18 Tried-and-Tested Tips for Better Sleep
As the days grow longer and warmer, many find sleep more elusive. With endless sleep aids and hacks on the market, it can be hard to know what truly works. At the Filter, we sought answers by gathering proven tips from readers and experts alike. From products tested for winding down to optimal bedding and mental tricks, here are 18 strategies you can swear by for a peaceful slumber.
Neck Massager for Quick Sleep
Penny recommends the Artuvate Fisiorest neck massager, priced at £34.99 on Amazon. Designed to run for 15 minutes, she often falls asleep before it switches off. It also helps her return to sleep if she wakes up early, providing an extra couple of hours of rest.
Blackout Eye Mask for Light Blocking
In tests, the Blackout memory foam sleep mask from MyHalos and Amazon, at £9.99, successfully blocked out light. Jane Hoskyn reported achieving nine hours of shut-eye and found it hastened her ability to nod off once accustomed to wearing it.
White Noise and Under-Pillow Speakers
John Fallows suggests free white noise options on BBC Sounds or TMSoft on Google Play. For a premium experience, the Avantree Slumber pillow speakers, at £38.24 on Amazon, offer two speakers, in-built sounds, and Bluetooth connectivity for switching between devices.
All-Seasons Duvet for Temperature Control
As spring arrives, a heavy winter duvet can cause discomfort. Jane Hoskyn praised the Slumberland All Seasons duvet, £59.99 at Bensons for Beds, which can be unfastened into 4.5 tog or 9-tog options. She also liked a wool duvet from the Woolroom, priced at £311.99, for its all-season adaptability.
Mental Math to Occupy the Mind
Instead of counting sheep, Andrew Campbell recommends counting down from 1,000 in sevens. This tedious task occupies the mind without triggering stressful thoughts, making it easier to drift off.
Radio Comedy for Relaxation
Amanda listens to Radio 4 Extra comedy club from 10pm to midnight, with the radio set to switch off after 30 minutes. She notes it works for her and is free, often falling asleep within five minutes.
Decaf Tea for Evening Soothing
Lily Smith found drifting off easier after switching to decaf tea. Yorkshire Tea's Bedtime Brew, with hints of vanilla and nutmeg, costs around £2 and has become part of her night-time routine for extra soothing.
Sleep-Inducing Music for Lulling Effects
Nel Hargrave highlights Max Richter's Sleep, composed with neuroscientist David Eagleman. Its slow tempo and repetitive themes create a hypnotic effect, helping clear weary minds and leading to deep sleep.
Epsom Salts for Post-Exercise Relaxation
Penelope uses magnesium flakes, essentially epsom salts, in a bath post-exercise. A 5kg pack from Home Bargains costs £4.99 and lasts ages, with noticeable benefits for sleep.
Comfortable Pillow for Support
Edward Munn tested the Otty bamboo memory foam pillow, £69.99 at Otty, and found it offers a superb balance of comfort and support, ideal for various sleeping positions.
Sleep Headphones for Enhanced Rest
Patrick recommends Ozlo Sleepbuds, £233 at Ozlo Sleep, made by ex-Bose engineers. They transformed his sleep with their high-quality design.
Soothing Candle for Wind-Down
Lily Smith uses a Lush Twilight candle, £12 at Lush, scented with lavender and tonka bean. The sweet fragrance helps her relax before bed, though she reminds to blow it out first.
Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
Simon Usborne calls a memory foam knee pillow from Dunelm, £10, a gamechanger. It keeps knees separated and comfortable, especially for side sleepers with back issues.
Short Pyjamas for Comfort
Kate McCusker recommends M&S Revere shortie sets, £17.50 at M&S, for reasonably priced nightwear that enhances sleep comfort.
Pillow Spray for Calming Aromas
Jane Hoskyn found This Works Deep Sleep pillow spray, from £5.60 at John Lewis, effective. It calms racing minds and turns pillows into places of peace.
Sunrise Alarm Clock for Sleep Signals
Emily Goddard uses the Lumie Bodyclock Glow 150, £118.96 at John Lewis. Its sunset mode mimics natural light changes, helping her fall asleep faster by signaling bedtime.
Podcasts and Audiobooks for Soothing Stories
Ed suggests sleep hypnosis podcasts like Sleep Magic by Jessica Porter. Susan recommends Nothing Much Happens for its soothing voice. Janet Curran finds Jane Austen's Persuasion comforting, while Lynne Collins uses Radio 4 Extra or the Insight Timer app for bedtime stories.
Eye Cream for Post-Sleep Recovery
When sleep fails, Anita Bhagwandas recommends an eye cream with caffeine, such as Dark Circle firming eye cream at £44 from Sephora, to brighten and depuff tired eyes.
These tips combine product recommendations and mental strategies to address common sleep struggles. For more insights, explore guides on sleep aids, mattresses, and home updates to enhance your rest routine.
