Sleep Accessories to Improve Your Sleep Quality

In today's busy society, it's no surprise to hear that most adults are not sleeping enough. And even if they do get to bed early, they suffer from poor sleep quality and still wake up feeling tired and sluggish. If this sounds familiar, you might need sleep accessories to improve your nights. These smart accessories will help you to fall asleep quickly, stay asleep all night, and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

General Sleep Accessories

Aside from a good mattress, the most important accessory you need for quality sleep is a premium pillow. Pillows support your neck and upper back as you sleep, which keeps your spine properly aligned and prevents sore muscles. Generally, back sleepers should use a thinner pillow with medium support, stomach sleepers should use one that's soft and flat, and side sleepers need one that's high and firm. However, there are some pillows (like the ones from My Pillow) that have a self-adjusting fill that will change to accommodate your sleeping position.

If you suffer from sleep apnea, acid reflux, or some respiratory disorders, a sleep wedge may provide more relief than a typical pillow. Sleep wedges offer excellent support to your head, neck, back, and shoulders, and keep you gently elevated for total comfort. These handy sleep accessories can also be used upright for back support while you read or watch TV in bed, or moved to the foot or the bed to elevate your feet. The elevation can improve your circulation, reduce swelling, and provide relief from foot or leg pain.

Stress Relief Accessories

If your sleep troubles are due to stress or anxiety, there are many great products available to support your mental health. Using a 15- or 20-pound weighted blanket can have many sleep quality benefits. These blankets place a comfortable and consistent amount of pressure on your body, which sends signals to your brain to produce serotonin (a chemical that contributes to happiness) and melatonin (a sleep-regulating chemical). They also restrict movement, which can be helpful for people who toss and turn a lot in their sleep. Since a weighted blanket is thicker and heavier than a regular comforter, be sure to use moisture-wicking sheets to keep you cool and dry. Melatonin tablets or gummies are also available to help you reset your sleep cycle (for short-term use only).

Snoring Solutions

If you snore often and loudly, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder causes your airway to become blocked periodically, which leads to restless sleep and other worse issues. If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can correct the problem and reduce or eliminate snoring. Use a nasal cushion to make the CPAP mask more comfortable to wear, and a mask sanitizer to keep it clean. If you or your partner's snoring is not due to a sleep disorder, there are also anti-snore clips and chin straps available to try out.