Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better

You may know that getting a good night's sleep is essential, but sometimes it can be challenging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a third of U.S. adults are getting less than the recommended seven to nine hours of shut-eye. "The lowest all-cause mortality and risk of cancer, of immune dysfunction, of immunization success rate, of cardiovascular disease, is associated with seven hours of sleep," says Michael Roizen MD, chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and author of The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow, and founder of the Reboot Your Age program. "Over nine hours and below six hours of sleep increases the risk of mortality," he says.

 Additionally, not getting enough sleep regularly can raise your risk of chronic health conditions. So creating and sticking to a sleep schedule is vital because you won't be able to make up for those lost hours. 

 "When you are sleep-deprived and finally have the chance to ‘catch up’ on sleep, what your body does is ‘catch up’ or rebounds on the deep stages of sleep—REM sleep and NREM sleep N3," says Osezemeghonghon "Dr. Seze" Obilor, MD, a sleep medicine doctor at Dignity Health St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA. "These stages of sleep are important in memory consolidation and hormonal regulation, and they're also important in making you feel well rested," she says. Our body cycles through two phases of sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, which is divided into three stages: N1–N3.

But while seven to nine hours of sleep is the universal recommendation, there are some exceptions. "Some people are short sleepers—where they naturally sleep for shorter durations of time," says Dr. Peter Polos, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number. "These individuals typically have no complaints about sleep problems, and the quality of their sleep also tends to be sufficient," he says.

Still, if you are having a hard time falling asleep, there are things you should consider trying. "Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before sleep, and don't drink your coffee in the morning until you've been up for two to three hours," says Dr. Patrick Porter, PhD, inventor of BrainTap. "This allows your brain to regulate and use water, which hydrates the system," he says. 

You can also try meditation or deep-breathing exercises, and create an environment that’s conducive to sleep. Keep the temperature in your room on the cooler side or hang black-out curtains.

However, while our below sleep award winners can help you to create a sleep-friendly environment, as soon you have issues sleeping talk to your primary care doctor. "The longer you wait to address sleep issues, the longer it takes to control them," says Dr. Seze.

How We Chose the Winners

To select the products, we relied on a panel of medical professionals who gave us their insights based on years of experience, the advice they give their patients, and the products they use. We also leaned into the expertise of an interior designer who shared her knowledge on how she chooses beds, sheets, and pillows for her clients, plus what she uses herself. We also conducted extensive research and fact-checking to ensure that we’re bringing you quality items to enhance your health, wellness, and, in this case, tips and products for optimal sleep.

Mattresses and Mattress Topper

Side Sleeper: Casper Original Mattress

Dr. Roizen, who says that your mattress should be as “comfortable to you as your favorite sweatshirt,” sleeps on a Casper mattress. And a good option from the brand for side sleepers is the original, which is divided into three zones to provide support. 

It has three layers: a breathable polyurethane foam top, zoned memory foam, and a base of polyurethane foam. All are meant to help provide support to side sleepers by letting shoulders sink and cradling the hips for better spinal alignment.

Back Sleeper: Saatva Classic Mattress

If you are a back sleeper, you know that the right firmness is essential for optimal sleep and comfort. The Saatva Classic mattress combines the durability and responsiveness of an innerspring with the plush comfort of memory foam. It comes in three levels of firmness, and they all include back support and pressure-point relief.

Pressure Relief: Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress

The Allswell Hybrid mattress offers three different options, and the Luxe—an affordably priced hybrid bed in a box that is 12 inches thick and has two layers of foam with a layer of pocketed coils—is the perfect entry point. High-density foam with memory foam over the top combines to relieve pressure, reducing joint and muscle pain.

Combo Sleeper: DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress

Interior designer Peti Lau, who sleeps on a DreamCloud, makes it an extra luxurious experience by adding a memory foam topper. But you may not need to do the same, as the Premier version is made with a plush cashmere blend and is seven layers thick. It boasts a 14-inch profile, making this hybrid ideal for sleepers who switch from back to side to stomach. 

Memory foam and soft foam offer contouring and pressure relief, which is good for side sleepers, while individually wrapped coils and deeper foam layers provide added support for back and stomach sleepers.

Budget Friendly: Ikea HAUGSVÄR Mattress

People on a budget won’t have to sacrifice comfort with HAUGSVÄR’s individually wrapped springs and high-resilience foam. Lau, who says the bed is really good for the price, recommends it to clients for guest rooms.

