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In the photo above, you can see some of the sleep gifts I’ll be discussing in this article.
From top left to bottom right: This Works lavender pillow spray, Fitbit Versa 4 activity and sleep tracker, Himalayan Glow salt lamp, LectroFan Evo white noise machine, Alaska Bear sleep mask, SleepPhones headphones.
As an insomniac myself, I’m always happy to receive a gift that upgrades my bed or helps improve my sleep in some way. I mean, I love chocolates and the latest gadgets, but I love my sleep even more!
I’m also a big believer in gifts that someone will use and love for a long time to come. I’ve reviewed hundreds of sleep products in the last decade, and am always on the lookout for those with the potential to improve your sleep quality in the long term.
Although I’ll be recommending a couple of luxury bedroom products in this article, it’s sometimes the little things that make the biggest difference. So no matter what your budget, if you know someone who has trouble sleeping, you should find a gift here that they’ll appreciate.
Please note that all of the photos are my own and the exact products I used, but the manufacturers may change design details over time.
Contents
- This Works Pillow Spray
- SleepPhones headphones
- Spoonk Acupressure Mat
- Bearaby Napper Weighted Blanket
- Alaska Bear Sleep Mask
- LectroFan Evo White Noise Machine
- Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 Wake-Up Light
- Fitbit Versa 4
- BedJet 3
- Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp
1. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
A Lavender pillow spray with a pleasant and calming fragrance.
In the photo above, you can see the pillow spray and the box it comes in, both of which can be recycled when it’s used up.
Lavender is a very popular scent, with entire businesses built around aesthetically pleasing white and purple lavender products. When it comes to its nighttime use, there’s also some research backing up the potential for lavender to help with relaxation.
The pillow spray by This Works contains a blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert. They combine wonderfully to create a more earthy and subtle scent than lavender sometimes has on its own.
I bought the pillow spray and used it every night for a week, and never has my pillow smelled so good! It didn’t exactly smell bad before (I think), but I much prefer the fresh fragrance of the three essences to my usual laundry detergent.
There’s just something about tickling your senses with a calming scent that puts the finishing touches to all the other good bedtime habits we ideally have.
Typically costing $30, this is a neatly packaged and potentially helpful gift that will be appreciated by the insomniac who enjoys aromatherapy or those who are already fond of lavender.
2. SleepPhones headphones
Comfortable headphones that will rock you to sleep.
In the photo above, I’m using the wireless version of the Sleepphones. They are the most comfortable headphones I’ve used when lying on my side or front.
If you enjoy falling asleep while listening to music, radio, or podcasts, the SleepPhones are a unique way to make it a more comfortable experience. They are particularly good for side sleepers, who often find normal headphones uncomfortable to use in bed.
The SleepPhones are made with flat, individually padded speakers that are tucked away inside a soft fabric headband. The flat shape and double padding combine to let you lie in any position, block out a little outside noise, and not worry about your partner hearing your music.
The speaker quality is more than good enough for music, radio, podcasts, video, or even games. Since they work via Bluetooth, you don’t have a cable in bed connecting to your device. And you can choose between a cooler fabric for hot sleepers or cozy fleece for winter months.
Care is simple – just remove the speakers and pop the headband into the machine for a wash. With their comfortable design and decent speaker quality, the SleepPhones are a great way for insomniacs to drift off to sleep in a private little audio cocoon.
They cost just under $100 for the wireless version that I use, while the corded version costs just under $40.
Find out more in my SleepPhones review and video.
3. Spoonk Acupressure Mat
A unique way to tackle muscular tension and relax.
The photo above is taken from my video review of the Spoonk mat, looking very serious as I decide whether to lie on it with or without my top on! You can see the standard mat on the floor, and the more compact version on the sofa, which is made with a yoga mat material.
Based on the ancient Japanese art of acupressure massage, the Spoonk acupressure mat is an interesting way to tackle muscular tension, particularly in the back, shoulders, and neck.
The makers of acupressure mats also claim they can help with general relaxation and stress relief. So if tension and stress are keeping you up at night, it could be another tool to keep in your stress reduction toolbox.
When you first see the 8000 stimulation points that you lie on, a little skepticism naturally arises. Once you settle onto it though, I’ve found the warm sensation that arises in your back is surprisingly calming.
