Spring is the ideal time to reset your sleep routine, especially with daylight-saving time and Sleep Awareness Week putting better rest top of mind. Quality sleep is essential for mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical health, and poor sleep habits and hygiene can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making while increasing anxiety and irritability.
2026-03-07"Sleep is very complicated and requires many parts of your brain and body to agree," says Dr. Benjamin Smarr, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego. Establishing a pre-sleep routine helps signal to your body that it's time to wind down, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
We spend the year testing hundreds of products to find the best sleep products, but I wanted to know, what are my colleagues use to help them wind down, stay comfortable while traveling, and feel well-rested come morning. Here are their favorite bedding, sleep tech, and bedroom accessories they rely on for better rest.
All the products and apps the Reviews team use to get better sleep
This viral sunrise alarm clock is absolutely worth it
Hatch Restore 3
The Hatch Restore 3 is more than just a sunrise alarm clock; it's a customizable bedside sleep system designed to help you build a more consistent nighttime routine and wake up more naturally. It pairs gradual sunrise-style light with soothing soundscapes to guide you from wind-down to wake-up, supporting your circadian rhythm rather than jolting you with a harsh alarm. I love how the latest generation puts more emphasis on onboard controls so you don't have to rely on my phone at bedtime.To unlock its full library of guided meditations, sleep stories, podcasts, and music, you'll need to subscribe to a Hatch+ subscription, which costs $50 per year. However, the device includes a solid selection of options on its own —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Read our Hatch Restore 3 review.
Breathable pajamas that keep us from overheating
Dagsmejean Slip Dress
Dagsmejan uses patented fabric technology, including its "Nattcool" textile, which the brand says is up to eight times more breathable than cotton and designed to wick away moisture as you sleep. I put it to the test during an August heatwave without air conditioning, and it kept me noticeably cool and dry through the night. While I wake up with damp pajamas when I overheat, I felt genuinely comfortable and surprisingly refreshed in this slip dress. It's made from 100% lyocell, so it feels silky, lightweight, and noticeably cool to the touch. The relaxed fit and split hem make it easy to move in if you toss and turn. It's admittedly pricey for a nightgown, so if you're only going to invest in one Dagsmejan piece, I also recommend the Relaxwear Kimono. —Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor
A warming, lavender-scented plushie
Blue Crab Warmies
Warmies combine the comfort of a plush stuffed animal with the soothing benefits of gentle heat. These lightly weighted, lavender-filled plushies can be heated in the microwave for cozy warmth, making them exceptionally soothing at bedtime or when you need a little extra relaxation. My Warmies is a total lifesaver when I have cramps or a stomachache. Plus, since there are no wires, I can have pain relief without the risk of a fire hazard. It's also just lovely to have a little extra warmth in the bed, especially on cold nights. — Kinsley Searles, associate home editor
A breathable linen quilt for even the hottest sleepers
Parachute Linen Box Quilt
As a hot and light sleeper, I've found that even lightweight comforters are too warm, which is why I've relied on the Parachute Linen Box Quilt for the past six years. It's alongtime Reviews team favorite, featuring a soft, garment-dyed linen, crisp percale cotton back, and airy, baffle-box construction that feels breathable and barely there. I love that this quilt is lightweight and made from breathable, cooling linen. It gives me that cozy, wrapped-up feeling without trapping excess heat. Even if you're not a hot sleeper, it's a great layering piece — many of my Reviews teammates swear by it, too. —Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor
A heated, massaging eye mask
Therabody SmartGoggles
The SmartGoggles are the indulgent sleep gear I never knew I needed. Therabody's SmartGoggles combine heat, massage, and vibrations into a blackout eye mask. There are three settings for personalized relaxation, headache relief, and sleep prep. Still, you can sync it with the Therabody app to unlock an audio experience, further customize settings, and track your resting heart rate. Now, I prepare for bed with a temple massage and comforting heat, with the added benefit of reducing eye strain and easing stress. —Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
The best pillow we've tested
Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow
I've tested dozens of pillows over the years, but the Coop Original is still one of my favorites. There's a reason it consistently ranks at the top of our guides, including as our best overall pillow for neck pain and the top pick for side sleepers. It works across sleep positions and makes it easier to maintain proper alignment, which can really help with neck and back tension. Several members of our team have continued using it long after testing. For me, it checks all the boxes, and it's still the one I reach for every night. — Suzy Hernandez, contributor
A white noise machine that uses a real fan
Snooz White Noise Machine
During a visit back home for the holidays, my partner's grandparents urged us to try their Snooz White Noise Machine. We ended up loving it so much that we got our own. It uses a real fan to create comforting, soothing sounds that help you drift off to sleep. The design is super intuitive — a simple tap of a button starts the machine. It's fantastic at helping me sleep, especially when my neighbors throw a party, or my dog decides to give the squirrels in our backyard a piece of his mind. —Kinsley Searles, associate home and kitchen editor
Read our guide for the best white noise machines.
