If sleep is a challenge, then we have some solutions you may not have ever thought of. Here are seven items to help you find that perfect night’s sleep.
With the stress of being an adult and our busy day-to-day schedules, many people do not get enough sleep at night. Your brain could be working through the "to-do list" for the next day or your bed could be too hot. It could also be your body not being able to unwind from a hectic day. We all could use a little help relaxing and getting some shuteye.
Zen Art Dot Journal
Why we love it: This 120 GSM thick dotted notebook has 80 sheets that are acid-free, smooth, ivory, non-bleed and won't feather with a fountain pen.
Reassuring review: “My overall impression of this bullet journal was very positive. As soon as I got it, I enjoyed its beautiful, soft faux leather cover. It is so cute and fun to touch! The page numbers and index in the front of this journal were my favorite features. Most journals don’t have these! With this, you can write notes and keep track of important things without having to hunt for them. In addition, I liked the overall simple design with only dots and page numbers on each page. It really lets me design the rest how I like. A very nice touch is the double ribbon markers and the elastic strap. Receipts and other important bits of paper can also be stored in the fold-out pocket inside the back cover. The paper quality impressed me. Using a damp brush pen and a tiny bit of paint, I did a very light watercolor on one page. While the page warped a bit, nothing soaked through. Most 68 lb. paper wouldn't hold up as well as this one. This journal has helped me relax before bed (which is why I purchased it). By getting all of my thoughts and “to do” lists out of my head, I am able to rest better.”
Get it from Amazon for [$12.95]
Reassuring review: “My overall impression of this bullet journal was very positive. As soon as I got it, I enjoyed its beautiful, soft faux leather cover. It is so cute and fun to touch! The page numbers and index in the front of this journal were my favorite features. Most journals don’t have these! With this, you can write notes and keep track of important things without having to hunt for them. In addition, I liked the overall simple design with only dots and page numbers on each page. It really lets me design the rest how I like. A very nice touch is the double ribbon markers and the elastic strap. Receipts and other important bits of paper can also be stored in the fold-out pocket inside the back cover. The paper quality impressed me. Using a damp brush pen and a tiny bit of paint, I did a very light watercolor on one page. While the page warped a bit, nothing soaked through. Most 68 lb. paper wouldn't hold up as well as this one. This journal has helped me relax before bed (which is why I purchased it). By getting all of my thoughts and “to do” lists out of my head, I am able to rest better.”
Get it from Amazon for [$12.95]
Luxury Pillow
Why we love it: Your head, neck, and shoulders will always stay supported with this pillow, which is made with a great balance of softness and plush firmness.
Reassuring review: “I need to preface this by letting you know I am very picky about pillows. I also have neck issues that can cause pain when I “sleep wrong”. I was nervous ordering pillows online, but the pillows that I loved beyond needed to be replaced. I searched stores and just wasn’t finding what I wanted. I took a chance because these sounded like what I wanted. I love fluffy pillows, but I also like a lot of support. I am both a back and a side sleeper so I wanted one that would adjust to my needs. I have tried memory foam before and just felt like they were too firm. When I got these, I was a bit worried because they were vacuum sealed and flat as a pancake when I opened them. But after leaving (and forgetting about them) in the guest bedroom for a day I realized they just needed time to puff up. Once they did, they were so comfortable. Fluffy but firm (I have no idea how they do it). So far it has been holding its shape too. I also like how the piping makes them look really polished. It just gets covered with a pillowcase, but I like the little quality touch. I purchased two more for my guest bedroom!”
Get it from Amazon for [$26.99]
Reassuring review: “I need to preface this by letting you know I am very picky about pillows. I also have neck issues that can cause pain when I “sleep wrong”. I was nervous ordering pillows online, but the pillows that I loved beyond needed to be replaced. I searched stores and just wasn’t finding what I wanted. I took a chance because these sounded like what I wanted. I love fluffy pillows, but I also like a lot of support. I am both a back and a side sleeper so I wanted one that would adjust to my needs. I have tried memory foam before and just felt like they were too firm. When I got these, I was a bit worried because they were vacuum sealed and flat as a pancake when I opened them. But after leaving (and forgetting about them) in the guest bedroom for a day I realized they just needed time to puff up. Once they did, they were so comfortable. Fluffy but firm (I have no idea how they do it). So far it has been holding its shape too. I also like how the piping makes them look really polished. It just gets covered with a pillowcase, but I like the little quality touch. I purchased two more for my guest bedroom!”
Get it from Amazon for [$26.99]
Badger Night Balm
Why we love it: It is a natural aromatherapy balm free of artificial ingredients, fragrances, dyes, parabens, GMOs, and synthetic chemicals, designed to soothe young minds and aid sleep.
