By Terri Williams
March 11, 2024
Photo by Claudia Mañas on Unsplash
Sleep Awareness Week is here. While it’s not always easy to get the right amount of rest and sleep, it’s important to do so. “Rest is an essential part of productivity because we’re not machines,” says Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, CEO and founder of A Pleasant Solution. “Our brains and bodies need a break from the constant decisions and calculations we’re making throughout the day.” Kennedy tells 6sqft that we mistakenly think there will be more time in the future to rest and sleep if we get a few more things done right now. “Yet this can be a trap that leads to overworking,” she says. “The chores and work will wait, and you’ll be better prepared to tackle these activities once you’re refreshed.”
And she says that sleeping well starts with setting limits on your device usage. “It’s easy to get sucked into a show or online shopping, yet it’s not the most restorative practice,” Kennedy explains. “Use tech to your advantage by setting your sleep goals and a bedtime notification on your phone.” And since the blue light keeps your brain active, she recommends setting alerts to quiet it at least an hour before bedtime.
“Turn down the lights around your house or in your bedroom thirty minutes before you head to bed,” Kennedy says. She recommends closing the shades to block out additional light. “This quiets the brain and gives it a visual cue that it’s time to rest.”
In addition, Kennedy says you should choose a calming activity like gentle stretching or a massage wand to release tense muscles. “Turn down the temperature in your bedroom to promote deeper sleep – and remind yourself that sleep is the best self-investment you can make.”
These are some of the items that can help you create the perfect environment for sleeping well.
All of these products have been hand-selected by Team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Bedding and sleepwear
Your mattress is perhaps the most important factor when getting a good night’s sleep. This one from Casper is made of breathable flex foam, engineered to relieve pressure while enhancing airflow. The 11-inch mattress has four layers. The medium-firm feel provides a little bounce, and the core ensures there is no sinking or sagging. It’s a mattress-in-a-box, so it’s compressed to fit into an easy-to-deliver box that is also easier to maneuver than a typical mattress.
One Foam Mattress, $1245/Sale $995 at Casper
When you invest in a good mattress, you want it to last as long as possible. This mattress protector pad not only shields it from dirt and dust mites, but also safeguards the mattress from sweat, spilled drinks, and other liquids. It has a 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton top and bottom, and the center consists of an ultra-thin waterproof layer.
Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad, $159 at Naturepedic
If you’re not in the market for a new mattress, this mattress topper can make your old mattress feel new. The topper is filled with memory foam and down alternative, and the Lyocell blend cover zips so it can be removed and laundered in the washing machine. The mattress topper can relieve pressure points for a comfortable night’s sleep, and the open cell foam design eliminates heat build-up to keep you cool. Corner anchor bands keep the mattress topper in place.
ResponseFit Memory Foam Mattress Topper Layer, $349 at Sleep Number
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You’ll feel like you’re being enveloped in a cloud with this plush down comforter/duvet insert. The fill is 80% white down and 20% U.S. feathers, with a 100% cotton sateen shell. It has a 3D baffle box construction to distribute warmth and avoid cold spots during the winter. However, the lightweight material is also moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, so it can be used in any season.
Double Stitch Down Comforter, $309 at Amazon
These 100% bamboo lyocell sheets are 3 degrees cooler than non-bamboo sheets, and the temperature-regulating properties can keep you warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. The sheets are also soft and luxurious and the odor and allergy-resistant properties keep the sheets fresher longer than those made of cotton. The sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The color choices are white, coastal gray, oasis green, laguna blue, and black sand.
Retreat Bamboo Sheet Set, $339 at Cariloha
Instead of searching for sheet sets and duvet sets, this 300-thread count bedding bundle, made of 100% viscose or organic bamboo, combines everything in one convenient package. The duvet has a button closure and corner ties to keep the duvet insert/comforter from sliding around. Also, the shams have an envelope closure. There’s also a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and pillowcases. There are also a dozen color choices – some include sky blue, terracotta, nightfall, clay, and sand.
