March XNUMXth is World Sleep Day, and to celebrate the occasion, we've rounded up a selection of the best technologies to help you sleep better and wake up naturally well-rested. Throughout the pandemic, people across the globe have reported increased sleep disturbances, and studies in the UK, Italy, Greece and China reported the same thing: It's pretty hard to sleep now. Whether it's work life disruption, lack of routine, or just plain stress, there are many reasons why you might be struggling to get a good night's sleep. We can't say for sure that the technology here solves the problem for you, but we've tested just about every device here and found that it really can make a difference. Whether it's to block out distracting sounds, put you in the right frame of mind, or help you develop better sleep hygiene, they're worth going over if you find yourself lying staring at the ceiling during this time.
(Image credit: Muse)
Muse S.
Relax to soothing sounds and spoken word ``journeys'' Muse S is a soft, adjustable headband with sensors that detect brain activity and heart rate through the skin, while an accelerometer in the center of the forehead detects movement . This data is transmitted via Bluetooth to the Muse app on your phone. Throughout the day, Muse S helps you learn the basics of meditation with guided sessions that provide feedback on your performance. If your mind starts to wander, your heart rate races, or you start to get restless, audio cues like heavier rain will help you get back on track. At night, the mobile app will lull you to sleep with soothing nature sounds, music effects, or spoken stories. As you nod, the headband will continue to record your heart rate and movement so you can see how well you slept in the morning. In our tests, we found that wearing a device on your forehead takes some getting used to, but unlike a watch, its unusual design means the Muse S can determine how long you've been wound and how long you're spending. in each and every side. Meditation tools are also great and are a great way to fit bite-sized mindfulness sessions into your day.
(Image credit: LaComparacion)
Bose Sleepbuds II
Moves over to soft sounds and blocks annoying background noise. The Bose Sleepbuds II are no ordinary wireless headphones and won't compete with Apple AirPods for space in your ears during a workout. Instead, they are designed to help you sleep with soothing sounds and blocking out outside distractions. When we looked at the second-generation Sleepbuds, we found them to be extraordinarily comfortable thanks to their soft, flexible silicone tips that hold them firmly in place. They are also light and fragile, and even side sleepers will find them prudent at night. Battery life is impressive too, and you can get 4 nights of use between charges. The main drawback is that they are quite expensive, but if you often have trouble drifting at night, it may be a price you can justify.
(Image credit: Withings)
Withings sleep analyzer
Track your sleep under your mattress, no watch needed Most sleep trackers require you to wear something throughout the night (be it a ring, headband or watch), but the Withings sleep analyzer simply It slides under your mattress, so there's just nothing to worry about. Just snap it in place, plug it in, set it up with the Withings app and you can forget about it until morning when it's time to check your sleep stats. Though it's under your mattress, where you'll never feel it, the thin mat is able to monitor your heart rate and movement throughout the night and provides detailed results (including sleep steps) that we've found to be very similar to the of the most usual. sleep trackers. We were very impressed with its set-and-forget design, and as long as you have an electrical outlet within reach of your bed, the sleep analyzer is the simplest way to track your sleep each night.
(Image credit: Oura)
Oura Ring
A small laptop to monitor your well-being at night Another rare wearable, the Oura ring slips on your finger, and while it takes measurements throughout the day, it's especially useful at night. The ring is lined with sensors that measure heart rate from your digital arteries and measure temperature, while motion sensors track steps and activity level. When you've settled in for the night, the Oura ring monitors your resting heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, sleep stages, and movement. Open the Oura app, and you'll see each and every one of these metrics neatly presented, as well as an assessment of your overall sleep quality. This makes for very interesting reading and you can use it to determine the factors that lead to a better or worse night's sleep. Do you rest better after training, for example, or if you eat dinner before? Does hitting the bag at a certain time lead to a deeper sleep and helps to relax with a little reading or just closing your eyes as soon as possible? The ring is smaller and less intrusive than a watch, and if you don't mind checking stats on your phone throughout the day (there's no small screen on the device), it's an attractive alternative to traditional fitness trackers. .
(Image credit: MiHIGH)
MiHigh infrared sauna blanket
Get comfortable in your bed and enjoy your personal sauna It is best to use the MiHigh Sauna blanket on your bed, but not at night. As the name suggests, it is essentially a miniature sauna that allows you to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy at home. Plug in the blanket, walk in (wearing long-sleeved tracksuits and socks), and after a few minutes, the infrared blanket will make you sweat. We're a bit skeptical of the company's claims about detoxification, but clearly you should help your blood vessels dilate and increase circulation. This is particularly useful for reducing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after intense training. It also feels really good, and taking a shower afterwards should leave you feeling restful and ready for sleep. The cover's waterproof design and hydrophobic coating make it easy to clean and dry afterwards, so you'll be ready for bed before that cozy feeling wears off.
(Image credit: Philips)
Philips SmartSleep activation light
Gently lucid with a simulated sunrise instead of a loud alarm Being roused from sleep by your phone is not a particularly pleasant experience, no matter what frivolous harmony you choose as your alarm. A wake-up light offers a much softer way to start your day, waking you with gradually increasing lighting so you wake up naturally rather than being surprised. The Philips SmartSleep wake-up light is one of the best on the market, gently lulling you to sleep with a simulated sunrise that gradually changes from red to yellow until your room is fully lit. You can also select a natural sound to accompany the light, so you don't have to sleep. There are cheaper wake up lights out there, but our experience has found that you do get what you pay for. Unless you want to be woken up by a sudden glimmer in your countenance (accompanied by a repeating loop of robotic bird noises), it's worth investing a bit more.