Sleep Gadgets That You Can’t Afford to Sleep On
Sleep is one of the most important things we do every day. Quality rest reduces stress, provides energy, strengthens your immune system, and even contributes to weight loss! Conversely, a lack of good sleep will weaken your body and mind.
Sleep is one of the most important things we do every day. Quality rest reduces stress, provides energy, strengthens your immune system, and even contributes to weight loss! Conversely, a lack of good sleep will weaken your body and mind. A few months ago, I decided that I need help improving my sleep. I was having trouble with the self-discipline it takes to maintain a regular bedtime and decided to poke around and try to find some gadgets that might improve the rest I get at night. Check out the list below for some tips on items that will help you get the rest you need and deserve!
Whoop Strap
I absolutely love the Whoop Strap. It's a nifty little armband (think Fitbit but with a bigger brain) that is so comfortable you forget it's there. This device is often marketed as a way for athletes to track their workouts, but it has so many applications for everyone, regardless of fitness level. One of the best features is the sleep data you receive daily. The Whoop Strap measures HRV (heart rate variability), which is basically the measure of the tiny fluctuations in the timing of your heartbeat. When you wake up, the app on your phone that connects to the device will tell you how many hours of sleep you got, how many times you woke up throughout the night, the amount of time you spent in each type of sleep, and so much more. The best part? The device is completely free! Just sign up on their website and pay for a little as one month of the service (only $30), and they will mail this superb sleep gadget to your door!
SmartDuvet Breeze
The Breeze is a blanket that helps to keep you comfortable all through the night. No more waking up with night sweats or shivers, this comforter uses airways to bring you heated or cooled air so that you can stay cozy while you sleep. It's even set up so that the two sides of the blanket function independently so you and your partner can set different temperatures based on personal preference. The Breeze can be ordered directly from SmartDuvet's website, starting around $300. It might seem a little pricey, but this thing will pay for itself after just a few restful nights of sleep!
Philips Somneo Sleep and Wake-Up Light
Think of this as a smart lamp, designed to help us get in touch with our roots. Humans evolved to go to sleep and wake up according to the setting and rising of the sun. This lamp simulates those solar movements with a light gradient moving from warm to cool colors according to the bedtimes that you program in. Also, it carries functions that use the light to carry you through guided breathing exercises that will help you wind down as you get into bed. The Somneo Sleep and Wake-Up Light can be found on Philips' website for $199. Not a bad price for healthy sleep and a pleasant wake up each morning.
None of these devices will suddenly make you get into bed on time and get great sleep on their own. They will, however, provide invaluable tools and resources to help you track your sleep and improve its quality. If you want to feel better, function better, and be more healthy, give any of the sleep gadgets above a shot, and you are sure to find yourself getting the best quality rest of your life.