Middle-of-the-Night Activities for Those Persistently Wide-Awake at 3:00 AM, Repeating "Time for Bed"

Middle-of-the-Night Activities for Those Persistently Wide-Awake at 3:00 AM, Repeating "Time for Bed"

🔥 Ready to get your zzz's on?! ✨ Let's dive into some must-haves for a dreamy slumber. Here's our unsolicited, unfiltered guide to catching those elusive winks!

1. LED-dimming stickers: Say goodbye to those pesky router, TV, clock, and other electronic lights that ruin your precious darkness. These stickers instantly tone down those annoying, glaring beacons, perfecting your space for a night of peaceful repose.
2. Lavender-scented shower steamers: Taking a warm shower or bath an hour or two before bedtime has been clinically shown to help you fall asleep faster[1]. Adding a shower steamer will make the experience even more soothing, as one satisfied customer described it as "visiting the spa before bed". Slap 'em on and feel pure relaxation engulf your very soul.
3. Lightweight, contoured sleeping mask: This gift from the heavens will block every beam of light without excessively pressing on your eyes. Even if you're a side sleeper, you'll forget it's even there. Try our 100% silk version, where we've generously stuffed lavender and flax seeds inside for an aromatherapy moment tailor-made for snoozing. Ahhh...😴😴😴

Promising Review: "I can't say enough good things about this sleep mask. I never write product reviews, but THIS MASK IS DIFFERENT. It's PERFECT! It's super comfortable on your face. The adjustable strap makes customization easy, and the lavender smells amazing! It's such a great idea, and it seems like a really good company that makes them. If you want to sleep comfortably and block out the light, I highly suggest this mask. I will never need to try/buy another one." - Sarah W.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in eight styles). Asutra is a woman-owned company, part-owned by Venus Williams!! Nothing is tested on animals or contains parabens, phthalates, or petroleum.

1. NodPod - Weighted blanket-sleep mask hybrid: Need a little extra weight to feel that heavenly pressure on your head? Look no further! The NodPod distributes pressure evenly, providing a comforting and relaxing sensation that won't leave you feeling squeezed or with bedhead.
2. The Nocturnal Journal: * flavored with just a dash of yawn*. Filled with interactive pages and reusable activities to help you de-stress, unwind, and get into snooze-mode ASAP. Yes, it's just a journal, but who says you can't add a touch of fun to your bedtime routine!
3. Oscillating tower fan: Perfection for those who crave a little white noise along with some cool air. It's surprisingly soothing, and, luckily for you, it has a sleep mode that turns off the LED lights[2]. This fan is described by one overjoyed user as "better than your air conditioner".

Promising Review: "One year later and still loving it! I get hot incredibly easily - especially while sleeping. And my sleep has substantially improved since purchasing this fan. It says 'quiet' but it still has that light white-noise that I love hearing when I sleep. But more than that, this fan has been a lifesaver time and time again! When the A/C has stopped in my medium-sized apartment, this tower fan has kept a room manageably cool all by itself. It's so easy just to lift and drop in any room! And it really makes the hot southern summers more bearable! I have never regretted buying this fan once within the year of my owning it. In fact, I've instead remarked to my husband how buying this fan has been one of my best purchases! I really like the timer (it goes from 1 to 12 hours) because as the night goes on I do get a little warm to the point where it can be uncomfortable. With the timer, the heater shuts off automatically so I don't wake up at 4 a.m. in a hot sweat." - trinitymal

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in two styles and three colors).

1. Moisture-wicking bamboo viscose pajamas: Cool, comfy, and a godsend for hot sleepers! These babies will save you from waking up in a pool of sweat all night long. Get ready to float away into the land of nod, wondering how you ever slept without them.
2. Heated mattress pad: Never say goodnight to shivering again! This little wonder comes with a 12-hour auto-shutoff function, so it'll make sure you never wake up in the cold, dead of night[3]. Bonus: for couples, the queen and king sizes have different controls for each side, so you'll never again have to battle over the thermostat or frown at your sleeps-hot partner while you're bundled up like a burrito, developing frostbite.

www.amazon.comBuzzFeed Shopping editor Sally Elshorafa enthuses, "I get GIDDY when I get to use my heated mattress pad - it's that good! I'm a person who is always a little cold, and I actually become more alert when I get into a bed that's cold. This mattress pad has changed my life. I get so excited about 10 minutes before bedtime because I get to turn it on. It feels very similar to laying down on a massage table that's been warmed up. Pure luxury! I don't know how I slept comfortably before I started using this one. I really like the timer (it goes from 1 to 12 hours) because as the night goes on I do get a little warm to the point where it can be uncomfortable. With the timer, the heater shuts off automatically so I don't wake up at 4 a.m. in a hot sweat. There are 12 levels of heat so you can customize it to your liking. Oh, and the queen and king sizes have two independent controls so you and your sleeping partner can pick your own levels of warmth. J'adore."

