Anyone who's ever tried to be productive after a sleepless night knows the importance of a good night's rest. When your body misses out on peaceful slumber, you feel like you're literally running on fumes. We've been there and it ain't pretty, which is why we're thrilled to debut the first-ever Yahoo Sleep Awards.
In this story
We gathered Yahoo's experts in all things health, home, tech and style, and tasked them with evaluating countless products that promise to deliver sweet dreams. Mattresses and pillows? Check. Sheets and blankets? Check. Snoring solutions and cooling pajamas? Check, check.
After months of hands-on, real-world tests, we're finally ready to reveal this year's Yahoo Sleep Award winners. These are the products we use ourselves to get quality zzz's, and we recommend them wholeheartedly to friends, family and you, valued readers who rely on us to make shopping a little simpler. Invest in these nighttime essentials, and serene sleep is sure to follow.
Mattresses
When it comes to the mattress we love most for a variety of different sleepers, this hybrid Helix scores high marks. It's incredibly soft to the touch and designed to promote airflow, helping you stay cool at night. Another highlight? The wrapped coils help cradle your body for extra support while you sleep.
More than 5,800 shoppers have given this mattress a five-star rating. "We have been amazed at the difference this mattress is making — longer uninterrupted sleeps with no aches or pains upon waking. Truly miraculous!" one shopper shared. Another added, "Most comfortable mattress I've ever slept on."
Hot sleepers rejoice: This top-rated mattress, available in three firmness levels, has a specially designed layer to draw excess heat away from the body, plus foam and coil sections that allow cool air to pass through. And just for good measure, there's a cooling cover on top.
"I sleep hot, and the cooling of the mattress is definitely noticeable," our tester noted after sleeping on this mattress for several weeks. "I often stay at a good temperature through the night and rarely feel pain. I wake up feeling good!"
Other customers agree: Nearly 3,000 shoppers rate it five stars. "This mattress is beyond comfortable," one shared. "It is absolutely the most comfortable mattress my husband and I have ever slept on. I struggle with sleeping through the night, and this mattress is a game-changer."
Sharing a bed has its perks, but being disturbed every time your partner tosses and turns isn't one of them. The plush layers of this Tempur-Pedic don't just offer superior support and keep your body cool; they also absorb motion, so when one person moves, the sleepyhead next to them doesn't even notice.
Yahoo Evergreen Commerce Director Lauren Matthews-Ide put this mattress to the test and was impressed with the results. "Very little movement felt from my partner and vice versa as we tossed and changed positions," she shares. "Every night we slept on this bed, I did not feel any movement on his end."
Though the mattress started out quite firm, it softened and adapted to her body's shape, she says. "After lying down, the mattress gradually conformed to my body and became incredibly comfortable. In fact, it provides enough pressure relief that I don't always feel the need for a pillow," she says.
This Leesa mattress is an OG bestseller for a reason — it's designed to offer support so you don't sink in and breathable layers that don't trap heat.
There's no shortage of praise when it comes to this bed. It has over 14,000 fans who've been wowed by how it's transformed their sleep. "Sturdy and very comfortable. I have slept well since I got it! I went from waking up with bad back pains every morning to no back pains at all," one well-rested reviewer wrote. Another declared, "This is the best mattress that I've ever slept on. I look forward to climbing into bed."
Hybrid mattresses offer impressive support thanks to foam layers that sit on top of coils. Like thousands of shoppers, we were wowed by Bear's Elite model. Our panel reported no pain, whether lying on their sides, stomachs or backs.
This mattress also scored exceptionally well in support. "I especially like the firm edge, so I don't feel like I'll fall off, and the ease of turning over. Some mattresses are so soft that it is actually quite difficult to turn. This has a good combination of appropriate firmness and give," one tester explained.
Thousands of shoppers are also pleased. "This is our second Bear mattress. We really like how this has a pillow-top concept without being so soft that you sink into the mattress and don’t actually feel supported," one repeat buyer said. "I recommend this mattress, especially if you need the back support. My husband and I are very happy with it as we don't wake each other when we are rolling over or even getting up and out of bed."
If eco-friendly materials are important to you, this top-rated mattress should be a top contender. It's made with organic latex, wool and cotton, and it doesn't contain any polyurethane foams or fire retardants.
Yahoo Senior Wellness Writer Kelli McGrane has been sleeping on it for months and says it's a winner: "While I typically like a slightly firmer feel, I was impressed by how soundly I slept with zero pain or soreness the next day. The mattress is marketed for back and stomach sleepers, which I agree with — it's one of the most comfortable mattresses I've tried for stomach sleeping. However, as someone who sleeps all over during the night, I've also found it to be plenty comfy on my side."