A size inclusive bamboo pajama set that is also nursing and mom friendly
Kindred Bravely Clea Bamboo Long Sleeve Pajama Set
I used to be the kind of person who slept in whatever t-shirt I found lying around, but after moving to Maine, I'm always cold. I discovered Kindred Bravely after having my first child because of their incredibly popular hands-free pumping bra. Even though that was eight years ago, I'm still a fan of the brand. These pajamas are not only incredibly soft, but they are so stylish. I recently took them on a trip, and I found myself lounging in them comfortably. This pajama set keeps me warm, and I also love that they have several pockets, since I'm always carrying something for one of my kids throughout our bedtime routine. — Conz Preti, deputy editor
A pair of sheet straps to keep the fitted sheet from slipping off
Gorilla Grip Bed Sheet Straps
When I sleep, I toss and turn a lot. My constant flip-flopping used to cause my fitted sheet to come loose, so I'd have to get out of bed in the middle of the night to pull it back into place. These Gorilla Grip Bed Sheet Straps solved that problem. They clip onto the corners and sides of your sheets to ensure that you won't have to worry about sheet creep, keeping the fitted sheet snugly secure on your mattress. The best part about this bed hack? It'll cost you less than $20. — Kinsley Searles, associate editor
A cooling, plush pillow that's wallet-friendly
Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Gel Pillow
I'm a hot sleeper, so a cooling pillow is a must. This gel fiber pillow is breathable and helps keep me from overheating at night. It's a fluffy, plush option, but it's not overstuffed, so I've found it comfortable no matter which position I sleep in. More than 250,000 Amazon shoppers agree that the Beckham Hotel Collection down-alternative pillow is an elite, budget-friendly pick. Softer and flatter than memory foam, it's more squishy than supportive, making it especially well-suited for stomach and back sleepers, and anyone who likes to hug, fold, or stack their pillows. It's filled with hypoallergenic polyester fiber, they hold up well over years of use without getting flat or lumpy. —Lillian Brown, associate editor
A luxurious silk eye mask that stays put
Drowsy Silk Sleep Eye Mask
I have tried so many silk sleep masks, but none compare to this one from Drowsy. My sleep immediately improved when I started using it because the design solves a lot of the annoyances I experienced with classic masks. It's extremely wide and has a slit in the nose area, so you don't have that frustrating sliver of light that comes in from the bottom. It also doesn't move around even if you toss and turn a ton, thanks to the wide, adjustable band on the back (which is also made of silk to protect your hair). And even though it's squishy and padded, you can't really feel the mask or strap when you're lying on a pillow. I also really appreciate that the silk material doesn't irritate my skin or absorb all my moisturizer. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor
Comfortable earplugs to keep out the city noise
Loop Quiet Earplugs
My partner gave me a pair of these Loop earplugs after I complained about the noise levels at my SoulCycle class. They instantly make the music clearer and volume management more manageable, so I also take them along to concerts and my busy office. They're also if you sleep in a street-facing bedroom or a part of the house that gets extra noisy. They drown out noise better than standard disposable foam earplugs and are way more comfortable. You can barely feel them, and they stay in all night without fail. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor
A body pillow to help keep your spine aligned
Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow
The Coop Sleep Goods Memory Foam Body Pillow is the best body pillow in our guide for good reason. It's made with supportive, moldable fill, it helps support proper alignment and maintains its shape over time to offer long-lasting loft and comfort. I'm a side sleeper and I use this long pillow to keep my knees aligned and prevent lower-back strain. I've used the Coop body pillow for four years, and it hasn't lost its fluff. —James Brains, former senior reporter
A good old-fashioned crossword puzzle
The New York Times Take It Easy Crossword Puzzles: 75 Easy Puzzles
I do a crossword puzzle every night to help me wind down. It's a great analog activity that keeps me from late-night doom-scrolling. I suggest doing them with a gentle light on once you're already in bed — that way you can zonk out as soon as you're ready. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor
A cool, luxurious silk pillow
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
We've all heard that a silk pillowcase is good for your skin and hair. The jury may still be out on whether this fabric can help prevent acne and keep hair from getting frizzy as you move in your sleep, but the feel of high-quality mulberry silk in this pillow is undeniably luxurious and sleeps cool all night long. I've tried dozens of pillows, and few can compare to the breathable, cool feeling that this one provides. As a back and side sleeper, I was worried it wouldn't be lofty enough compared to the pillows I usually gravitate to, but it's perfectly moldable, providing the support I need. I'm a silk pillow convert. —Jaclyn Turner, senior editor
