From blue-light adjusting software to nap stations for rent, a report from The Huffington Post examines seven inventions that are designed to improve sleep.
When it comes to getting enough sleep, technology is typically not your friend. Checking your phone before you go to bed makes it harder to fall asleep and hurts your sleep quality. The light from your computer can keep your body from releasing melatonin, increasing your likelihood of sleep deprivation.
However, a bevy of gadgets and sleep-friendly concepts are proving that tech can actually help you get your 7 to 8 hours a night.
In honor of World Sleep Day March 18, here are seven sleep-friendly innovations to help you get your best rest ever.
Sleep trackers
When it comes to sleep, knowledge is power. Logging your pre-bedtime activities, how much you sleep every night and what times of night you’re most restless can help you suss out patterns and figure out your personal formula for sleep success. And there’s never been more options for monitoring your sleep. Many fitness trackers and smartwatches come with sleep monitoring features. If you’re not into wearing something on your wrist while you sleep, try an in-bed monitor like Beddit — slip the thin sensor under your sheet, and it will track your heart rate, breathing, snoring and other sleep vitals. There are also dozens of sleep tracking apps available for smartphones. We’re partial to Sleep Cycle, an alarm that gently wakes you during your lightest sleep period, helping you achieve the rested, alert feeling you get from waking up naturally.
Sleep-savvy hotels
As any traveler knows, getting a good night’s sleep in a hotel can be a challenge. However, a slew of hotels and resorts across the U.S. are working to change that. In New York City, The Benjamin Hotel offers a “rest and renew“ program, including a pillow bar, sleep masks, blackout curtains and on-site sleep consultants. Rooms at Miraval Resort in Tucson, Arizona, are outfitted with special LED lights designed to promote better sleep. And at Mount Snow resort in Vermont, guests participating in the “family crramp” program are encouraged to leave their devices unplugged and instead relax with their kids.
Photo Credit: OSCAR WONG VIA GETTY IMAGES