Over 15,000 shoppers are glad they chose this mattress too: "Its firm support has alleviated all our back pain!" one raved. "We can sleep on our sides, back and stomach without any soreness. We also love that it is a healthy choice made of natural and tested materials."
We may not have flying cars yet, but this smart bed really does feel like the future. Highlights include customizable firmness on each side, individual temperature control and an adjustable base that lets you raise the head and/or foot of the bed. It measures your sleep quality and even adjusts to your every movement to offer optimal support no matter what position you're in.
"This mattress is very flexible," our tester wrote. "I am someone who sleeps mainly on my side but also on my stomach from time to time, and I haven't had any issues with soreness or feeling out of alignment since sleeping on this bed. My partner mainly sleeps on his back, and he has also mentioned that he feels well rested and better supported in this bed than our previous one."
And a shopper shared: "This is by far the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in bar none. Not only am I more rested and focused, but my back feels better than it has in years. The ability to not only control the firmness and the shape but temperature as well makes going to bed something you look forward to."
Dealing with chronic pain? This Satvaa has been endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association and features a patented "lumbar zone" with gel-infused memory foam to help with pressure-point relief.
Senior Health Editor Laura Williams says it delivers. "As someone who has had on-and-off chronic low back pain for more than 20 years, I've tried 10 different mattresses in the last 10 years. The Saatva is the only one that I actually feel helps me on this front," she says.
Countless shoppers also report a significant reduction in pain and soreness after sleeping on this innerspring, available in two heights and three comfort levels. "My husband and I are loving our new mattress! We've both been sleeping better, and wake up with less stiffness in our lower backs every day! So happy we made the switch," one wrote. Another added, "By the second night, I knew that this was the mattress for me. I no longer wake up with back pain."
Pillows
Sleep Number
While it's hard to put just one pillow at the top of the heap, our editors say this SleepNumber is a great investment. The memory foam-down alternative hybrid pillow comes in three shapes designed to fit the way you sleep. "Classic" supports the head and neck and is recommended for stomach or back sleepers; "Curved" works with the contours of your body to provide comfort to side and back sleepers; and "Ultimate" has three removable inserts so you can customize support as your sleep needs change. (Stomach sleepers should use one or two inserts, back or side sleepers can try two or three.)
Our editors also like that this pillow has a Lyocell blend cover that's breathable and hypoallergenic, so it's a solid choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin. According to Dr. Ashley Magovern , a board-certified dermatologist, "Poor-quality pillow covers can irritate the skin ... because of synthetic dyes and subpar materials."
More than 24,000 Sleep Number shoppers give it a five-star rating too. "I'm a side sleeper and it's just amazing," said one user who's had the pillow for 10 months. "It manages that impossible feat of softness, loftiness and support. Hasn't needed fluffing!"
Related: The best pillows of 2026 that suit every type of sleeper, tested and reviewed
Hot sleepers, listen up: This one's for you. This cooling, latex-filled cushion is encased in Purple's GelFlex grid, so no matter which way you flip your pillow, you're going to get the chilly side. Plus, the outer cover is made of a moisture-wicking, stretch-knit material.
It comes in two sizes and three heights for different body sizes and sleep styles. Purple recommends the standard size in the medium height for side or combination sleepers (and considers it medium firmness). The tall height is for side/combination sleepers with large to extra-large frames, and the low height is for stomach and back sleepers with small to medium frames.
Senior Home Writer Kristin Granero tested it out. "I couldn't get over how soft and cool the cover felt — and how plush and responsive the cushioning was," she says . "I felt supported, as if my head and neck were floating, regardless of the position I slept in. When I lifted my head, the pillow rebounded almost immediately — even after eight-plus hours of sleep — supporting Purple's 'bouncy' claim and speaking to the materials' incredible adaptability."
One caveat: This pillow probably isn't for people who prefer a pillow they can really sink into or mold (like down or memory foam).
Tempur-Pedic
If you like a less squishy, more supportive pillow, memory foam is a great option. Our team tried several, and this Tempur-Pedic offering is our No. 1 pick. Made from one solid piece of memory foam, it's basic in the best way, providing just the right firmness, especially if you're a side-sleeper. And it's machine-washable!
"I love the way the memory foam gently cradles your head and neck and doesn't just flatten like certain traditional pillows," says Senior Home Writer Lisa Schweitzer , who tested all of Tempur-Pedic's pillows . "My head sank into it a bit, but I felt supported and stayed cool throughout the night."
Tempur-Pedic says this pillow is its most popular, and it has a five-star rating from over 5,500 reviewers. "No one wants to have to 'think' about their pillow at night," explained one buyer. "This pillow is consistently pleasant to sleep on. After a long day, it's a perfect lift to my neck and head."
Raved another: "I wake up with no neck pain and I'm sleeping better than I have in years! I will only buy these pillows from now on!"