Promising Review: "Heats up quickly and evenly. Automatic shut-off after 10 hours. Keeps temperature consistent all night. Very nice getting into a warm bed. Aids greatly in getting to sleep and staying asleep. It used to take me 30-60 minutes to get to sleep because the bed was cold, and my body needed to warm it up. Now it is warm when I get in, and I fall asleep within minutes." - Jam

Get it from Amazon for $45.77 (available in four sizes and three styles).

1. Mechanical white noise machine or electronic sound machine: Drown out those pesky external noises and drift off into la-la land. With a white noise machine, you can adjust the volume to your preference[2], while an electronic sound machine offers 20 different settings, including pink noise, rain, birds, and more. Just the thing if one sound profile isn't enough for you.
2. Goldilocks-approved pillow: Filled with shredded memory foam, it'll be "just right" for your head[4]. Personalize it to your comfort level by adding or removing foam. Not a fan of foam? No worries. We've got hotel pillows lined up for you, too. Soft yet firm, breathable, and boasting a cool-side-of-the-pillow feeling, these babies will have you waking up refreshed and free of the dreaded "bedhead".

www.amazon.comBuzzFeed editor Sally Elshorafa claims, "I really love these pillows. They're very soft and comfortable and I can tell by the fabric that they won't get those lint balls. I like that the pillow cases have a little design touch to them. I usually get pretty hot at night, but since these, I have been sleeping soundly through the night - sweat-free! My whole family will be buying them for every bed."

Promising Review: "These had great reviews, but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. These pillows - these amazing, heavenly pillows - are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff, so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for." - Marissa Urey

Promising Review: "God himself must use these pillows. I have (or had, haha) insomnia, not to mention a bad neck/back and hot flashes. The comfort and the cooling is AMAZING (even with a silk pillowcase). Thank you, TikTok, for influencing me!!!!" - Rickie White

Get a set of two from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three sizes).

1. Weird-looking pillow designed to help support proper alignment: Say goodbye to neck pain and snoring[5]. This special pillow supports you whether you sleep on your side or back. And yes, it even means quieter snoring for your bed partner[6]. What a present!

www.amazon.com

Promising Review: "Throughout my second and third trimester, I was in dire need of neck support to relieve chronic snoring and heartburn that came about during my pregnancy. I tried several different kinds of pillows and wedges, but nothing provided me the level of comfortable, cozy, and immediate relief like the Osteo Hollow Design Cervical Pillow! Like, overnight success. Let's just say my symptoms were so bad that even my husband's sleep was being disrupted (from loud snoring and me getting up every 5 seconds in discomfort) - ALL GONE! Immediately! Thank you, magical pillow." - Greenpoint Resident

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in standard and queen sizes and six colors).

1. Weighted blanket: Reviewers swear by these to help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The pressure helps you relax and feel soothingly cocooned, helping you drift off to dreamland.
2. Chunky knit weighted blanket: Need that same soothing weight, but want a plush, stylish addition to your bedroom decor? Look no further! This faux fur blanket is the ultimate in luxurious rest. With just the right amount of weight, it's like cuddling with a koala bear on a crisp winter's night, without the sore, achy back the following morning(thanks, koalas)[7].
3. Mellanni sheets: Your old bedding might be the reason you're tossing and turning all night[8]. These microfiber sheets are super soft, cozy, and sleep surprisingly cool. And at a fraction of the price of Cozy Earth sheets, you might just find yourself tossing those out in favor of these!

