie features a soft and cushioning sleep mask that’s attached so it doesn’t move around while you’re sleeping. It’s like being wrapped in a lightweight and airy cocoon, effectively blocking light and noise without feeling overwhelming — and I’ve never felt too hot while sleeping in it.

Wearing the Dēp Sleep Hoodie is also a great way to get solid sleep on long flights or in a new environment while traveling, like an unfamiliar hotel or Airbnb.

— Aly Lopez

Pros:

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Blocks out light and muffles sound
  • Sleep mask stays in place

Cons:

  • On the expensive side

Casper

I’m a hot sleeper, and in addition to changing my comforter to something lighter, I also recently changed to a cooling pillow. I now sleep on the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology every night, and I love it. It feels cool to the touch, and even with a pillowcase on it (I use a light, eucalyptus pillowcase) I can feel the cooling sensation on my face. While it won’t stay completely cool on one side the entire night, I will just flip it over. I’m also a huge fan of foam pillows, so I like how this foam hybrid pillow helps to keep me cool and supported. 
— Caroline Igo

Pros:

  • Best for hot sleepers
  • Suitable for side, back or combination sleepers
  • Cool-to-the-touch feeling
  • Four layers of foam, fiber and gel with Snow Technology
  • Soft, machine-washable cover

Cons:

  • Not for those who don’t like foam pillows
  • Over $119 for one pillow

Slumber Cloud

The Slumber Cloud Performance Duvet Cover is an excellent option for those looking to regulate their sleep temperature. The brand claims that this duvet cover is made with NASA-engineered Outlast technology that absorbs, stores and releases heat, which may prevent night sweats (and keep you comfortable throughout the night). It has a soft, breathable fabric that enhances airflow, making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers. I also like how smooth and cool it feels to the touch.

— Nasha Addarich Martínez

Pros:

  • Temperature regulating technology
  • Soft and breathable fabric
  • Machine-washable
  • Multiple color options (white, light blue, dark grey, navy blue, light grey and cream)

Cons:

  • Requires a duvet insert
  • Wrinkles easily

I rarely see results in just one night after using a skin care product, but the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum is the exception. The morning after using this I felt my face much more moisturized and smooth around the outer corners of my eyes (crow’s feet area). This serum is specifically made to reduce and prevent visible signs of age and offer anti-oxidant protection during the day since its formula includes peptides and hyaluronic acid. It helps tackle loss of firmness, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. What I really like about this product is that it’s free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, phthalates, sulfites, sulfates and mineral oils.

— Nasha Addarich Martínez

Pros:

  • Visible results after only a few uses
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Recyclable bottles

Cons:

Kin

This drink tastes like lavender-vanilla root beer, and I love to drink it at dinner to help me wind down for the night. It contains reishi mushrooms, l-theanine and l-tryptophan, all of which aim to calm you down. I actually do feel more relaxed after sipping on this beverage. It also makes for a great non-alcoholic alternative.

— Anna Gragert

Pros:

  • Tastes amazing
  • Contains ingredients designed to calm you
  • Non-alcoholic
  • No caffeine

Cons:

  • On the more expensive side
  • May not be for those who dislike the taste of lavender

Barriere

I’m someone who has a hard time swallowing pills, so a melatonin patch that I stick on my skin and forget about it sounded like the perfect way to get some deep sleep. It works because once you stick it on your skin, the melatonin is released directly into your bloodstream. I did notice that I started feeling sleep a lot faster with the patch than with melatonin supplements. If you’re wondering if it works, it does!

— Nasha Addarich Martínez

Pros:

  • Great alternative to swallowing supplements
  • Relatively inexpensive at $13 for 36 patches
  • The patches are much smaller than competitor patches

Cons:

  • May make you feel groggy in the morning if you’re sensitive to melatonin.

Purple

The Purple Harmony Pillow is the most unique pillow out team has tested. It’s made with Purple’s proprietary GelFlex Grid and Talalay latex. It doesn’t feel fluffy like traditional pillows, the feel is more airy and light. Despite its squishy consistency, the latex provides great support for your neck. I also found this pillow to have incredible pressure relief.

— Nasha Addarich Martínez

Pros:

  • Sleeps cool
  • Suits most sleeper types (three loft heights to choose from)
  • Machine washable cover

Cons:

  • Does not have a traditional feel for a pillow
  • On the more expensive side

Amazon

I love drinking tea any time of the day, but Sleepytime tea at night might be my favorite. My nightly routine consists of slowly getting ready for bed and sipping on Celestial Seasonsing’s Sleepytime Extra tea while watching TV or reading. I enjoy the mild and earthy taste of the tea, but I mostly appreciate how tired it makes me. The tea is made with chamomile, tilia estrella and valerian root — all natural sleep aids. If you don’t like melatonin or are looking for a natural sleep remedy, I recommend this herbal tea.  
— Caroline Igo

Pros:

  • Affordable and all-natural
  • One box contains 20 tea bags
  • Ingredients include chamomile, tilia estrella, valerian root, spearmint, lemongrass and hawthorne
  • Non-GMO, vegan and vegetarian
  • Caffeine-free 

Cons:

  • Not for those who don’t like the taste of tea
  • Can’t drink it too close to bedtime; you may wake up and need to use the bathroom

Cariloha

The Cariloha Stripe Stitch Quilt is a lightweight, breathable quilt made from viscose derived from bamboo, which creates a soft and eco-friendly option for year-round comfort. Its moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties help keep sleepers cool in warm weather while providing a cozy layer of warmth when it’s cooler. I like the stylish stripe stitch pattern, which adds a subtle yet modern touch to my bedroom decor.

Pros:

  • Naturally breathable and eco-friendly
  • Lightweight and airy
  • Machine-washable (on gentle)

Cons:

  • Higher price compared with conventional cotton

Stripes

Ever wake up with night sweats, hot flashes or racing thoughts? These symptoms may be due to (peri)menopause. Stripes Beauty wants you to go on your dream date with deep sleep — these sleep supplements have GABA, L-theanine, magnesium and slow release melatonin to help calm you body and stay asleep.

Pros:

  • Contains ingredients proven to help calm your mind and nervous system
  • Subscribe and save 15%
  • The serving size is just one capsule

Cons:

  • Pretty expensive — $40 for a month’s worth of supplements

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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