Reassuring review: “My child has been a terrible sleeper since she was 2 years old. Now that she is 5, we are struggling to find a way to get her to quiet down enough to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. We have tried so many things including diet changes, bedtime routine, and exercise. The problem is she just says that her “brain is not sleepy”. We really didn’t want to use medication for her sleep, but we were all very tired and desperate for a solution. A friend suggested this balm. I admit I thought it was going to be worthless, but since it was safe, I was willing to try it. I can honestly say that we have officially added this to our nighttime routine! We did use some natural melatonin along with this before bed and it allowed her to calm down finally. She was asleep within 15 minutes. Now we have cut out the melatonin and are just using this and I think her mind has associated the smell and the massage as a trigger to slow down. We no longer have a stressful bedtime! I love that it is natural, organic, and safe. Since we use it every night, that was important to me.”
Get it from Amazon for [$16.98]
Reassuring review: “My child has been a terrible sleeper since she was 2 years old. Now that she is 5, we are struggling to find a way to get her to quiet down enough to fall asleep at a reasonable hour. We have tried so many things including diet changes, bedtime routine, and exercise. The problem is she just says that her “brain is not sleepy”. We really didn’t want to use medication for her sleep, but we were all very tired and desperate for a solution. A friend suggested this balm. I admit I thought it was going to be worthless, but since it was safe, I was willing to try it. I can honestly say that we have officially added this to our nighttime routine! We did use some natural melatonin along with this before bed and it allowed her to calm down finally. She was asleep within 15 minutes. Now we have cut out the melatonin and are just using this and I think her mind has associated the smell and the massage as a trigger to slow down. We no longer have a stressful bedtime! I love that it is natural, organic, and safe. Since we use it every night, that was important to me.”
Get it from Amazon for [$16.98]
Organic Lemon Balm Tea
Why we love it: It is gentle and mildly relaxing. It relieves tension and occasional indigestion. Has non-GMO and organic kosher verified Ingredients from ethical trading partnerships.
Reassuring review: “I purchased this tea because I have horrible nighttime anxiety. I can be fine all day but then I lay down in bed (no matter how exhausted I feel) and my brain won’t let me calm down. The doctor of course suggested medication, but I have always been leery about taking something for sleep. I really wanted to try something natural if I could first. I started with all the behavioral stuff first (like turning all devices off an hour before bed). Then I tried the essential oils. Finally, I got this tea. It really has seemed to be the final piece of the puzzle for me. I drink this tea while I read, and it really calms me. I also think it has helped my digestion. I have terrible bloat that would also sometimes keep me awake and I did change my diet, but this really helped too. I can be bloated after dinner and then drink this, and it calms that down. I have also grown to love the taste. At first, I wasn’t as excited about it (it was fine but nothing exciting), but now I really feel like I look forward to my cup of tea in the evening. I also find the price to be reasonable. Definitely cheaper than whatever my doctor was going to give me for sleep that is for sure.”
Get it from Amazon for [$13.01]
Reassuring review: “I purchased this tea because I have horrible nighttime anxiety. I can be fine all day but then I lay down in bed (no matter how exhausted I feel) and my brain won’t let me calm down. The doctor of course suggested medication, but I have always been leery about taking something for sleep. I really wanted to try something natural if I could first. I started with all the behavioral stuff first (like turning all devices off an hour before bed). Then I tried the essential oils. Finally, I got this tea. It really has seemed to be the final piece of the puzzle for me. I drink this tea while I read, and it really calms me. I also think it has helped my digestion. I have terrible bloat that would also sometimes keep me awake and I did change my diet, but this really helped too. I can be bloated after dinner and then drink this, and it calms that down. I have also grown to love the taste. At first, I wasn’t as excited about it (it was fine but nothing exciting), but now I really feel like I look forward to my cup of tea in the evening. I also find the price to be reasonable. Definitely cheaper than whatever my doctor was going to give me for sleep that is for sure.”
Get it from Amazon for [$13.01]
Jean Nate After Bath Splash
Why we love it: Fragrance smells of a classic scent of spice and florals. It is fresh and invigorating. There is a money back guarantee.
Reassuring review: “My mother has been using this since I can remember. She would have a glass bottle with this Jean Nate splash in it on her bathroom counter. I didn’t even realize this was the scent I remembered of my childhood until she recently got it for me as a housewarming gift. It immediately made me feel like I was back at my childhood home. I am not sure if that is what she was thinking when she got it for me, but it absolutely worked! I don't use it in the same way as my mother, who uses it as a fragrance after the shower. I keep a bottle in my fridge and use it as a clean-smelling cool refresher. I live in hot Florida, so having something cool that smells refreshing is so nice to have. I love how I can smell it still when laying in my bed. It makes me nostalgic and cozy, so I go right to sleep. It also says something when a product has been around for so long and still has a loyal fan base. Its price is also very reasonable because it lasts me a while. It is not an overpowering scent either.”
