With Canadian Thanksgiving already us and American Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us are turning our attention to the holidays – or simply procrastinating and doing a little shopping instead of toiling away in front of our computers. Looking for the perfect gift for the insomniac in your life? These top 10 sleep promoting items and products are sure to please.
Updated Nov 23, 2021
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1. Wireless Sleep Headphones
Bluetooth Headband Sleep Headphones are extremely soft, lightweight and hypoallergenic. The lining is breathable mesh and the band easily stretches to fit over any head size and is washable. These wireless headphones are great for listening to music, sleep apps or podcasts while still being able to hear what’s going on around you. They’re the perfect solution for parents or caretakers who still need to able to hear if someone is moving around the house in the middle of the night.
The headband is comfortable and can be pulled down over the eyes for darkness. It’s also an excellent option for running, yoga or outdoor exercise.
2. Weighted Blanket
Weighted Blankets are great for adults (and children) who have problems with anxiety, insomnia, sleep deprivation or even more serious conditions. Waowoo Adult Weighted Blankets are designed to weigh approximately 10% of the user’s total body weight and relax by simulating the feeling of being held or hugged. In order to decide which blanket weight is right for you, multiply your body weight by 10% and add a pound. (Blanket weight = 10% x body weight + 1 pound.) This blanket is machine washable and can be used as is.
3. Magicteam White Noise Machine
The Magicteam Sound Machines White Noise Machine offers 20 Non-Looping Sleep Sounds – white noise, brown noise, pink noise, blue noise, fan, brook, rain, ocean, bird and bonfire – suitable for babies, kids and adults. Its precise volume and timer settings with 32 levels of volume are perfect for sleeping babies and you can set the timer for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours or continuous play.
4. Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock
This Sleep Aid digital alarm clock is designed for everyone and is, in fact, especially effective for heavy sleepers and kids. The sunrise simulation light with 7 natural sounds comes on gradually from 10% brightness to 100% by 30 minutes before alarm setting time. If you think 30 minutes is too long, you can set the process to 20 minutes or 10 minutes. If you need to set up another alarm for a family member, you can set a second alarm. And if you like to hit snooze a few times before actually getting out of bed, the snooze function is especially designed for those who need an extra 9 minutes to start the day and can be pressed up to 5 times. There are 7 color-changing lights you can choose from, including blue, indigo, purple, red, orange, yellow and green. And finally, the three level LED time display brightness is adjustable.
5. Pillow Spray for Sleeping
Sleep sprays are made with a special blend of essential oils so that you can fall asleep naturally without the use of medications. Nuvo Wellness Deep Sleep Pillow Spray Mist is made with essential oils that will create a soothing and relaxing scent for any room.
They include lavender oil, known for its health benefits to relieve stress, promote deeper sleep and support the immune system, chamomile to help calm nerves, insomnia and infection.
The spray also includes bergamot to alleviates pain, stress and inhibits bacteria growth and geranium to promote emotional stability and reduce inflammation. Makes a great stocking stuffer.
6. Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
Essential oil diffusers not only help sleeplessness but they can also act as a humidifier and help balance out the dryness of a bedroom. The Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set diffuser includes a diffuser and 10 different essential oils. The diffuser is made of BPA free plastic with a beautiful printed wood grain design and has 7 ambient light modes with two intensity settings for 14 different light combinations. It also includes 4 timer settings and a convenient auto shutoff feature for low water levels. The essential oils are formulated using the highest quality plants and include lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, nutmeg, clove, and spearmint oils. All oils are therapeutic grade.
7. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Blue light messes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep because it blocks melatonin production and it can shift your circadian rhythm by as much as three hours. But, turning off screens and devices at least one to two hours before bedtime is easier said than done. So, whether you’re catching up on work or enjoying your favorite video game or TV show, by wearing blue light blocking glasses wearers can effectively block harmful blue light coming from phones, computer monitors, gaming, and other devices. Blue light glasses can also be worn during the day to eliminate eye strain that causes headaches, aching eyes, and blurred vision.
The livho 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses for Men and Women is a great option. Leave a pair by your laptop and the other in the TV room and never suffer from eye strain and blue-light induced insomnia again.
8. Sleep Journal
Sleep journals are great for decluttering the mind, and for tracking habits that affect sleep. Some are geared to helping you break bad habits while others are made to help you deal with anxiety and the things that are keeping you awake. The Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal is an excellent choice for insomniacs who want to try sleep journaling but don’t really know where to begin. The 90-day journal gives them a place to record their thoughts and activities and consider how they affect their emotional and physical health.
9. Himalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps are crystals carved from amber-colored rock salt, hollowed out to fit a lightbulb inside. When you light them, they give out a warm, amber glow. With their warm, pleasant, and relaxing light, users report sleeping more soundly. My Himalayan salt lamp of choice is the LEVOIT Himalayan Salt Lamp, Pink Salt Rock Large Crystal Natural Himalayan Sea Salt Lamp with Dimmer. Not only does its amber light promote relaxation, but it also doubles as a great night light, bathing an otherwise dark room in a warm, inviting glow.
10. Black Out Drapes
If your loved one is a night owl or an insomniac, they’re likely going to want to catch up on sleep on weekend mornings. Because, let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than being woken up by bright sunlight when all you want to do is catch up on sleep. This is where black out curtains come in. Available in dozens of colors and sizes, black out drapes impede 85%-99% of the light and UV rays. (Dark colored curtains work best.) Their triple weave blackout fabric also balances room temperatures by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. You’ll protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from the ravages of the sun, lower your heat and air conditioning costs and get more sleep in the process. What’s not to love?
What are you gifting your favorite insomniac this holiday season?
You might also like: Top 10 Gifts for Sleepless Kids
Great article, Méline!
Thanks, Stephanie! Hope you’re sleeping well these days. xx
A very good article, Meline. These are great gift ideas for a few of our family members. Early to Rise, First to Forget is very compelling. I’ve read it twice since it came out. Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks, Angela! For reading and for your continued support! I hope you’re sleeping well and won’t need to resort to too many of these techniques and coping mechanisms. xx
Excellent ideas, many I didn’t know about. Thanks
Thanks, Julie! Wishing you many nights of good, uninterrupted sleep!