When it comes to inventions that make your life easier, in my opinion, few are as useful as inventions that help you sleep. Here’s why: I can function while I’m hungry. I can work through any level of frustration or bad mood. I’ve got a great pair of noise-canceling headphones that work wonders as far as tuning out the world, but I absolutely cannot get a single thing done if I’m tired. Consequently, I’m all about anything that helps you form a relaxing and effective nighttime routine, because less than eight hours means I’m pretty much useless all day.
People are constantly talking about how important nighttime routines are for a child’s development, but there’s also a lot of research to suggest that they’re imperative for adults, too – especially if you’re looking to be as efficient and successful as possible. Ridiculously prosperous CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public figures like Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey all admit to having a nighttime routine that helps contribute to their success, and that’s because a relaxed mind and a good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to keep your cortisol levels down and your happiness up. If you’re looking to establish a good nighttime routine, check out these weird but creative inventions that help you get ready for bed.
Focus On The Blue Lights And Drift Off To Sleep
Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Mask, $38, Amazon
This Sound Oasis sleep therapy mask has a blue light that, when you settle your eyes on it, helps to slow the frequency of your brainwaves and let you slip off into a restful sleep. The mask is made out of a hypoallergenic foam that fits comfortably on your face, and it has three auto-dim features on a timer. It’s been called “the insomniac’s dream,” and it’s almost like a meditative practice right before bed.
Lock Away Your Devices To Avoid Temptation
Kitchen Safe Time Locking Container, $50, Amazon
The best thing you can do for yourself is to put away your devices an hour before bed, as the backlight on your phone prohibits melatonin release. This epic Kitchen Safe time-locking container lets you lock up your phone (or any other habit that’s keeping you awake, like cigarettes or cookies) for any amount of time. It’s also durable, sleek-looking, and totally wireless.
Give Your Room A Sleep-Inducing Glow
Align PM Lighting Bulb, $20, Amazon
If you’re having trouble getting into a rhythm, this Align PM lighting bulb emits a low-blue comfort light that’s detected by specific cells in your eye that impact melatonin levels. It’s a great way to hack your circadian rhythm, so you can turn it on an hour or so before bed, go about your nightly routine, and be entirely ready for sleep in no time.
Skip The Fluoride In Your Toothpaste
Himalaya Neem and Pomegranate Toothpaste, $6, Amazon
According to the National Research Council, “fluoride is likely to cause decreased melatonin production and to have other effects on normal pineal function.” Instead of the fluoride, this Himalayan neem toothpaste uses natural ingredients like pomegranate, which has been shown to control insomnia and result in a restful sleep.
Stimulate Your Pressure Points For Decreased Stress Levels
Nayoya Acupressure Mat, $45, Amazon
I’m all about these Nayoya acupressure mats, which stimulate pressure points in your back to relieve muscle pain, encourage a state of mental relaxation, and prepare you for bed just by lying there. The secret is in the tiny plastic spikes that stimulate your muscles and improve circulation, and reviewers are saying things like, “This mat relaxed me so much that I almost fell asleep right on it.”
Associate Your Pillow With Relaxation
Earth Therapeutics Pillow Mist, $19, Amazon
Scents are an awesome way to hack your brain for sleep, because your smell receptors interact with your brain in sections that serve as a storehouse for associations. A few nightly spritzes of this Earth Therapeutics pillow mist, which is made with particular natural essential oils that promote anti-stress and relaxation, and you’ll start to associate your pillow with deep, restful sleep in no time.
Track Your Sleep Patterns With A No-Contact Machine
ResMed S+ Personal Sleep Solution, $80, Amazon
This awesome ResMed S+ personal sleep solution is a high-tech sensor that pairs directly to your smartphone to give you feedback about your sleeping patterns. It detects light levels, sounds, and temperature, as well as your breathing and body movements so you know what’s affecting your sleep and why. Reviewers love it because it’s non-invasive and easy to set up.
Get All Your Goals Out Of Your Head And Onto The Paper (That Uses A Scientific Approach)
Panda Planner, $27, Amazon
Writing down your goals and plans before bed helps you to clear your mind and relax, as you can rest easy knowing that you’re adequately prepared for the next day. This weird but crazy effective Panda Planner is a best-seller because it uses scientifically-proven approaches that help you to set goals, organize your whole life, and even find your happiness. Plus, you'll get six different eBooks on subjects like tackling procrastination and anxiety thrown in!
Images: Pixabay/Unsplash; Amazon (8)
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