The Spoonk mat quickly became a personal favorite of mine, helping me unwind after long days working on my laptop. So for the insomniac who struggles with back pain or stress, this is a gift I recommend considering.
While it may not suit everyone, particularly those with sensitive skin or more serious back problems, it’s certainly an interesting talking point and a fun challenge.
As with most acupressure mats, the price hovers in the $50 – $70 range. There are a few different brands making these mats nowadays, but I don’t think you need to pay more than that to get a good one. There’s also a neck massager and massage ball included, which is good for tackling stubborn knots.
See it in action in my Spoonk mat review and video.
4. Bearaby Napper Weighted Blanket
A stylish and breathable blanket that hugs you to sleep.
In the photo above, I’m relaxing under my Bearaby Napper. The comfy, stylish design makes it a good weighted blanket to use in both the bedroom and living room.
Working on the principle of deep touch pressure stimulation, a weighted blanket applies gentle pressure over your whole body, often described as feeling a little like being hugged.
Weighted blanket manufacturers often claim that they stimulate serotonin production and reduce cortisol, leading to less stress and more relaxation.
In my experience, the Bearaby Napper does feel relaxing to use, and I can see where the hug effect concept comes from; the combination of the weight and the way it conforms to the shape of your body has a reassuring feel to it.
The Bearaby Napper is unique in the weighted blanket world in that it doesn’t use artificial filler and thousands of microbeads. Instead, it has a giant organic cotton weave to create the weight. So it’s a more eco-friendly weighted blanket, made by a company that values sustainability.
While the cotton weave and rich color add a touch of elegance to both beds and sofas, the weave’s natural air holes also make it more breathable than standard weighted blankets. In a test I did of various weighted blankets, this one was the most breathable by far.
As for the price, the Bearaby Napper costs between $199 and $279 depending on the size, which is a typical price for high-quality weighted blankets.
So if you know an insomniac who likes a good hug, and who enjoys a little comfort in life, the Bearaby weighted blanket could be the perfect gift.
See it in action in my weighted blankets for hot sleepers article.
5. Alaska Bear Silk Sleep Mask
The perfect way to rest your eyes and sleep in complete darkness.
In the photo above, I’m wearing the Alaska Bear sleep mask. It blocks out all light and feels comfortable in all sleep positions.
If you’re a sensitive sleeper, the tiniest slither of light through the curtains or the glow of electronic devices is enough to keep you awake. And if you’re fond of daytime naps, it’s even more likely the room will be too bright to completely switch off.
The Alaska Bear was my favorite sleep mask when I tested a wide range of different shapes, sizes and materials. Most importantly, it does an excellent job of shutting out the light. The natural silk feels soft against the skin, and the adjustable strap holds it in place without it feeling too tight.
The mask is breathable, which is great in hot weather, and it’s easy to clean. For those who need complete darkness to fall into a deep sleep, this is a sleep mask that will draw the curtains on the world for a short while.
At just under $10, this is the most budget-friendly gift on the list, while still being one that many people will appreciate.
Find out more in my sleep masks comparison and video.
6. LectroFan Evo White Noise Machine
Soothing white noise and fan sounds to block out external noise.
Above, you can see the LectroFan Evo. It’s long been my favorite white noise machine because of the relaxing pink and brown noise options.
Some insomniacs struggle to sleep if there’s even the slightest noise in the house. A good set of earplugs is always a reliable way to reduce some noise at night, but there’s an alternative that can work well for those who find earplugs uncomfortable: a white noise machine.
White noise is a simple and effective way to mask sound coming from outside the bedroom. Some people also find it helps them concentrate when studying or working if the outside world is full of distracting noises.
The LectroFan Evo is an excellent little device, with a minimalist design and high-quality white noise production. The choice of 22 fan, white noise, or ocean surf sounds means there are options to block out a wide range of noise in the outside world.
It might not be everyone’s idea of peace and quiet, but many insomniacs find it provides relief from the sound of passing cars, music, dogs, television, or even that creaking pipe somewhere under the floorboards.
For under $40, the price is good for a white noise machine. In my experience, $30 – $50 tends to be the sweet spot when balancing sound quality and value for money with sound machines.
Listen to the sounds in my LectroFan Evo review and video.
7. Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 wake-up light.
Fall asleep and wake up easier with a sunset and sunrise simulator.
Above, you can see one of the stages of the Lumie’s gorgeous deep sunset effect. The wake-up light is nicer than an alarm, but it’s the drifting off to sleep as the light fades out that really does it for me.