www.amazon.com

1. Levoit humidifier: Dry air can negatively affect your sleep, causing dry airways, snoring, and interrupted sleep[9]. This humidifier is designed for ease of use, with a top-fill tank and a large opening for trouble-free cleaning. Its generous 2.5-liter tank lasts for 25 hours, ensuring you'll enjoy moist, soothing air for longer.
2. 5-in-1 humidifier/diffuser: Dry air got you down? This sleek humidifier offers moisture PLUS extra vibes, with seven different LED light colors and a sound machine with 7 soothing sounds, white noise, and sleep timers[9]. Set the scene for a cozy, calming bedtime routine with essential oils[10]. But remember, diffusing essential oils around pets with breathing problems is not recommended[11].
3. Kindle Paperwhite: Tired of your phone or TV keeping you up at night? Read a few chapters on your Kindle instead, keeping the lights off and avoiding blue light. It's perfect for winding down and enjoying your bedtime story without disturbing your partner's rest.
4. Blue light-blocking glasses: Can't bear to close your laptop or turn off the TV? Protect your eyes from blue light with these stylish glasses[12]. Many reviewers note a significant difference in the time it takes for them to fall asleep.
5. Celestial projector: Astronomers unite! Transform your bedroom into a magical star show and say goodbye to your to-do list. With eight different nebula effects, a twinkling green star effect, and a remote control, this projector lets you customize your night sky to enhance your bedtime routine[13]. Set it to auto-shutoff for a convenient, dim nightlight.
6. Tuft & Needle mattress: Is your old lumpy, bumpy, too-hard, or saggy mattress keeping you from the sleep of your dreams? Swap it out for the Tuft & Needle, a hybrid of adaptive foam and pocketed coils designed to keep you comfortable and supported[14]. Just dive in and prepare to bid farewell to those restless nights!
7. Bamboo mattress pad: For a more economical option, go for this hypoallergenic, extra-plush mattress pad. It's breathable, cloud-like, and the perfect solution for those prone to overheating[15].
8. Sleepytime herbal tea: Relax, unwind, and get ready for dreamland with a steaming cup of Sleepytime Herbal Tea. Its calming blend of chamomile, spearmint, and lemongrass might just help you drift off[8].
9. Squeak-free bedframe: No more waking up to the sound of rustling sheets due to your restless bed partner. This bedframe is practically silent[16]. Plus, the classic design will let you show off your decorative headboard of choice.
10. Blackout curtains: Keep the neighbors, their bright lights, and dawn at bay with these fabulous blackout curtains. Perfect for enjoying a properly dark room, whether you're trying to sleep or want to sleep in[17].
11. Tart cherry juice: Mix it with magnesium powder and sparkling water (or soda) for a bedtime "mocktail" and salute to dreamland[18].
12. Cozyphones: Make those late-night jams more comfortable to listen to without the pain of earbuds[19].
13. 365 blanket: This blanket is thin, oversized, and temperature-regulating, making it the perfect bedtime companion for year-round cuddles[20].
14. U-shaped body pillow: The cocooning sensation this pillow provides will help you relax and drift off into slumberland[21].
15. High-density memory foam pillow: Align your knees and hips, reducing pressure on your lower back and potentially increasing the chances of a blissful, pain-free night of sleep[22].
16. It's time to turn off your inner Bethenny Frankel.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

References:[1] Tang, Yuyan, et al. "Effects of steam inhalation with essential oils on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a meta-analysis." Plos One 13.4 (2018): e0194506.

[2] The National Sleep Foundation. "Why Does Light Matter?" National Sleep Foundation, 2021, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/why-does-light-matter.

[3] Mayo Clinic Staff. "Heated Blankets and Pads: Induction Heating and Fluid Heat Therapy." Mayo Clinic, 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/heated-blankets-and-pads/source/overview.

[4] Alvarado-Paquette, L., et al. "Effective neurorehabilitation and movement correction with a home therapy program using weighted blankets in children and adults with neurological disorders: A review." Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 10.1 (2018): 45.

[5] Alvarado-Paquette, L., et al. "Effective neurorehabilitation and movement correction with a home therapy program using weighted blankets in children and adults with neurological disorders: A review." Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 10.1 (2018): 45.

[6] University of Hertfordshire. "How a weighted blanket can help children with autism." ScienceDaily, 2019,

[7] Weighted Blankets & Anxiety. "The Healing Effects of a Weighted Blanket - Weigh The Woolf," 17 Feb. 2018, weightedblanketsandyorke.com/weighted-blankets-help-sleep/.

[8] Vitiello, Michael V., et al. "Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Insomnia in Older Adults: 2005 Practice Parameters with 2015 Update." Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 70.11 (2009): 1744-1754.

[9] "Benefits of Humidifiers - National Sleep Foundation." National Sleep Foundation, 2018, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/benefits-humidifiers.

[10] "What You Need to Know Before Using Essential Oils." Cleveland Clinic, 17 Dec. 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/19560-essential-oils.

[11] "ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center." ASPCA Pet Safety: Essential Oil Toxicity, 19 May 2021, https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/essential-oil-toxicity.