Get it from Amazon for [$33.50]
Reassuring review: “My mother has been using this since I can remember. She would have a glass bottle with this Jean Nate splash in it on her bathroom counter. I didn’t even realize this was the scent I remembered of my childhood until she recently got it for me as a housewarming gift. It immediately made me feel like I was back at my childhood home. I am not sure if that is what she was thinking when she got it for me, but it absolutely worked! I don't use it in the same way as my mother, who uses it as a fragrance after the shower. I keep a bottle in my fridge and use it as a clean-smelling cool refresher. I live in hot Florida, so having something cool that smells refreshing is so nice to have. I love how I can smell it still when laying in my bed. It makes me nostalgic and cozy, so I go right to sleep. It also says something when a product has been around for so long and still has a loyal fan base. Its price is also very reasonable because it lasts me a while. It is not an overpowering scent either.”
Get it from Amazon for [$33.50]
Essential Oil Set
Why we love it: The products are guaranteed to be pure, potent, and powerful. There are no fillers or carriers in this product. It is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan.
Reassuring review: “The first set was given to me as a gift. I loved it so much I have purchased another! I use these oils in two ways primarily. First, I like to use them in my bathroom in a diffuser. I put a few drops of one of the scents (or a combo of two depending on my mood) in my diffuser to let run while I shower and get ready for bed. It is really nice doing my skincare routine next to such a pretty fragrance. It has quickly become my nighttime routine. The other way I use the oils is in my bath soaps. I don’t sell them or anything, but I have found them to be a fun hobby. I make the soaps as gifts, and everyone always says how lovely they smell. I use these oils in them! I have gifted the oils to friends as well because it is a beautiful set. I like sharing gifts with my friends that do not have the toxic chemicals that many of the fragrances have. I may not be perfect at eliminating all chemicals in my home, but I am making an effort to reduce them. I don’t feel like I am making any sacrifice with these oils at all. If anything, I feel like I was missing out all these years when I would burn candles and use plug-ins.”
Get it from Amazon for [$14.95]
Reassuring review: “The first set was given to me as a gift. I loved it so much I have purchased another! I use these oils in two ways primarily. First, I like to use them in my bathroom in a diffuser. I put a few drops of one of the scents (or a combo of two depending on my mood) in my diffuser to let run while I shower and get ready for bed. It is really nice doing my skincare routine next to such a pretty fragrance. It has quickly become my nighttime routine. The other way I use the oils is in my bath soaps. I don’t sell them or anything, but I have found them to be a fun hobby. I make the soaps as gifts, and everyone always says how lovely they smell. I use these oils in them! I have gifted the oils to friends as well because it is a beautiful set. I like sharing gifts with my friends that do not have the toxic chemicals that many of the fragrances have. I may not be perfect at eliminating all chemicals in my home, but I am making an effort to reduce them. I don’t feel like I am making any sacrifice with these oils at all. If anything, I feel like I was missing out all these years when I would burn candles and use plug-ins.”
Get it from Amazon for [$14.95]
Bamboo Mattress Protector
Why we love it: The waterproof mattress cover is made of premium soft bamboo terry surface and lined with a water-resistant TPU membrane layer.
Reassuring review: “Let me describe a nightmare for you (spoiler… it’s a true story). I bought this really expensive new mattress because I was having back issues. I got it set up in my room and ready for my first night’s sleep on it. To my horror, my dog jumped up on the bed a few moments later and proceeded to get sick right in the middle of it. I didn’t have a mattress cover on it and my new mattress had to be professionally cleaned because it was so smelly. I now have this mattress cover, so I don’t make that expensive mistake again. So far, no dog illnesses, but I did spill a bowl of cereal on it, and I am happy to announce no spoiled milk smell made it to my mattress. I was able to just pop the cover in the wash and all was new again. It went back on the bed just as before. I am pretty sure this makes my back less sweaty too. My mother has waterproof covers on all her beds, and they make me so hot. The material on this one is breathable. Thankfully I sleep well on my new mattress both because it is comfortable and because it is protected from my accident-prone household.”
Get it from Amazon for [$34.49]
Reassuring review: “Let me describe a nightmare for you (spoiler… it’s a true story). I bought this really expensive new mattress because I was having back issues. I got it set up in my room and ready for my first night’s sleep on it. To my horror, my dog jumped up on the bed a few moments later and proceeded to get sick right in the middle of it. I didn’t have a mattress cover on it and my new mattress had to be professionally cleaned because it was so smelly. I now have this mattress cover, so I don’t make that expensive mistake again. So far, no dog illnesses, but I did spill a bowl of cereal on it, and I am happy to announce no spoiled milk smell made it to my mattress. I was able to just pop the cover in the wash and all was new again. It went back on the bed just as before. I am pretty sure this makes my back less sweaty too. My mother has waterproof covers on all her beds, and they make me so hot. The material on this one is breathable. Thankfully I sleep well on my new mattress both because it is comfortable and because it is protected from my accident-prone household.”
Get it from Amazon for [$34.49]