These pillows are a consistent favorite among the Yahoo team and also happen to be the most affordable. They've garnered a cult-like following, and are endorsed by hundreds of thousands of five-star Amazon reviewers, for their luxurious look and hotel-quality feel. Their "no-shift" construction combines down alternative fill with gel and shredded memory foam, combating lumps and clumps, and making them plush but supportive.
They arrive vacuum-packed in a small box, but once the plastic was off, they immediately came to life, Granero says. "I gave them a good fluffing and, after sleeping on them all that night and many since, can confirm just how soft and supportive they truly are," she says .
Commerce Initiatives Writer Ellie Conley agrees — these pillows are super comfy. She explains: "I originally got these for my guest room, and after a friend spent the night, she loved them so much she bought them for her own home. While I usually prefer a firm memory foam pillow myself, I caved and got these for my own bed and I fell in love with them too! They really feel like a soft, plump five-star hotel pillow."
Whether you snore or you have to listen to someone who does, it may be wreaking havoc on your sleep. Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Chester Wu often recommends starting with nasal strips to quiet the noise, but also points his patients toward a simple but effective solution: wedge pillows. By propping up your upper body , these pillows help keep your airways open while you sleep.
This Avocado pillow stood out as our testers' favorite. Made with GOLS-certified organic latex and wrapped in plush organic cotton, it's designed to maintain its shape better than memory foam or polyurethane, even with nightly use. It's also naturally cooling, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
"This miracle pillow immediately stopped my husband's snoring!" said one of the pillow's five-star reviewers. "I didn’t think it would work, but it did the first night!"
So you're expecting a little bundle of joy? There are a lot of exciting things to come, and you're going to need all the sleep you can get. Of course, that's easier said than done, which is why a pregnancy body pillow is essential to support your back and belly, helping you sleep more comfortably on your side.
Senior Health Editor Laura Williams put over 10 pregnancy pillows to the test, and this buy from Bedgear is her top pick. "There are a number I like, but this one sleeps particularly cool, and the shape/size is flexible for a range of sleep positions," she says. "This one I can position under my head in place of a separate pillow, and still have support for my belly or back, depending on the position I'm in. It's not quite as overwhelmingly-sized as some pregnancy pillows, and the cover is removable and easy to wash."
While this isn't marketed as a pregnancy body pillow, you can definitely use it as one and keep it for postpartum sleep. It "has been amazing for a side sleeper. It tucks between my knees and still wraps around my head and neck. The cover is soft and comfortable," said one five-star reviewer.
Bedding
Yahoo editors put 60+ sets of sheets to the ultimate test: We assessed their look and feel, soaked them with water to gauge their moisture-wicking abilities, and subjected them to several laundry cycles to evaluate any fading or shrinkage. In the end, Brooklinen's took the top spot in our ranking of the best luxury sheets of 2026 .
Granero explains, "The sheets, made of Oeko-Tex-certified long-staple cotton, are soft and cool to the touch. They're crisp like Brooklinen's classic core sheet set , which is made of cotton percale, but with a sheen.
"Outside of these tests, I've owned several Luxe Sateen Core sheet sets for a few years now, and they show no signs of wear," she adds.
These sheets come in just over 20 colors (although many of them often sell out) and six sizes. And according to the brand, more than 1 million sets have been sold, so we're clearly not the only fans.
If you consistently wake up in a sweat, you need some good cooling sheets. Our recommendation? These Buffy sheets. Made of a silky-smooth eucalyptus fiber (lyocell), they were designed with breathability in mind.
Senior Deals Writer Britt Ross says they've made a huge difference in her sleep. "I'd been sleeping on cotton sheets prior to these, and would often find myself overheating, which in turn resulted in a not-so-restful slumber," she says. "I'm also extremely frugal, but after just one night with these sheets, I knew their price tag was justified... I feel like I'm getting into a hotel bed every time I go to sleep!"
She added that "these sheets have the smoothest texture of any [sheets] I've ever owned and actually feel cool to the touch."
They come in six sizes and over 40 colors, and no matter which shade you choose, you can sleep on them for up to 50 nights. If you decide they're not for you, Buffy will let you return them.
Costco is great for a lot of things, from big packs of toilet paper to $4.99 rotisserie chickens. But it's also great for five-star luxury hotel bedding at a Holiday Inn price, and that's why these soft, smooth Kirkland Signature sheets take our top spot as the most wallet-friendly sheets that feel luxe.
While Costco doesn't advertise that these are sateen on its packaging, the satiny texture and sheen are dead giveaways. And they're made from pima cotton, a high-quality, long-staple fiber. But where this bedding really stands out is the deep-pocket fitted sheet: It includes helpful labels, indicating the top and bottom, can accommodate mattresses up to 18 inches thick and features an extra elastic band in the corners to keep the sheet firmly in place.