Do you know someone who struggles to wake up during the winter months? Perhaps they often seem grumpy in the morning, and don’t exactly face the day with a spring in their step.
Not everyone finds it easy to start the day with a smile, especially when it’s still dark outside. That’s where the Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 wake-up light can make a difference.
A short while before your chosen alarm time, it will turn on with a warm red glow and slowly increase in brightness over 15-90 minutes. It gently fades through deep reds, oranges, yellows, and finishes on a brightness of your choice.
With nature sounds or
It costs around $160, which puts it in the middle of the price range for advanced wake-up lights. You can find some more budget-friendly models, but the color transition tends to be less smooth.
See it in action in my Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300 review and video.
8. Fitbit Versa 4
A sleep and activity tracker that encourages positive habits.
In the photo above, I’m wearing the Fitbit Versa 4. I like being able to see my stats directly on the watch, so I don’t need to constantly open up the app.
The Fitbit Versa 4 isn’t just a stylish smartwatch, it’s also a tool that encourages a healthier lifestyle, promoting both physical fitness and better sleep.
It provides a detailed breakdown of your sleep stages on the accompanying app, with deep sleep, REM, light sleep, and wakings included. It also compares your sleep to other people your age and maps your sleep progress over the past 30 days.
The Versa 4 measures an array of biometric data, including SPO2 monitoring for blood oxygen levels, breathing rate, heart rate variability, and more. Additionally, it employs constant heart rate monitoring for a diverse range of activity tracking, such as counting steps, floors climbed, calories burned, and how much exercise you’ve managed to fit into your day.
The idea is that the Fitbit Versa 4 will help motivate insomniacs to be a bit more active during the day, while increasing their awareness of their sleep patterns at night. The vibrating alarm on the wrist is also a great feature if you sleep with someone who doesn’t want to wake up as early as you do (i.e. me when my partner gets up early for work…)
The Fitbit Versa 4 usually falls in the price range of $150 to $200, which is typical for a more advanced Fitbit model.
9. BedJet 3
High-tech wizardry that can cool or heat the bed.
In the photo, I’m demonstrating the BedJet 3 in my previous bedroom. The base unit can be positioned under the bed or next to it, and the tube and nozzle are adjustable to direct airflow to different parts of your bed and body.
Some people find they sweat their way through the sticky summer nights, and then shiver their way into bed in the winter; others just wish that Jedi mind control worked on their body’s thermostat.
The BedJet 3 is a sophisticated fan system that gives you complete control over the speed and temperature of the airflow. It serves as an efficient bed cooling system in the summer, and an effective alternative to heated bedding in the winter.
The included remote control or user-friendly app lets you finetune the fan speed and temperature, and also lets you program changing temperatures throughout the night. And for couples with differing temperature preferences, a dual-zone version comes with two separate units and remotes.
If standard fans or heated bedding have let you down in the past, the BedJet 3 will rise to the challenge, giving those who struggle with temperature in bed a reliable way to do something about it throughout the whole year.
Just keep in mind that this is the most expensive item in the article, with a price tag well into the triple digits. So this is a sleep gift best suited for those who are feeling especially generous.
Find out more in my BedJet 3 review and video.
10. Himalayan Glow Salt Lamp
A relaxing glow adds some visual warmth to the bedroom.
I love how my Himalayan salt lamp gently illuminates the hanging Pothos plant and some books. It adds a nice touch to the ambience, and feels calmer than bright overhead lights.
No Christmas market is complete without a glowing stall selling Himalayan salt lamps. When you have dozens of them together in the dark, they are hard to resist.
If you don’t fancy carting one around with you while shopping in person, you can find many online – such as the Himalayan Glow. The manufacturers of these lamps sometimes claim they have various health benefits, such as purifying air. To my knowledge, the evidence is more anecdotal than scientific though.
Still, I’m a firm believer in the power of lighting to temporarily change your mood. Turning off the main lights in a living room or bedroom and just having one or two soft lamps always relaxes me at the end of a long day.
So even though I can’t promise a salt lamp will help improve your sleep, it’s hard to imagine the warm glow having no effect once you dim the normal room lights, put on some relaxing music, and switch off from the outside world.
The price is good too, at under $25. If you do see one in a market stall though and can carry the weight around, shopping local is always a good thing.
