Give Your Loved Ones the Gift of Better Sleep

From demanding jobs to a busy home life, it seems like now more than ever people are struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, giving people gifts to help them sleep better is always a good idea.

If you’re in need of some gift ideas, check out this list for a variety of presents to help your friends and family sleep better.

Noise Machine

Noise machines help cancel out any loud, external noises by releasing white noise, often in the form of soothing sounds. There are many noise machines options out there, and many have a number of different sounds to choose from, such as birds chirping or rain falling.

Blackout Curtains

An optimal sleeping situation involves a room that’s cool and dark—blackout curtains can help achieve this. These heavy curtains block out any light, even during the day, to prevent light from disrupting your sleep. As an added bonus, they’re heavy enough that they may also help drown out some noise outside your windows.

Meditation Classes

Meditation is the practice of bringing focus to the present moment and often involves breathing exercises training the mind to calm the body. The practice of meditating has a range of health benefits, from anxiety relief to improved mood.

Improved sleep is another important benefit of meditation and in one study, mindfulness-based programs helped to reduce sleep problems in older adults. Because mindfulness helps to reduce anxiety and stress, this makes it easier for the body to relax at night and sleep peacefully.

You can usually find meditation classes at a local meditation studio or yoga studio—a gift card for these classes are a great way to help your loved one get a better night’s sleep.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular, as many people find that they help improve anxiety and stress, but they also help with having a more restful sleep. One study found that people who used weighted blankets had fewer movements at night, making for a calmer sleep. They also associated the blanket with a more secure and comfortable sleep.

Weighted blankets can be bought online or at stores like Target, and typically start at around $50.

Aromatherapy Spray

Aromatherapy can help induce sleep because it can cause the body to promote the hormones that cause sleep, such as melatonin. Lavender and chamomile are both great scent options.

You can buy the sprays online, or you can make your own. All you need is some high quality essential oils, vodka, and distilled water. Find out how to make your own here. 

Circadian Rhythm Lighting

Did you know that the light you’re exposed to on a daily basis can affect your circadian rhythm? Healthy lighting is critical to keep your sleep-wake cycle on track. During the day, you should be exposed to bright light to signal for your body to be awake. As the day progresses, however, light should become dim and softer to signal your body to relax.

This is how circadian rhythm lighting works. With Brilli’s Charge Up light bulbs, you’ll feel more alert and have more energy throughout the day. In the late afternoon and evening, you can switch to Brilli’s Wind Down bulbs for more soothing lighting that allows your body to unwind and get ready to sleep. Or, you can use Brilli’s Get in Sync fixtures which contain both the Charge Up and Wind Down technology—and wellness benefits.

Blue Light Glasses

Speaking of light, avoiding screens at night is critical to helping keep your circadian rhythm in check. By avoiding blue light, you prevent your body from feeling awake when it should be getting ready to sleep.

Avoiding screens is pretty difficult these days, so blue light glasses are a good solution. They help block out the blue light and make it easier for your body to relax. You can find hundreds of styles at a range of prices online.