"There's nothing flimsy about these sheets; in fact, they feel thick, tightly woven and durable. What accompanies that is considerable warmth, which can be a plus or a minus depending on your preference. Overall, these are a solid choice and offer an excellent value," Schweitzer said in her review .
The set includes the usual flat and fitted sheets, plus four pillowcases instead of the standard two. Choose from four sizes and four neutral colors.
If you want your bedding to feel like you're wrapped in a cloud, a cushy comforter is a must. The thing is, it can get a little hot under a big down blankie. But that's why Yahoo editors, TikTokers and shoppers rave about the Buffy Cloud, a cooling comforter that doesn't skimp on the fluff.
The outer fabric is made with lyocell, a fiber known for its breathability. It feels cool to the touch and very silky. The fill is made from Global Recycle Standard-certified recycled PET, and each blanket comprises 50 recycled plastic bottles. The curving, ogee-style seams keep all the fill in place, as one editor confirmed with several vigorous shakes.
"I initially tested this popular comforter for our roundup of the best comforters . I evaluated it for look and feel, plus factors like machine-washability and sweat-wicking abilities," explains Granero. "After sleeping under it for a week, I chose it as my top pick for the best cooling comforter for its mix of cushiness and breathability. I've now owned the Cloud for over seven months, and can confirm it's still as comfy — and oh-so-silky — as when I got it."
Brooklinen
If you like a lot of fluff in your comforter but prefer a down alternative, this Brooklinen is an editor fave. In fact, it's No. 1 on our list of the best comforters of 2026 . It's lofty, even though it weighs in at less than 7 pounds (lighter than many others the team tested), and it has a hypoallergenic fill wrapped in a cooling, cozy cotton sateen shell. This is also the closest-to-the-real-thing down-alternative fill we've tested.
Granero says she's owned this comforter for more than two years, and it's kept its plush shape and feel. "It's so versatile that I use it almost all year… It feels like a giant hug for the bed, making it a worthy investment!"
She also says that she's "impressed by how well it survived the aggressive shaking from my testing, which I chalked up to its sewn-through, box-style construction. The fabric is also breathable and quick-drying."
The brand also sells lightweight and heavyweight versions if you prefer to swap your bedding depending on the time of year.
When it comes to real down feather duvets, this is one of the most comfortable, beautiful and thoughtfully designed we've gotten our hands on. The 230-thread-count percale shell feels smooth and crisp to the touch, and with a 550 fill power, the comforter is not quite as cushy as the Brooklinen comforter above, but it's similarly lofty.
It has a box-stitch weave throughout to keep the feathers from moving around or falling out. And in a spill test, it appeared to be almost water-resistant, at least for a few seconds, which may indicate that it's slower to wick sweat than some others we tested. But that could make it easier to catch actual spills before they settle in and travel.
Also, one important callout: This comforter is Oeko-Tex certified and has a seal of approval from the Responsible Down Standard , an organization focused on more humane animal practices and traceability.
"One fun feature of this down comforter is that it comes in 14 striking colors, so you don't necessarily need a duvet cover," says Granero. "I tested Tourmaline, a light teal that would work for any season. As this comforter is also machine-washable, I took it for a spin in the laundry and am happy to report it preserved its shape and saturation with very little creasing."
If you find yourself lying awake, replaying your day or thinking about your to-do list, a sleep aid like a weighted blanket could help you relax. While more research is needed, studies indicate that the gentle pressure of weighted blankets activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of calming hormones like serotonin and melatonin.
Our favorite weighted blanket , from Luxome, delivers a sleek combination of comfort, style and price. While most weighted blankets prioritize function over comfort, the Luxome excels with a bamboo lyocell finish on one side and a plush minky finish on the other that's uncommonly cozy.
"Unlike weighted blankets with slick finishes, the Luxome stays in place all night, delivering ideal pressure," says Contributing Health Writer Sharon Brandwein . "The glass beads and smart construction maintain even weight distribution, even when tossing and turning. Bonus: It's machine-washable."
The main hiccup? The blanket ran pretty warm during testing, she says. For cold sleepers looking for something cozy, this enhances its appeal. However, hot sleepers might want to consider another option.
Sometimes you need to give your bedding a little extra oomph, and a throw blanket is an easy addition. For a reversible, medium-weight throw with winter-cabin appeal, don't sleep on this popular Eddie Bauer option (or do!). It's beloved by Yahoo editors , readers and Amazon shoppers for its generous size, cozy feel and affordable price.
One side is soft cotton in classic black checks, and the other is faux shearling popcorn fleece. It measures 50 by 60 inches, so you can share the coziness. Once you drape yourself in the sherpa goodness, you may not want to come out until spring.