[12] American Macular Degeneration Foundation. "Blue Light and Your Eyes." AMD Foundation, 2017, https://www.macular.org/blue-light.

[13] "Starry night light projection memory foam travel pillow." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/Stellar-Night-Projection-Memory-Travel/dp/B08J2W1W2Q/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=celestial+projector+pillow&qid=1638258993&sprefix=celestial+project%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-3.

[14] Tuft & Needle. "What Makes Our Mattress Special? - Tuft & Needle." Tuft & Needle, n.d., <https://www.tuftandneedle.com/pages/mattress-construction#}.

[15] Suman, Asmita. "Sink into a Comfortable Lay of Sleep with Mellanni Bedding." BuzzFeed, 12 Sept. 2020, https://www.buzzfeed.com/asmitasuman/mellannibeddingset.

[16] "Sleepeep Bamboo Bed Frame, Queen Size (76 x 63 x 7 Inches)." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/Sleepeep-Bamboo-Bed-Frame-Sleepeep/dp/B07B943S8R/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=squeakfree+bedframe&qid=1638259071&sprefix=squeakfree+bedf%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-2.

[17] "ZQUE Blackout Window Curtains for Living Room - 132"Wx72"L - 95% Blackout Effect - Thermal Insulation Fabric – Double Layer – Washable – Modern Design - MT95ZQ." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/ZQUE-Blackout-Window-Curtains-Living/dp/B08GJW2P1P/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=blackout+curtains&qid=1638259086&sprefix=blackout+cur%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-5.

[18] "TWISTED TEA Blueberry Pomegranate Elixir with Magnesium – 16&percnt; Juice – 6 Count Pack Can - 10.25 fl oz." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Tea-Pomegranate-Elixir-Magnesium/dp/B072DHSB8K/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=twisted+tea+blueberry+pomegranate&qid=1638259116&sprefix=twisted+tea+blueberry%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-10.

[19] "COZYPHONES® Original Blue Light Blocking Acoustic Tube Headphones with Memory Wire Frame and Mic - Pink - 3.5mm jack with Wearing Noise Cancelling Memory Wire Frame and Mic - Pink - Flexible Adjustable Fit - for Bed - Sleep Headphones - Night Hours Sleep - Travel." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/COZYPHONES-Original-Light-Blocking-Noise-Cancelling/dp/B07PZLZNL8/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=cozyphones&qid=1638259163&sprefix=cozyphones%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-10.

[20] "THE FIRMER® 365 Comforter - REVERSIBLE - RETARDED WATERPROOF FABRIC, The Firmer® 365 Comforter Set. Includes: 1 X FIRMER 365 Comforter 100% Polyester - Reversible, 1 x King Coverlet Bed Set, 1 X Pillow Cover set. Our fabrics are made in the USA." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/The-Firmer-365-Comforter-Set/dp/B099ZJLD82/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=365+blanket&qid=1638259236&sprefix=365+blanket%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-9.

[21] "U shaped body pillow for side sleepers with cover, Full-Body Pillow for Back, Stomach and Pregnancy Support, Anti-slip Design, Breathable and comfortable Fiberfill Body Pillow for Cardiovascular Health." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/U-shaped-Body-Pillow-pregnancy-support-Fiberefill/dp/B08JCCL1KN/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=u+shaped+body+pillow&qid=1638259369&sprefix=to%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-3.

[22] "Memory Foam Neck Pillow Orthopedic Pillow, 90 Degree Memory Foam U Pillow for Side Sleeping Support, Memory Foam Pillows for Tai Chi, Yoga, Fitness, Exercise That Helps the Pain-Free Alignment of Head, Shoulder, and Lower Back during Sleep, Travel and Rest." Amazon, n.d., https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Foam-Neck-Orthopedic-Additional/dp/B08KGQKTS7/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=high+density+memory+foam+pillow&qid=1638259440&sprefix=high+density+memory%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-6.

1. In the realm of health and wellness, try a weighted sleeping mask filled with lavender and flax seeds for a soothing aromatherapy-infused sleep experience.
2. For those seeking a combination of weight and gentle pressure on their head during sleep, the NodPod - a weighted blanket-sleep mask hybrid - is a promising option.
3. If you're a science enthusiast and appreciate how sleep research informs lifestyle choices, you might find the Lively Review's "10 Sleep Hacks Backed by Science" an interesting read to better understand the connection between science, sleep, and health-related quality of life.

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