Bamboo Deluxe Bedding Bundle, $190 at Quince
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Whether sleeping in the bed or napping on the sofa, this 100-square-foot blanket has plenty of room for everyone. It’s fluffy and ultra-plush, and since the blanket is also breathable, it can be used in any season. The wrinkle-resistant, microfiber blanket weighs 10 pounds and is machine washable. It’s available in almost 20 colors, including charcoal, night, smoke grey, red plaid, forest, crimson stars, and black leopard.
Big Blanket Co Premier Plush Blanket, $279 at Amazon
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For a more elegant choice, this 100% long-staple Giza Egyptian cotton duvet cover set is luxurious with a sateen weave. It has a luxurious 400-thread count and accent diamond embroidery on the edges of the duvet cover and the shams. Color choices include tan, charcoal, icy blue, grey, ivory, linen, midnight, soft peach, spa, and white.
Pure Parima Hotel Collection Hira Sateen Duvet Cover Set, $255 at Amazon
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Cradle your head in this pillow made with Tencel lyocell, made with an all-natural Eucalyptus fabric that feels like cotton and silk combined and is designed to regulate your body temperature. The 300-thread count sateen weave shell is luxurious and designed to keep you cool. You can choose between soft, medium, and medium-firm options.
Buffy Cloud Pillow, $50 at Amazon
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Another great pillow option is this high-density memory foam pillow that is infused with eucalyptus. The uniquely shaped pillow has butterfly arm wings and a neck nook and is designed to keep your head, neck, and spine in alignment. In addition, the cover is moisture-wicking, and can be removed and machine-washed.
Sutera Dream Deep Contour Memory Foam Pillow $74/Sale $61 at Amazon
If you toss and turn at night, this weighted blanket provides a calming effect to help you sleep deeper. The gentle pressure is designed to reduce stress and anxiety. It is made with lead-free microbeads in a quilted 100% cotton covering. The tightly woven, quilted pattern ensures the filling stays in place – and the blanket is machine washable and dryable. Color choices include pebble white, silver sage, luna blue, mulberry, and spruce.
Weighted Blanket Throw 12 pounds, $179 at Baloo
The stretchy knit of this long-sleeved pajama set is soft and lightweight, making it a comfortable choice for sleeping. Made of 95% premium viscose from bamboo and 5% spandex, it can also regulate your temperature to keep you from overheating. The bottom has side pockets, and the top has a front pocket, while the white contrast piping on the top and bottom adds a stylish detail. There are 10 color choices, including blush, powder blue, navy, and olive.
Long Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set $195/Sale $156 at Cozy Earth
Creating the right environment
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You’ll feel like you’re staying in a luxury hotel with this Fresh Linen scented spray, which combines fragrances with essential oil. A light mist can freshen the air, draperies, carpets, and even closets. Other scents include Ocean Breeze, The Hamptons, White Jasmine & Green Tea, Poolside, and Pineapple Evergreen.
Lulu Candles Fresh Linen Room Spray, $34 at Amazon
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If you’re usually awakened by the sun, these 100% blackout curtains create a completely dark room. Each package contains two panels, made of faux linen, with a grey coating on the backside. Each panel also has eight built-in silver grommets. The curtains are available in various sizes and in several colors: cream, wine red, dark forest, flaxen, and teal.
Deconovo Blackout Curtains, $64 at Amazon
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If you tend to sleep hot, this fan is flexible enough to be used as a pedestal fan or a tabletop fan. It’s also versatile enough to be plugged into an outlet, or it can be used cordlessly. You can move it anywhere – and the breeze can be felt from 70 feet away. The battery lasts for up to 24 hours before you need to recharge it. The oscillating fan has 5 speeds and includes a remote control that can be stored on the fan so you won’t lose it.
Shark FlexBreeze Pedestal and Tabletop Fan, $199 at Amazon
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Allergy sufferers can appreciate this air purifier, which uses a HEPA 14 filter. The air purifier can remove allergens, dust, smoke, odors, pet hair, pet dander, and other indoor air pollutants. It has several fan settings and the automatic air sensor can automatically adjust the fan based on the air quality in the room.
PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Purifier, $229/Sale $159 at Amazon
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If you’d prefer to control your air purifier option remotely, this one is WiFi and Alexa compatible. Connect with the app to turn it on and off, adjust the fan speed, set timers, and customize a schedule. In addition, you can use Alexa and Hey Google to issue voice commands. The filtration system includes a pre-filter, H13 True HEPA filter, and honeycomb-activated charcoal filter. The air purifier has three fan speeds and an auto mode.
Morento Smart Air Purifier, $199/Sale $129 at Amazon
Not only are these candles beautiful, but they also serve another purpose. The textured ceramic votive set includes Calm, Focus, Nostalgia, and Balance, so you can choose the scent most appropriate for your mood. The 2-ounce soy blend votives are inside handcrafted vessels and include a variety of layered notes, such as White Tea Leaves, Soft Lotus Petals, Distressed Woods, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Lime, Bay Leaves, Musk, and Cyclamen, along with Nutmeg Essential Oil.
Votive Ceramic Candles Set, $65 at Blueme
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Another way to scent your home with soothing fragrances is with this essential oil diffuser, which uses nebulizing diffusion technology that doesn’t leave any residue. It’s as easy as opening the stylish device and pouring the oil into it. There are also buttons on the base to control the scent’s intensity. Color choices for the cold-air diffuser are rose gold, gold, silver, and black. Some of the various aroma oils include Vanilla, The Hotel, White Tea, Love Affair, Ever After, Spice, Santal, and Oriental Garden.
AromaTech AroMini BT Essential Oil Diffuser, $295 at Amazon
Soothing images can also help you relax. This Sky Above image is one example of peaceful artwork that can help to create a serene environment conducive to relaxing and sleeping. This Lotus Leaves print is another example. Depending on the design, these metal posters are available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes – and they’re also available with various frames. And since the posters are metal, they’re mounted on the wall with a magnet, eliminating the need for nails.
Sky Above Metal Plate, XL, $164 at Displates
Relaxation aids
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You can monitor your sleep quality, breathing, and snoring risk with this fitness watch. Additionally, the watch lets you know how long you slept and even provides a sleep score. Stress detection helps you relax by monitoring your heart rate and heart rate variability to help you determine when it’s time to wind down. The watch, which has 32GB of storage, features GPS, tracks your fitness and exercise habits, and lets you listen to music and take phone calls. It has a battery life of 100 hours.
OnePlus Watch 2, $299 at Amazon
This weighted eye mask is filled with glass beads, and the pressure stimulation is designed to gently reduce stress and help you relax. It completely blocks light, and has an elastic band to keep it in place. The cover is also removable for laundering in the washing machine and dryer.
True Temp Weighted Eye Mask, $39 at Sleep Number
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Listening to relaxing music can also help you calm down and prepare to go to sleep. This portable Bluetooth speaker provides 15 hours of playtime before it needs to be recharged. It can pair with your phone, and the built-in microphone lets you answer (or reject) phone calls. Since the freestanding speaker is small, it won’t take up much space in your bedroom, and the enclosed strap lets you attach it to various types of objects.
Marshall Willen Portable Speaker, $120/Sale $88 at Amazon
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If you’re having a problem with noise, these earplugs are soft enough to sleep in. The ergonomic design is made of a hypoallergenic material that consists of reusable earplugs, and 4 sets of ultra-soft ear canal tips – and they fit in an aluminum carrying case. Color choices include light blue, mint, black, cloud, honey, and purple.
CURVD Everyday Earplugs, $30/Sale $20 at Amazon
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Plagued by aches and pains? This portable vibrating massage ball can reduce stiffness and muscle soreness. It has three vibration modes, making it easy to roll the massage ball over your muscles at the desired level of intensity. With a two-hour battery life, you don’t have to recharge it often. And it’s small enough to carry with you on trips.
Hyperice Hypersphere Massage Ball, $99 at Amazon
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