Nearly 7,200 five-star Amazon reviewers love snuggling up with this fuzzy throw too. "Great quality, washed and dried like a dream," said one cozy customer . "The buffalo check was perfect for the cold months, while the faux shearling kept me warm and toasty during a really frigid winter. Great value for the price. Loved it so much I bought more as gifts."
The Company Store
Quilts add an extra layer of warmth and style to your bed, and this Company Store favorite is our top pick . Many store-bought quilts are not pieced together like traditional versions, says Latifah Saafir, CEO of Latifah Saafir Studios and cofounder of the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild . But she points out that The Company Store is a happy exception. "They still do piecing, and as far as quality is concerned, they use natural materials, like cotton."
This pick is constructed from 100% cotton voile and features 100% cotton batting, which Saafir adds is great for year-round use. Voile is a soft, thin fabric, which gives this quilt a lightweight feel and adds to its breathability — you could use it alone or layered with a comforter.
It's one of the least expensive high-quality, hand-stitched quilts our team could find, plus it's quite a looker. This beauty features an irregular chevron pattern that gives it tons of texture, and it comes in 16 rich colors, including earth and jewel tones.
As much as you may love cotton, the friction created when you rub against it can lead to frizzy hair and dry skin. One smart solution? A silk pillowcase. We chose Blissy as our top pick because it's among the softest, smoothest and coolest-to-the-touch silk pillowcases we tested, plus it comes in a covetable mix of colors and patterns.
Blissy's silk pillowcase is made from mulberry silk that's Oeko-Tex-certified , meaning it's free from more than 100 potentially harmful chemicals. It has a momme — a unit of weight for silk — of 22, generally considered lightweight yet durable.
"I often wake up with crease lines on my face from sleeping … and I'm not kidding when I say my hair can look like a bird's nest in the morning!" Granero says. "After my sleep test, I didn't see any noticeable lines, and my strands, which are very long and wavy, looked smooth — no sign of frizzing or tangles. Thanks to the discreet zipper along one side of the pillowcase, I also didn't have to worry about it sliding off my pillow in the middle of the night: It stayed put, despite my usual tossing and turning."
It gets bonus points because it comes wrapped in tissue paper in a branded box for easy gifting, and with more than 100 colors and prints, there's no shortage of options.
Not ready to invest big bucks in genuine silk pillowcases? Then start with these smooth satin covers. They feel nice and soft on your skin, and are gentler on your hair than cotton. Best of all, they stay cool throughout the night.
Commerce Initiatives Director Jeanine Edwards has been sleeping on these pillowcases for over three years, and she swears by them. "Honestly, I've lost count of how many times I've purchased these pillowcases," she admits. "I cannot sleep without them at this point. I have them on all the beds in my home, and I even own a bunch of extras that I pack whenever I travel. They do wonders for my complexion and keep me from sweating out my hair at night. And the price? Can't be beat!"
Edwards is just one of more than 200,000 (yes, really!) customers who call these pillowcases a fave. "These Bedsure satin pillowcases have been absolutely incredible and revolutionized both my sleep quality and morning hair situation — the quality is outstanding," one Amazon shopper wrote .
Commerce Editor Saundra Latham says this mattress pad saved her marriage . She runs warm, but her hubby's always cold. Rather than continue to fight over the thermostat before bed, she tried this dual-sided topper and voila , peace and harmony were restored.
"This mattress pad delivers where it counts: It heats up quickly and evenly, it's easy to operate, and I don't feel the wires at all," she explains. "Yep, there are more fully featured heated mattress pads out there, but so far, I'm loving the simplicity of this one. It does what it promises and it does it well, so why pay for bells and whistles you might not need?"
Latham isn't the only person whose relationship relies on this product. Another Amazon reviewer called it a "marriage saver," explaining that she uses the dual controls to keep her side of the bed warm while her husband can stay cool on his side. "We are both very comfortable now sleeping in our bed," she says.
Gadgets
Amazon
If one of your goals for 2026 is to wake up earlier (or make waking up slightly more pleasant), a sunrise alarm clock is a great place to start. After thorough testing, Lumie's Bodyclock earned the top spot in our list of seven standouts. It may take up some valuable real estate on your nightstand, but since it can act as a lamp, sound system and clock all at once, we think it's well worth it. Plus, the frosted glass and weighted base that looks like it's covered in linen make it an easy addition to any bedroom decor.
The Lumie features a gradual sunrise light effect to gently wake you up, and you can customize the duration of that "sunrise" between 15 and 90 minutes. The light starts out as a red-orange hue and eventually ends up closer to a white light as you approach your wake-up time; you have 20 brightness levels to choose from. Our tester, Brandwein, assures users that "the setup for this clock was relatively easy, as it's reasonably intuitive." She also added that "the device earns extra points for its smart feature that automatically adjusts the display brightness based on the room's light level."
