By Kait Spong
Take it from someone, who has lived the on-the-go college lifestyle first-hand: it’s vital to prioritize good rest – yet it isn’t always something that’s easy to come by. In college, your sleep schedule can feel pretty nonexistent. After one too many all-nighters in the library, you begin to wonder what a good night’s sleep feels like anymore. Even if you technically get to bed “on time,” you could hit the sheets only to find yourself ridden with anxiety, too hot for comfort, or overwhelmed with light and noise.
All of these obstacles come between you and your much-deserved seven to eight hours of sleep per night – which makes it a good thing that ingenuity and innovation have stepped in to ensure that you get the rest you need. These 6 products just might be the answer to a night of restorative, healthy sleep.
Noise Machine
When we think of white noise machines, we tend to think of sleeping infants, but these little auditory pieces of technology aren’t just for babies! Pick your soothing sound, whether it’s a babbling brook or distant thunderstorm, and you’ll put yourself in a better headspace in seconds – and possibly even block out your neighbor’s party that is extending way beyond curfew. No matter the day or time, this mini mechanical wonder will help you fall asleep no matter what the surrounding circumstances might be!
Blackout Curtains
According to the National Sleep Foundation, too much light in a room when you’re trying to snooze is a recipe for disaster. That’s why blackout curtains are a great solution, with some products blocking out 99 percent of light – all while reducing noise from outside, which can get pretty loud both on and off-campus during the peak times of the year. Plus, blackout curtains can help you save on your overall energy costs since they keep your space insulated from heat and cold and help you stay comfortable through the worst seasonal weather.
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that weigh between 5 to 30 pounds. The pressure from the extra weight mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation, which is believed to relax the nervous system and relieve pain, lessen anxiety, and improve your mood. Though the scientific studies are still out on weighted blankets, many folks – including college students, such as yourself – now swear by them and find that sleeping or lounging with a weighted blanket is much more relaxing than any ordinary quilt or comforter. Just pick the appropriate weight, and you’ll be all set for better sleep!
Essential Oil Diffuser
Who doesn’t love adding some aromatherapy to their nightly routine? Aromatherapy can induce deep, restful sleep by prompting the nervous system to tell your brain that it’s time to wind down. This is especially true for oils like lavender, which are shown to put your mind in a more relaxed state. The best part about aromatherapy is it has become so popular in recent years that essential oil diffusers are relatively inexpensive and come with a range of adjustable light settings, making them the perfect addition to your bedroom! Once you’ve found the ideal diffuser for your taste, try adding two to three drops of lavender, bergamot, or chamomile essential oil to it!
Sleep & Wake-Up Light
Studies have shown that by simulating a sunset and sunrise in a darkened room, you can trick your body into a well-balanced circadian rhythm. Now, how would you do this, exactly, without sleeping under observation of some sort? Sleep & Wake-Up Lights, released by numerous big-name companies, use a unique combination of light and sound to wake you up in a more natural way than a typical alarm clock. Clinically proven to ease you awake and relax you to sleep, you can fall asleep to a Nordic white hue and wake up with a Caribbean red glow. You’ll also enjoy additional tech-friendly settings near your bed, like a phone charging dock and smart snooze!
Cooling Mattress Topper
Temperature means everything to restful sleep, and most sleep experts recommend that you sleep in 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the most restful sleep possible. If you share your bed with a partner, this can be even more difficult to achieve based on their body heat or even their temperature preferences. However, there is a life hack designed to avoid confrontation over the thermostat with your significant other altogether. Opt for a cooling mattress topper! There are even ones on the market that provide completely customizable thermal regulation on both sides of the bed, which will keep your relationship as peaceful and amicable as possible.
Sleep plays an integral role in your health and wellness, especially as you blossom into a fully functioning adult. A good night’s sleep empowers your body to recover from a busy day and allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle what’s on the horizon. Unfortunately, many people have sleep problems and do not get the rest that they need, but insufficient sleep can lead to many medical and mental health conditions. To combat any problems before they even begin, nip the problem in the bud by investing in any one – or all – of these products to help you get the sleep you deserve as a hardworking college student.