A weighted eye mask
Nodpod Weighted Eye Mask
I've never been much for eye masks, but the Nodpod has changed my mind. It's subtly weighted, with just the right amount of pressure without feeling claustrophobic. It also blocks out light. I just drape it over my face and start to feel calmer. It lacks straps, so it won't be ideal for stomach sleepers, but you can fit one end into the other to secure it to your head if you want to keep it in more secure. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor
Earbuds that are actually comfortable to wear to sleep
Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds
Unlike regular earbuds, the Sleep A20 Earbuds are comfortable to wear to sleep and ideal for people who, like me, prefer to doze off to music or podcasts. They stay in place all night — even for side sleepers — and dramatically reduce ambient sound. A simple double-tap switches them from music to sleep mode They can also play gentle sounds to block out noise if you prefer complete quiet. — Les Shu, former deputy editor
See the best sleep headphones.
A portable mini humidifier
Riecin Portable Mini Humidifier
During winter, the heater dries me out and inflames my nasal passages, disrupting my sleep. So, I bought a portable mini humidifier — and it's a game changer. Not only is it super quiet, but the humidifier runs continuously for four hours, or my preference, intermittently for eight hours. The moisture in the air makes it easier to breathe and results in a deeper sleep. Not to mention, this portable humidifier always travels with me to super dry areas like New Mexico or high-altitude destinations like ski resorts as it prevents nosebleeds and elevation-related sleep issues. — Alex Temblador, contributor
An inexpensive weighted blanket
Luna Weighted Blanket
The Luna Weighted Blanket is the best budget pick in our guide to the best weighted blankets, offering the calming pressure of deep-touch stimulation at an affordable price. I've struggled with insomnia and parasomnias for years, but the most noticeable improvement in my sleep experience has been with a weighted blanket. The Luna is my go-to sleep aid because it helps limit my nighttime movement, and I wake up feeling more rested. It's one of the best sleep investments I've ever made. — Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor
A smart home hub with several sleep-improving features
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
My Google Nest Hub has become a core part of my sleep routine. I like getting insight into my sleep without having to change or wear a device, and it offers a calming way to wake up in the morning. It features a gradual sunrise alarm and integrates seamlessly with other smart home devices, allowing you to control lights, thermostats, and plugs from bed. You can even connect apps like Calm and Spotify to stream audio hands-free.—Jaclyn Turner, senior editor
An e-reader with adjustable brightness settings
Kindle Paperwhite
I love using my Kindle Paperwhite to read before bed. Since its screen is backlit with adjustable brightness, it helps ease my eyes into the dark for an enjoyable activity that requires no harsh, bright lights. So much better than doom-scrolling on my phone! — Sarah Saril, deals editor
A serene meditation app
Headspace Meditation App
Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I turn to Headspace's sleep content to help me unwind. The mix of gentle narration and soothing sounds feels incredibly calming and helps settle my mind before bed or when I wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble falling back asleep. — Maliah West, contributor
A travel blanket that's easy to pack
EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow
No matter how frequently I travel, I'm notoriously bad at sleeping on airplanes due to the lack of space and paper-thin linens. I bought this $35 Amazon travel blanket before an early-morning flight to the Galápagos last year, and it has been keeping me comfortable ever since. It folds up into a compact carrying case with a luggage sleeve, so it's easy to bring with you and can even double as a pillow. But what I wasn't expecting was that I would start using it at my destinations, too. It came in handy as an extra layer when my cruise cabin was too cold, and it completely saved me when I stayed in a Madrid apartment where the host only supplied a top sheet. As a self-proclaimed cozy girl, I can always use a little more plushness when I'm on the go. — Rebecca Shinners, contributor
A comfy u-shaped body pillow that doesn't overwhelm the bed
Yana 360° body pillow
The Yana body pillow is one of the few U-shaped designs that truly impressed me. It provides full-body support without the excess bulk or heat I've experienced with similar pillows. The cooling gel version remained breathable and supportive all night, and it's also available in a latex foam version. I also love how versatile it is. I use it for both sleeping and lounging since it's easy to reposition and light enough to move around. — Suzy Hernandez, contributor
Read more of the best body pillows.