There are well over 20 preprogrammed sleep sounds, but you also have the option to use your own playlist by connecting your smartphone to Lumie's clock. As previously mentioned, this sunrise alarm clock can be used at night — it has a low-blue light setting that is ideal for winding down.
Amazon
You may already be familiar with the Oura Ring for its fitness, stress and metabolic tracking abilities, but if you're not also using it to learn more about your sleep habits, you're missing out. It assigns you a Sleep Score that is made up of a few things, including how long it took you to fall asleep, your nighttime movement and how long you spent in each sleep stage (such as REM sleep). It can even tell you what your blood oxygen saturation levels are while you sleep, which can help you learn more about how your body is circulating and absorbing oxygen.
Additionally, this sleep tracker can provide guidance on how you can get a better night's sleep by suggesting when it's time to start winding down. Oura also gives you a daily Readiness Score to tell you how energized you are for the day based on your heart rate, stress levels and, you guessed it, quality of sleep.
The Oura Ring boasts up to eight days of battery life, and we love its sleek, minimal design that's totally screen- and vibration-free.
Loop Earplugs
Whether you live in a noisy city, have a partner who snores or are simply a light sleeper, earplugs can change the game when it comes to getting quality shut-eye. These Loops are made from soft, flexible silicone that's comfortable even for side sleepers. Reusable for up to five years, they took the No. 1 spot in our list of the best earplugs for sleeping .
They come with four sets of ear tips so you can find the perfect size for your ears. To get the right fit, Loop instructs users to put them in, then twist them to secure them in place. The brand also notes that when the earplugs are in correctly, they won't stick out. This is one of the reasons why they're comfortable to wear overnight, as they shouldn't put extra pressure on your ears.
Yahoo Contributing Health Writer Lindsay Boyers , who tested them firsthand, calls them her "hands-down my favorite for several reasons. Perhaps most important, they worked really well. They formed a tight seal that blocked out most sound and turned my partner's jarring, chainsaw-like snoring into dull background noise, allowing me to drift off to sleep comfortably."
Boyers did note that while she was able to hear her alarm clock that was next to her side of the bed, she couldn't hear her partner's alarm on the other side of the room. So you may want to test them with your alarm before you find yourself running late.
While these earplugs are great for sound sleep, they also make excellent travel and commuting companions when you want to block out the rest of the world.
Sleep headphones and earbuds are a great way to help you get better sleep by blocking out noise from the outside world, and we believe Soundcore's Sleep A30s are a cut above. They're made with soft silicone and feature an ergonomic design so even side sleepers can use them comfortably. They have ANC, or active noise cancelling, so they can block out nighttime noises like appliances humming, pets moving and traffic. However, one of the coolest features is Adaptive Snore Masking, which dynamically adjusts the audio so that white noise can help drown out the snores.
An accompanying smartphone app gives you in-depth reporting and analysis on how you slept and lets you set up custom bedtime audios, sleep reminders, alarms and more. These earbuds also have a microphone, so you can answer phone calls, and they have nine hours of playtime with ANC on. But don't worry — your audio will stop playing when sleep is detected, so you don't get woken up.
White noise may be just what your sleep routine is missing. According to sleep expert Sarah Bossio , "The most obvious benefit of white noise is its ability to reduce the external noise from your surrounding environment, allowing you to stay in a deeper sleep or smoothly transition through sleep cycles."
Whether they're drowning out traffic, snoring roommates or nocturnal pets, white noise machines can help you stay in dreamland a bit longer, and LectroFan's machine is our top pick . After testing, our editors found it to be user-friendly and basic in the best way — no extra apps or Bluetooth connections needed.
There are 22 nonlooping sounds that include fan sounds, ocean waves and other white noise variants. There's also has a sleep timer if you'd prefer it to shut off after you've drifted off to sleep. And since it measures just 4.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches, it's compact enough to bring along when traveling.
One happy user raved: "This machine is perfect for covering up bass, traffic noises and noisy neighbors! The fan sound is a great cover-up, and I can't believe the difference in what I can and can't hear! Though I can hear cars/trucks going by playing their music loud, it is significantly muted (and not a major problem for me). This totally does what it says! I am so much more relaxed!"
Smart Nora
If you've been fighting a losing battle against snoring, it may be time to invest in the Smart Nora — in our opinion, the best anti-snoring device on the market. This smart device, which is made up of a pillow insert, a microphone and a base, essentially turns your standard pillow into an anti-snoring pillow. To do so, the microphone picks up snoring sounds and signals the padded pillow inset to inflate, slightly lifting the user's head to reduce snoring.
Our editors loved the Smart Nora because it's less invasive than mouth tape or nose dilators, and because both the microphone and inflation settings are customizable. Additionally, since this product does have a large price tag, Smart Nora offers a 30-day risk-free return policy, so customers can try it out before committing.
