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Things That Actually Help You Sleep

Hand-picked. None of it is magic, but each one moves the needle.

Affiliate disclosure: some of these links pay us a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn't affect what we recommend — we list things we'd buy ourselves.

Your bedroom

  • Blackout curtains

    from $40

    The single biggest upgrade for most bedrooms. Aim for 100% blackout — even thin slits of streetlight cut your melatonin.

    Coming soon →
  • Contoured sleep mask

    from $15

    Cheaper than curtains, travels with you. Contoured ones don't press on eyelashes.

    Coming soon →
  • White noise machine

    from $25

    A constant sound floor stops random noises from yanking you out of deep sleep.

    Coming soon →
  • Soft foam earplugs

    from $10

    Boring, effective. The light-snore solution your partner deserves.

    Coming soon →

Waking up easier

  • Sunrise alarm clock

    from $40

    Gradually brightening light pulls you out of light sleep instead of jolting you out of deep sleep. Game-changing for winter mornings.

    Coming soon →
  • Smart wake-up tracker

    from $50

    Wakes you in a 30-min window when you're already in light sleep. Significantly nicer than a fixed alarm.

    Coming soon →

Supplements (talk to your doctor)

  • Magnesium glycinate

    from $15

    Probably the most-recommended sleep supplement. Glycinate is the form that doesn't cause digestive issues.

    Coming soon →
  • Low-dose melatonin (0.3-1 mg)

    from $10

    Most over-the-counter doses are 5-10x too high. Low dose, taken 3-4 hours before bed, is the way.

    Coming soon →

Bedding

  • Weighted blanket

    from $60

    10% of body weight is the standard. The pressure simulates being held, which downshifts your nervous system.

    Coming soon →
  • Cooling mattress pad

    from $80

    If you sleep hot, this beats arguing with a thermostat. Your body needs to drop a couple degrees to fall asleep.

    Coming soon →

Tech & lighting

  • Blue-light glasses

    from $30

    Real ones with orange-tinted lenses, not the clear 'productivity' ones. Wear after sunset, not all day.

    Coming soon →
  • Warm smart bulb

    from $15

    Dim and shift to 2700K or warmer after sundown. Your circadian rhythm doesn't know cool white from daylight.

    Coming soon →
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