A convenient pillow spray you can bring anywhere
This Works Deep Pillow Spray, 75ml
The spray is vegan and made of cruelty-free ingredients like lavender, vetivert, and chamomile to help relax busy minds as soon as they hit the pillow. I've lent this spray out to friends, roommates, and family to help them sleep, and I've always had trouble getting it back from them. — Mara Leighton, former senior reporter
PJ's that have convinced me to move on from the oversize t-shirt
Lake Hamptons PJ Set
I spent years sleeping in oversize T-shirts from random high school events and concerts, but I've finally upgraded now that I'm an adult. I once balked at spending more than $50, let alone more than $100, on a pair of pajamas, but the Hamptons set from Lake has completely won me over. The cotton gauze material is so breathable and airy — perfect for hot sleepers. Plus, they're cute enough that I wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen by neighbors walking to my mailbox. Whether I'm haphazardly doing my nighttime skincare routine or making breakfast in my messy kitchen, wearing these makes me feel like I'm in a dreamy cottage somewhere in Nantucket. Worth every penny. These have become my summer sleep uniform. — Paige DiFiore-Wohr, deputy editor, life & entertainment freelance
A cheap cotton eye-mask
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask
I've tried fancier sleep masks, and nothing beats the comfort of this budget-friendly option. I've used the Movogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask on flights, while sleeping over at museums and aquariums with my kids, and on regular nights when I want to make sure I won't be distracted by any ambient light. This breathable cotton mask provides a snug fit over my eyes, without being too tight or squishing my lashes, and has never left an unsightly dent in my hair. — Jennifer Beck Goldblatt, senior editor, health + parenting
A travel pillow so you can finally fall asleep on your flight
Trtl Pillow
At first glance, it looks more like a scarf than a pillow, but that's what makes the The Trtl pillow so effective. It reimagines the traditional travel neck pillow with a lightweight fleece wrap that conceals an internal support. Instead of cushioning your entire neck, the support rests against your shoulder or neck to hold your head in a more ergonomic position—without creating uncomfortable pressure points— when you sleep upright. — David Slotnick, contributor
Ambient bedroom lighting
Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp
Since my focus is on sleep health, I'm intentional about my evening lighting. One newer addition to my bedroom that I've been having a lot of fun with is the Govee Uplighter floor lamp. It creates such a beautiful, relaxing ambiance for winding down at night. I set it to a warm glow to signal it's time to unwind, and I love the soft, wave-like light that gently fills the room. It's app-controlled and fully customizable, which makes creating a cozy, sleep friendly atmosphere effortless. — Suzy Hernandez, contributor
Crisp cotton sheets that sleep cool
Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set
I'm firmly team patterned sheets for both my bedroom and my guest room. I love how they pair with a simple duvet or quilt. Over the years, I've tried several sets from different brands, and most recently, the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set in two patterns — plus a set of solid pillowcases. Since then, I've stopped checking other sites for something better.
My partner and I both tend to sleep hot, but we've noticed a real difference with these sheets. They have a tight, smooth weave with a bit of crispness, yet they're lightweight and breathable. After a year of use, they've held up better than other brands I've tried. The colors are still rich and the patterns sharp. Whenever we have guests, they always compliment the sheets, too — not just for the beautiful pattern (Oyster in Storm), but for how comfortable they feel. — Lisa Sabatini, senior pets editor
A crescent-shaped pillow for side sleepers
Coop Sleep Goods Crescent Adjustable Pillow
I was late to jump on the Coop bandwagon, even as the brand's adjustable pillows passed our rigorous testing, earned rave reviews from editors, and made their way to the top of our list of the best pillows. After spending more money than I care to remember on pillows made with shredded latex, down, and memory foam, I finally bought the Coop Crescent Adjustable pillow last month. Now I see what all the hype is about.
Designed especially for side and back sleepers, the ergonomic contour is what won me over. The crescent-shaped cutout cradles my head without forcing me to scrunch the pillow up under my neck and shoulder, a nightly wrestling match I'd come to expect as a side sleeper. Instead, the shape does the work for me, and I can even assume the T-Rex position without waking up with a sore shoulder or numb arm. After four weeks of sleeping on it, I'm going to dip into the included extra Oomph fill to boost the loft slightly—the fact that I can fine-tune the Coop pillow feels like built-in longevity. — Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor
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