One pleased reviewer shared: "I've tried multiple things in the past and nothing has worked until now. My wife is extremely happy and most importantly, we're both sleeping uninterruptedly. Quality of the product is great, instructions are easy to follow, and best of all — it's extremely comfortable. It's basically a balloon inside my pillow that inflates and repositions my head and allows me to stop snoring. Plus, it's very quiet."
Extras
Turn your bedroom into a cozy oasis with room-darkening curtains. Whether you have a room that gets a lot of natural light or has a lamppost right outside, room-darkening curtains can totally change the game when it comes to blocking out light, a major sleep disruptor .
These curtains come in four neutral hues and can easily be paired with blinds or sheer, more decorative curtains. So whether you want to keep out lingering light or could just use a little privacy, these curtains can help you get there — plus, they're super affordable. Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder says, "Ikea is a secret treasure trove of curtains and shades. Even fancy designers I know love their window treatments."
One five-star reviewer wrote: "[These curtains do] a great job to keep the room dark and I love the color. I have to open the curtains to determine if it's morning or not."
Even a little bit of light can affect your sleep, so this year, add an eye mask to your bedtime routine. And no, you don't have to splurge to bring home a high-quality mask — this Amazon find was our top budget-friendly pick in our lineup of best sleep masks . In fact, our editors and testers report that it "delivers the same total-blackout performance as options costing three times as much, making quality sleep accessible."
Contoured eye cups don't put pressure on your eyes and, yes, it's comfortable for side and stomach sleepers. Thanks to its adjustable strap, this mask stays in place all night and completely blocks out light. The brand recommends pushing the padding down at the nose for complete blockage, but don't worry — it has a nose bridge cutout, so it won't affect airflow.
Breathable and lightweight, this eye mask is a hit with Amazon shoppers too. One five-star fan wrote: "I've tried many different [eye masks] over the years, and this is the one I've come back to over and over again. It is firmer around the edges, like a memory foam material, but that's what I like about it because it keeps the fabric across the eyes, away from my lashes. The foam material is still comfy. I am a side sleeper and it doesn't bother me one bit."
Studies on whether magnesium topicals can help you get to sleep are ongoing, but this cream has won over our editors and testers . The body butter is made with magnesium chloride, arnica, turmeric, vitamin D3, valerian root and melatonin, and it's meant to aid in muscle relaxation and tension relief.
Contributing Health Writer Lindsay Modglin tried the cream and shared: "Thanks to the shea, cocoa and mango butters, the texture is thick and moisture-rich, but it dries quickly, leaving you feeling moisturized but not greasy. A little bit goes a long way — I needed only a fingertip's worth on each foot. The scent is heavenly too!" (The brand recommends putting the vegan, cruelty-free cream on pulse points and areas of the body where you may be tense, like shoulders, feet and legs.)
"I was skeptical, but a few nighttime leg cramps later, I am pleased at how well and quickly this cream works. No issues, and by morning, my calves have really soaked it in, so there's no oily feel to my skin," wrote one "pleasantly surprised" reviewer.
Is there anything cozier than a warm cup of tea before bed? While any noncaffeinated tea is a good option, we're partial to Numi's Sweet Slumber, which earned the top spot in our roundup of the best teas for sleep. Made with calming chamomile, valerian root and lavender, this floral tea can help you to quiet your mind and wind down at the end of the day.
Contributing Health Writer SaVanna Shoemaker , a registered dietitian and self-proclaimed avid tea drinker, tried the blend herself. She raved: "When it comes to sleep teas, Numi's Sweet Slumber checks every box: It's affordable, certified organic and Fair Trade and conveniently packaged in tea bags for hassle-free brewing. But what truly sets it apart is its thoughtful formulation, featuring evidence-backed ingredients like valerian root and lavender, which work together to support restful sleep."
She described the taste as chamomile-forward with notes of lavender, lemon balm and mild licorice. And Shoemaker isn't the only fan. One pleased user shared: "It actually soothes and calms and puts you in a restful state so you can sleep."
Cooling pajamas can be a real game-changer for hot sleepers, and this is our go-to cooling pajama set. Eberjey's PJs are made with 95% Tencel fabric, which means they are incredibly soft and durable. More importantly, Tencel has temperature-regulating properties , so these PJs are also breathable and moisture-wicking.
From the classic silhouette to the contrasting piping and effortless draping, they're stylish too — and in our opinion, worth every penny. Yahoo Senior Style Editor Jessica Teich exclaims , "Eberjey pajamas are peak luxury — they feel like a cool wash of silk over your skin and stay almost unbelievably soft over many washes." Plus, Initiatives Editor Julia Webb , who's nearly 6 feet tall, says these pajamas have been a long-time favorite of hers because of the long length.
