Best Sleep Products for a Restful Night

A healthy sleep cycle is vital to your well-being. Most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night, but each person’s need for sleep varies. It’s not only the amount of sleep you get, but the quality of the sleep. The disruptive noise and light of modern life can interfere with sleep quality.

Follow these tips for improving your sleep:

• Set a consistent sleep schedule. Regular bedtime and wake-up times help regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Create a calming sleep environment. Make your bedroom a sanctuary of calmness with soothing colors, comfortable bedding and soft lighting.
• Take a break from screens in the hour up to bedtime.
• Practice a bedtime routine that includes relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or gentle stretching.

A restful night’s sleep begins in a soothing environment, like a bedroom. Make your sleep space a sanctuary with the right sleep products, like a supportive mattress, comfortable pillows and bedding. Look for products like blackout curtains and white noise machines that reduce outside light and muffle loud noises.

Start with sleep-friendly paint colors in the bedroom to cultivate a relaxing ambiance. Look for shades like muted greens, blues and lavenders, and the combination of gray and beige called greige.

These soothing shades can improve sleep quality:

• Soft blues like sky blue evoke nature to imbue a serene atmosphere.
• Shades of lavender, just like the fragrant herb, are associated with stress reduction and relaxation.
• Warm gray tones on the walls create a cozy and comforting vibe. These tranquil shades, including greige, work as neutral backdrops for other colors.
• Pale greens like sage are reminiscent of the softer side of nature. These hues are calming in winter and refreshing in spring.

Tip: When shopping for bedroom paint colors, test how each potential color looks in both natural (day) light and indoor (night) light. Select paint samples from the Paint Center and apply test strips to your walls and observe the colors throughout the day to help make your decision.

Your bed is a piece of furniture where you’ll spend a third (or more) of your daily life, and the products you choose should help, not hinder, getting a good night’s sleep.

When you’re shopping for mattresses, keep in mind these options:

• Memory foam mattresses are noted for pressure relief, support and body contouring.
• Innerspring mattresses provide pressure relief and support, and the springs keep the bed cool.
• Latex mattresses are anti-microbial, mold-resistant and more hypoallergenic than other mattress types.
• Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of the above types.
• Adjustable mattresses allow you to adjust the bed to lift your feet, your head or incline your back.

For extra comfort, invest in a mattress topper (sometimes called a “pillow top”). This stitched-in topper helps alleviate pressure in your shoulders and hips.

Bed linens should be made of soft, breathable fabric like 100 percent cotton, bamboo or linen for consistent temperature throughout the night. Select sheets, comforters and blankets in soothing colors that complement your bedroom wall paint.

When selecting bed pillows for better sleep, look for these features:

• Adjustable fill feature lets you remove and add shredded foam to suit your specific needs.
• Cooling materials that keep your body from overheating and disturbing your sleep cycle.
• Ergonomic support helps keep your body aligned and eases aches from staying in one position too long.

Tip: Sleep wedges offer comfort and support for a good night’s sleep. They’re appreciated for back support, leg elevation and relief from acid reflux.

Incorporating indoor plants into your sleeping space enhances a calm and restful atmosphere. Plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis and do their part to purify the air in your living space.

For the best sleep experience, look for indoor plants adapted to low light. Add these houseplants to your bedroom for a serene sleep experience:

• Snake plant (sansevieria) is a low-light and low-maintenance favorite. This easy-to grow plant’s slender foliage adds elegance to your décor.
• Golden pothos is a trailing vine that can handle moderate light and still add oxygen and good looks to your space.
• ZZ plant thrives in low light and can handle periods of neglect, making it ideal for frequent travelers who may not be home to keep it watered.
• Spider plants adapt to varying light conditions. They grow long, arching stems with small plantlets that will produce more plants.
• Lavender is prized for its soothing fragrance. It can be tricky to grow indoors because it needs a lot of light. To get the benefits of lavender’s fragrance, keep a pot of lavender on your sunny porch or balcony, and clip the blooming stems for a bedside bouquet.

Tip: Know the light in your bedroom and read plant tags before buying. For a calming bedroom, look for plants that thrive in “low light.”

Light and noise frequently disrupt a restful night’s sleep. Products like sleep masks and ear plugs help ease these problems.

Try these products to improve your sleep:

• Sleep masks block out light and create a dark environment that signals your body that it’s time to sleep. Look for a sleep mask that’s comfortable, adjustable and made from breathable materials.
• The same ear plugs that protect your hearing from loud industrial sounds can reduce distracting noises while you sleep. Look for ear plugs that are comfortable to wear and won’t pop out while you sleep.
• There are new products that combine masks and earplugs. These battery-operated sleep masks create an immersive sound experience that keeps loud noises like a partner’s snoring from disturbing your sleep.
• Black out curtains block out external light and noise. These curtains use light blocking technology and can reduce energy loss through windows. They keep summer heat and winter chill out of your home.
• White noise machines help drown out distractions whether in your home or while traveling. The looping sounds are often inspired by nature like ocean waves or falling rain. Look for lightweight and portable designs to pack in your luggage.

Air purifiers can improve your sleep experience on several levels. These machines clear the air of pollutants like pollen, dust and pet dander, and the consistent low hum provides a pleasant white noise experience that can help you get to sleep.

Air purifiers are designed to boost indoor air quality. They remove smoke and household odors, in addition to allergens.

Air purifiers are categorized by the type of filter. Look for these types:

• Activated carbon
• Electrostatic
• HEPA

Tip: Measure your bedroom before selecting an air purifier. You want a machine that will deliver clean air in your space.

Nagging thoughts can destroy a restful night’s sleep. Secure your house and you'll be able to relax. From the best door locks to motion detectors and cameras, a secure house offers peace of mind.

Questions to help you choose a security system:

• What entry points need to be monitored?
• Do you need security cameras inside and outside?
• How many motion detectors do you need?
• How many window and door sensors do you need?
• Do you have enough outdoor lights?

There are many options to improve your home security. Installing new door locks is a straightforward DIY. You can investigate smart home security systems that control door locks and even manage your thermostat. Professional home security companies install and monitor your home systems.