Be sure to bookmark this page. As a lifelong insomniac, I am constantly on the lookout for things that can help me sleep. I will continue to add to this list whenever I find something new and highly rated and I will update this post with my own product experiences. My Amerisleep mattresses (AS3 initially, then a new AS2 when we moved, then back to our original AS3) have already made a major difference in the quality of my sleep, so I know investing in sleep can help.
Here are the top-rated products to help you sleep better, all sold by the world's largest retailer. No, wine is not on the list - contrary to popular belief, a glass of alcohol (or several glasses) is not beneficial for improving the quality of your sleep. Darn!
You don't think of an eye mask as something that could have a cult-like following. And how on earth does a sleep mask amass nearly 10,000 reviews? My guess is that the price has something to do with the popularity - only $5.99.
Best Blanket for Better Sleep
Weighted blankets have been shown to help improve sleep in people who suffer from anxiety, as well as people who have a sensory processing disorder. I first learned about the benefit of weighted blanket as a sleep aid in a yoga class, of all places. At the end of each session, we would lie on the ground in the dark and the instructor would come around and place beanbags on each hand and on each student's chest. I'd never experienced this and was amazed how relaxing it felt, as if the weight was pushing me into a deep sleep.
The YnM is Amazon's top-selling weighted blanket and it has more than 1,000 positive reviews. Blankets are sold based on your weight. I would have a lighter one and SN, who is larger than me, would have a heavier one. The twin-size blankets start at only around $50!
Best Pillow for Better Sleep
I recommended this pillow when I first ordered it, back on Black Friday, and I still love it. This is the best pillow for side sleepers and the best pillow for stomach sleepers, like myself. (Yes, both. I move around a lot at night.) I've always had two big problems with pillows - they are too thick/poofy and the stuffing moves around while I sleep, forcing me to constantly flip and redistribute the filling. This pillow has a solid inside and, at only 2.5 inches thick, it is perfectly skinny.
Here is a top-rated sleep improvement product that's completely FREE! Well, it's free as long as you are an Amazon Prime member, but I've been asking parents at our pediatric dental office for several months if they have a Prime membership and I've yet to have a single person say no. If you scan through the reviews, you'll see that there are many insomniacs who swear by this specific white noise soundtrack to put them to sleep nightly. Considering the nonexistent cost, it doesn't hurt to try, right?
Best Scent for Better Sleep
Studies have shown that the scent of lavender is effective for improving sleep, both by helping to fall asleep quicker and to stay asleep longer. In the same yoga class as the sandbags, mentioned above, the instructor would dab a drop of lavender oil on each of my wrists and on each temple. To be honest, when I first heard that she was going to do this and that it was going to help me relax and sleep better, I thought Baloney! It actually did work though and was extremely pleasant, so much so that I would make a point not to shower after each class just so I could enjoy the scent a little longer.
Best Supplements for Better Sleep
Rather than taking a prescription drug, such as Ambien, every night, the supplements listed here are intended as a long-term solution for insomnia. These are all recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, who I personally trust for healthcare advice. (I'll admit though that I'm skeptical of his "non-profit" nonsense - his supplements are outrageously priced and it seems like he is actually making one heck of a profit!) Of course, as with any supplement or medication, be sure to check with your doctor beforehand, especially to determine the best dosage and to rule out any potential drug interactions.
Best Non-Prescription Sleep Aid
I've used those little Emergen-C drink packets for years and have recommended them to everyone, so this is a natural next step for me. (Tip for the regular Emergen-C packets: Don't just dump the entire thing into your glass - sprinkle in a little throughout the day. Your body cannot absorb a packet's worth of Emergen-C all at once, meaning you are essentially just creating expensive pee.) Personally, melatonin has never been effective for me and I am also wary of any product you drink close to bedtime. 209 reviewers can't all be wrong though, right? That's one of the things I love most about shopping on Amazon.
Side note about beverages and bedtime, I've read that waking up to use the restroom is actually only a problem for insomniacs/people who are already awake (although they may not realize it), as your body will not wake you up/nature will not call if you are sleeping properly. If these drink packets do work, the liquids at bedtime thing should not be an issue. Ah, the fascinating science of sleep!
I hope this helps you get a better night's sleep. What product(s) have you tried and do you recommend them?