Perfectly Snug Smart Topper

The right temperature can mean the difference between a restful night of quality sleep or one spent tossing and turning. This topper has built-in sensors that automatically adjust to keep your body at optimal sleep temperature. It works with all mattresses and comes in eight sizes. The best part is that you can use the app to set your preferences, and its dual-zone climate control allows your partner to control their side.

Pillows

Side Sleeper: Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow

If you have ever woken up with a sore neck, you'll appreciate the curve of the Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow. It's U -shape has a cut-out designed to support your neck for better spinal alignment. You can also customize the firmness by removing or adding some of the latex and polyester filling.

Back Sleeper: Tuft & Needle Down Alternative Pillow Set

Goose-down pillows can be wonderful, but for allergy sufferers, the Tuft & Needle Alternative Pillow is a good option for enjoying comfort sans feathers. This polyester pillow is hypoallergenic and uses a lighter synthetic fill to recreate the feeling of down pillows. It works well for back sleepers because there's more give than foam allows.

Stomach Sleeper: Sleep Number ResponseFit Ultimate Pillow

This eco-friendly, hypoallergenic pillow is made with memory foam and is available in three designs. The Ultimate version is an excellent option for stomach sleepers and is customizable, as you can adjust its height by removing its memory foam inserts.

Organic: Solera Hemp Pillow

This hemp-filled pillow, which is heavier than a typical pillow, is for the environmentally conscious sleeper. It’s handmade with sustainable materials free of chemicals. Hemp hulls, the outer shells of hemp seeds, make up the pillow’s filling, and an outer layer of organic knit cotton is soft on the skin and provides insulation from the noise made by the hulls.

Sheets

Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set

These sheets are made to be the right fit, and volcanic mineral technology can help them adapt to maintain your optimal sleep temperature while the fitted design keeps its shape as it moves with you. If you're not skilled in the bed-making area, there are labels in the bottom right corners to give you a hint, and extra- long straps keep the fitted sheet tucked in place.

PeachSkinSheets

With “peach skin” in the name, you'd expect these sheets to be soft, and they are so much so you may not want to get out of bed. However, they're also designed with durability and temperature control in mind. Moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you from getting soaked from night sweats, making it easier to regulate body temperature and get a comfortable night's sleep.

Saatva Percale Sheet Set

These percale sheets are certified OEKO-Tex 100, meaning that they are free from potentially harmful chemicals. Since cotton is a breathable fabric, they're also suitable for warm sleepers. Plus, their deep pockets will keep them in place on mattresses up to 16 inches high.

Nuzzie French Linen Sheet Set

Made from 100% French flax linen, these sheets are breathable and will only feel softer and more luxurious with each wash. Nuzzie says its sheets are up to three times more breathable than cotton and absorbent.

MakeMake Organics Cotton Sheet Set

These MakeMake organics cotton sateen sheets come with a bit of flair, and while they are 300 thread count, Lau says that you shouldn't focus on numbers when choosing sheets but on the type of fiber. These are made with smooth-feeling cotton and are available in several unique patterns, including some designed for kids' rooms. The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification indicates that the sheets are free from harmful dyes, chemicals, and pesticides.

Printfresh Sheet Set

Hand-printed in India, these gorgeous certified GOTS organic cotton sheets are as comfy as they are stylish. Prints feature bold, colorful patterns to brighten the mood of any room. And the light, comforting fabric will make you want to dive into bed.

Blankets

Big Blanket

Does your partner hog the blanket? Big Blanket provides a solution, with a blanket so large you’re bound to have extra. Each blanket is 10 x 10 feet, and some models weigh 10 pounds. Its size makes the blanket perfect for either snuggling up alone or with your significant other.

Brooklinen Honeycomb Wool Throw Blanket

This classic honeycomb throw will both keep you warm and look stylish lying around the house. Made from eco-friendly wool, it’s assembled in Germany at a 100-year-old family mill.

Pajamas

Lusomé Sleep Shirt

You can’t go wrong with a comfy sleep shirt, especially when it’s designed to wick moisture away if you tend to sweat at night. It is made with a cotton, polyester, and spandex blend that’s fitted slightly to hug your figure at the waist for a flattering look. Plus, it feels buttery soft against the skin.

Jockey Worry-Free Heavy Absorbency Sleep Short

From the outside, you can’t tell that these loose-fitting breathable shorts offer a three-layer leak protection system. They’re designed to catch light to moderate bladder leaks and periods so you can sleep peacefully. Jockey says the washable, reusable shorts absorb the equivalent of eight teaspoons or four regular tampons.

