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Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Whether your problem is a cranky alarm clock, a hot pillow or too much stress, we’ve tracked down a number of gadgets that will improve the quality of your slumber. You can even simulate sunrise and sunset to wake yourself up more naturally!
Lots of gadgets track your fitness activity – but the FitBit One actually tracks the quality of your sleep, too. Simply wear it as you sleep at night and it will measure your sleep cycle, sending data to a dashboard on your phone or computer. You can discover how long you slept, the number of times you woke up, and your sleep quality score. The FitBit One also features a silent wake alarm that gently vibrates to wake you up without a loud noise that will disturb your partner. The FitBit Flex, pictured above, is out May 1st and has all the aforementioned features, but comes in a wristband format.
Another sleep device with a wristband is the Lark Sleep Coach, which tracks the quality of your Zs with a wrist strap and micromovement sensor while your iPhone charges in its docking base. In the morning, check the Lark app to see how much time it took you to fall asleep, how many times you woke up during the night and your sleep quality score of 1-10. (If you pay for a Pro account, you can find out more information.) The Lark also can wake you up with vibration from the wrist strap, ideal for partners with different wake-up times.
How much should you sleep? When is the best time to wake up? Another wristband-based system, the aXbo Alarm Clock figures out the most productive sleep pattern for your body and wakes you up at the optimal point in your sleep phase. Don’t worry if you need to get to work – the aXbo will find the right moment that’s as close as possible to your set alarm time. It’s also available in a couples version.
Overnight flights are the worst when you can’t fall asleep! Whether you’re sitting in the middle, by the window, or next to the aisle, you can get some Zs with the EZ Sleep Travel Pillow. This unique pillow slides on your armrest and stands upright so you can rest your head without getting cozy on a stranger’s shoulder. It’s also great for cars – and costs just $19.95.
You can also get a more natural wake-up call with the Serenity Sleep System by Verilux. This gadget simulates sunrise and sunset so that users can wake calmly in the morning and fall asleep naturally at night. It uses a color-changing light to relax you and “align the body’s circadian rhythms that regulate normal sleeping and waking patterns,” according to the company’s website.
Another sleep gadget that simulates the sun is the Philips Wake-Up Light HF3470. With its unique combination of soft-rising light and choice of two pleasant sounds, the Philips Wake-Up light rouses you gradually and naturally by starting 30 minutes before your set wake-up time. It can be individualized up to 250 lux and also functions as a comforting bedside reading lamp.
You won’t even need a pesky wristband or headband for the Gear4 Renew SleepClock, which uses a non-contact sensor to measure your breathing rate and movement as you sleep. You can review this data by day, month or year on your iPhone, which can charge in the device’s dock while it’s working all night. In addition, the Renew SleepClock will also wake you up during your lightest mode of slumber.
The Lumawake Sleep Clock is similar to the Gear4 Renew SleepClock, but much smaller: the base you put on your bedside table is essentially a small iPhone charging dock. What also makes it revolutionary is that it can be synced to other automation products such as SmartThings and Belkin’s Wemo, meaning that you can program your home’s lights and electronics to automatically power down when you fall asleep (or brew coffee when you wake up). Of course, you can also track your sleep habits and try to improve your sleep – but we’re most impressed by the coffee.
Want to listen to relaxing music without wearing uncomfortable headphones? Invest in the Sound Oasis Sleep Therapy Pillow, which features two high fidelity, ultra-thin stereo speakers positioned deep inside of it. The $50 pillow also includes in-line volume control, a 3.5mm plug that fits into a standard audio jack and the option to remove the speakers so that you can machine-wash or hand-wash it.
Are you constantly flipping your pillow to feel the “cool” side? With the Chillow Pillow Cooler, that cool, refreshing feeling never goes away! This thin, very soft, medical-grade, non-electric thermoregulating device gives you a steady, lasting, and comforting sensation without blowing air or making noise. Just activate it one time, leave it in your pillow and enjoy a cool night’s sleep. It’s available in Original Chillow, Chillow Plus, Chillow Mini and Chillow Duo.
A number of gadgets wake you up with vibration – but Dreamate actually helps you fall asleep with a wristband. Simply slide it on 15-30 minutes before you want to fall asleep and it will specifically target three special acupuncture points on your wrist. With electrical pulses, the $60 Dreammate DM-800 stimulates blood circulation, releases melatonin, relieves stress, and helps improve your sleep.