The Gisele style is a bestseller for Eberjey, so unsurprisingly, it comes in more than 20 pretty shades.
"These are the best PJs I have ever had—and I've tried many," wrote a five-star fan . "[They are as] soft as a baby's butt, and keep me comfortable without wearing a bathrobe when I get up on chilly mornings, but not too warm for transitional seasons."
If you struggle to get to sleep, you've probably tried a bunch of potential solutions — but have you tried a sleep spray ? This Dr. Teal's spritz is a top-rated essential oil spray that aims to help you drift off at bedtime. Formulated with lavender , chamomile and melatonin , it can be used in a few different ways. You can spray it on your pillows and bedding, on your body, in your shower or simply around your bedroom — there's no wrong way to enjoy the scent.
This vegan formula is paraben-, phthalate- and cruelty-free, and has plenty of fans online. One five-star fan explained that the spray "has become a nightly essential in my bedtime routine. I spray it lightly on my pillow, sheets and sometimes around the room, and the calming lavender-chamomile scent instantly helps me unwind."
Interested in aromatherapy? There's a wide world of essential oils out there to support different aspects of your life, and, yes, there are some that aim to support a good night's sleep. This blend earned a spot on our list of tried-and-tested sleep aids with its orange, tangerine, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang and sandalwood oils, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Try adding a few drops to your diffuser or your steaming shower, or use it in your own at-home room spray. The floral-citrus scent is designed to help you destress and relax in moments.
Modglin is a big fan and raves that this has become irreplaceable in her nighttime routine: "This blend isn't overpowering like others I've tried. I add a few drops to my diffuser 30 minutes before bed and feel myself starting to unwind almost immediately. What more could I ask for?"
These little drug-free strips are king of the hill among best anti-snoring devices because they're easy to use, wallet-friendly and give users instant relief. Oh, and they actually work, according to clinical research . They open your nasal passages by lifting and opening your nose so you can breathe easier, and they're safe for even sensitive skin. Great for snoring or even a stuffy nose, they promise to stay in place for up to 12 hours, whether you're sleeping, traveling or exercising.
One happy user called them "actually life-changing. I sleep so much better. I never open my mouth while asleep now. I have sensitive skin on my face. Everything breaks me out, but these do not. At all. The adhesive is very strong, but it peels off easily in the morning, leaving zero marks on my nose."
Sleep aids come in all kinds of formulas , from herbal supplements to over-the-counter medications. One of our trusty standbys? ZzzQuil. This over-the-counter nighttime sleep aid is non-habit-forming and comes in fast-acting liquicaps (but shouldn't be taken for more than a few consecutive nights). Formulated with diphenhydramine HCl, an antihistamine, it can help users fall asleep in as little as 20 minutes.
Modglin shares that ZzzQuil can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so she takes it at least eight hours before she has to be awake to avoid those potential side effects. She adds: "These are liquid caps, which I find much easier to swallow than larger pills. The outer capsule dissolves quickly, so it works faster than traditional capsules. I've undoubtedly woken up with dry mouth after taking these, but they do the job when needed. Plus, they're affordable and available at most local and online drugstores."
Thorne
Melatonin supplements are well-known helpers for those who struggle to fall asleep or deal with other sleep disturbances. Shoshana Pritzker, a registered dietitian and Contributing Health Writer, tested several melatonin products and named this one her favorite.
This one-a-day formula can be used for daily sleep, overcoming jet lag and dealing with the occasional sleepless night. While this 3-milligram dose is meant to "enhance sleep and help maintain normal circadian rhythms," Thorne also offers a 5mg capsule .
Pritzker shares: "Compared to others I tried, this one-a-day formulation helped me fall asleep faster, leaving me feeling better rested in the morning. Its effectiveness, combined with its high-quality formulation, made it an easy pick as the best overall melatonin supplement."
Thorne's Melaton-3 is NSF Certified for Sport, and the lower dose reduces the risk of morning grogginess, Pritzker adds.
Thorne
If melatonin isn't your cup of tea, magnesium may be a favorable alternative. Registered dietitian Trista Best told Yahoo that magnesium glycinate is great for those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep as it can "help to relax muscles, regulate GABA production and support [a regular] circadian rhythm."
Thorne's magnesium supplement earned the title of "best for sleep" on our list of best magnesium supplements for several reasons. First and foremost, it was effective. Our tester explained, "I was surprised that I actually felt more relaxed. My anxiety was down. I struggle with sleep, and unlike other magnesium supplements I have tried, I actually got noticeably more peaceful sleep."
Unlike Thorne's melatonin capsule supplement, this comes in a powder that must be mixed with water. The powder dissolves easily and has a slightly sweet taste.
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
A note on supplements: The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration . These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