Soma Cool Nights Sleep Shirt

If you get warm at night, you’ll appreciate this lightweight night shirt. Soma boasts that the rayon fibers are cool to the touch and don’t stick to your body. Plus, its stretchy feel makes it super comfortable.

Kindred Bravely Clea Bamboo Classic Short Sleeve Pajama Set

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, a comfortable fabric can go a long way. These bamboo pajamas are soft, stretchy, and unbutton for easy nursing access. The bamboo fabric is also breathable to reduce overheating.

Bedhead Pajamas

Get the whole family, including the furry members, ready for bed with these comfy, organically certified cotton PJs. They come in over 50 prints, many of which can be matched in all different sizes (yes, you can coordinate bedtime attire with your dog). The brand also offers inclusive sizing—from three months to 3X. And, bonus, these PJs have pockets. 

Gadgets

SomniLight Red Night light

Sleep experts will tell you to steer clear of blue light  when you’re trying to wind down for the evening. Dr. Roizen suggests using red night lights and says he uses only red wavelength light after 9:30 p.m., including in the bathroom. The SomniLight is a low-blue, native red LED that the brand says won’t interfere with melatonin production like traditional blue light night lights do. It also has a sensor to automatically turn off when the room is lit again.

Oura Ring

At first glance, the Oura Ring looks just like a regular ring. Dr. Porter, who recommends Oura, says he uses it because it’s comfortable to sleep with and convenient. The ring monitors temperature and heart rate while you sleep and uses that to determine how long you spend in each sleep stage. It then assigns an Oura Sleep Score, which you can view through the app on a mobile device. Once it learns your sleep patterns, it gives guidelines to improve sleep quality.

LectroFan EVO

Need a little help drowning out sounds to relax? LectroFan goes beyond your average fan or noise machine. The small electronic device offers several types of sound, including brown, pink, and white noise, fan sounds, and ocean sounds, all designed to help you drift peacefully to sleep.

Casper Glow Light

This night light is great for the person who likes to fall asleep with the lights on—however, its soft glow isn't disruptive and gradually can fade to black.

Bose Sleepbuds II

What if, instead of watching that last YouTube video or listening to one more podcast, your earbuds only played relaxing sounds. That’s how Bose Sleepbuds work. Their sole function is to help you sleep, so the earbuds only play content from the Bose Sleep app, designed to mask noise and produce relaxing sounds. The app is fully customizable, so you can choose your favorite sounds and set an alarm.

Loftie Clock

Loftie Clock is the alarm clock of the future. Instead of a loud, jarring noise, it uses a gentle two-phase alarm for wake-ups and offers white noise, nature sounds, and stories for bedtime. There are even meditations, breathwork exercises, and sound baths built in. You can also use it as a Bluetooth speaker to play your own bedtime music.

CVS Health Relaxed Breathing Light

Breathing exercises can be an excellent way to unwind and relax for sleep, but only some can walk themselves through nightly breathing. That’s where the Relaxed Breathing Light can help. The device has two breathing rhythm techniques, and it projects light onto your bedroom wall to guide the exercise. It can sit on your nightstand and runs on two AAA batteries.

Meet Our Sleep Awards 2022 Panel

• Peti Lau is an interior designer known for her trademarked style AristoFreak. Lau likes ambient music before bed, which "helps her calm down." 
• Osezemeghonghon "Dr. Seze" Obilor, MD, a sleep medicine doctor at Dignity Health St. John's Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA. Dr. Seze sleeps seven hours nightly and doesn't nap during the day, as it "decreases your nighttime sleep drive and makes it harder to fall asleep."
• Peter Polos, MD, PhD, FCCP, FAASM, sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number, creates an oasis for quality sleep by rarely watching TV in bed and keeping his room dark and the temperature at 68–69 degrees.
• Patrick K. Porter, PhD, author and inventor of BrainTap, suggests turning off lights and screens before bed. The screens emit blue light, which interrupts sleep because the brain is trying to figure out what's going on with all the pixels it's seeing, he says. 
• Michael Roizen MD, chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and author of The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow, and founder of the Reboot Your Age program, is up by 5 a.m. and in bed by 10 p.m. daily. He prepares his bedroom for optimal sleep with only red wavelength light after 9:30 p.m., including in the bathroom.

This article was fact checked by Morgan Mullings.