Among the 972 weird things about sleep I didn't know until Arianna Huffington and I started the Sleep Challenge: There is a toothpaste that supposedly makes you sleep better. Also, sunglasses, smoothies, body patches, special sheets and even sleep-promoting cherries. Surprised? Not as much as I was when I found out that some of it actually works.
My first introduction to the over-the-counter sleep-aid industry—expected to be a $750 million market in three years’ time, and that’s not counting the five billion dollars in drugs like Ambien—came shortly after we announced the Sleep Challenge. Suddenly, I was deluged with everything from "performance bedding" (special sheets made for athletes to sleep on) to books with drowsy-making titles like I Can Make You Sleep.
Now, I may not be the best tester of products like these: As someone who used to get by on five hours a night pre-Challenge, I was so chronically zonked that the only sleep aid I needed was a horizontal space at least 5’2” long, and it didn’t really need to be comfortable, either. (A lawyer friend of mine used to nap underneath her desk with her feet sticking out like the Wicked Witch, so I’m not the only one!)
But I realize that millions of people do need help falling asleep—and that in fact, the more sleep-deprived you are, the harder it sometimes is for you to rest well. Our nation of poorly rested women may really need this stuff! So I decided to bed-test some products. Not all of them, though. I eliminated:
But that left a lot of stuff. Ready? Here’s me:
Sexy, no? (No.) But everything here comes with some degree of scientific backup: the blue-light lamp supposedly rebalances the body's natural sleep rhythms; the toothpaste and the dried Montmorency cherries contain melatonin, which regulates sleep; and the Bedtime Beats CDs feature music with 60-80 beats per minute—a rhythm also found to promote sound rest.
My favorite things so far:
And what about melatonin? The supplements are popular; they work best if taken at least 1.5-2 hrs before sleep. But since most of us actually aren’t melatonin-deficient to begin with, you should only take .5 mg, says Dr. Breus (many supplements contain more). Also, because it’s a hormone, he warns, “I never recommend Melatonin to females under 18 years old with a developing menstrual cycle. Who knows what it may do.” Got it?
For me, the most effective way to get a better night’s sleep is still pretty simple and basic: Remember to go to bed, and do it roughly at the same time every night. But if any of the above help you sleep more deeply, go for it. (Just don’t do what I do and try melatonin, valerian tea and lavender spray all at once. Coma!)
Now it’s your turn. What sleep aids have you tried—or wanted to try?
More from glamour.com:
Sleepstakes! Enter to win a Vera Wang by Serta bridal bed and Agent Provocateur pajamas!
8 Sex Moves Every Woman Should Try Once
10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked
Recent studies suggest the brain becomes more active when one closes their eyes. A study tested brain activity while listening to suspenseful music...one group had their eyes open and the other group had their eyes shut. Results showed that those with their eyes shut had much more active brains. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32222301/ns/health-behavior/
Other studies from as far back as the 1970s at Harvard (from Dr. Herbert Benson) show that people can produce a relaxation response in their bodies by using basic breathing techniques from meditation and yoga. Breathing focuses the mind on something constructive and rhythmic and provides physical relaxation benefits as well.
A new device called the NightWave Sleep Assistant http://www.nightwave.comm) attempts to blend these two elements: eyes open [to start at least and guided relaxation breathing to help a person transition from a state of anxious wakefulness to sleep onset. It's such a simple, effective solution that is worth a try for those who can't turn their minds off.
All of this blogging info on sleep and so far I've seen nothing here about the main issue regarding sleep...beds. Yes, various articles mention changing mattresses, placement of the bed, the headboard position, etc. But nothing about what bed is best for a decent night's sleep. Maybe I've overlooked something that has been written about it here, but it seems to me that the issue of a comfortable bed should be first and foremost in any discussion on sleep. It's so simple that it's a no brainer.
My wife and I have spent the last 10 years and thousands of dollars futilely looking for a bed that is conducive to sleeping. I know many others who've done the same. At the very least, might you consider an article or blog researching the various solutions to a comfortable bed that doesn't leave you worn out in the morning?
http://graciouslivingdaybyday.com/
I was scared i was gonna grow up to be addicted to those pills. Luckily for me my first job required me to move to across a few time zones, giving me the benefit of a few hrs coupled with a regular working schedule, i was able to get off the pills cold turkey almost immedietly!! I also went to my doctor and switched to an extended release lower dosage adderrall which i now take daily at 6 am before work. Embracing the medication and making it work for me was the best decision i ever made, i can take my adderall and sleep the same night every night now! I also cut caffiene from my diet too.
Facing the day on a sleepless night is miserable and the adding up of it makes it worse. Keep fighting and find something that works for you, i beat my disorder and life has been soooo much better ever since!
I even bought a $5,000 bed and have another $600 in pillows and bedding.
I still only sleep about 4 hours a day.
I have learned to accept it.
If I absolutely must fall asleep, I just take a Tylenol PM.
Studies have shown that post-coital bonding can be quite powerful for a relationship, and I must say that we sleep great through the night.
I've also learned to wear inexpensive, drug store earplugs. (They take some getting used to.) A great help if you live on a noisy street, or if your bed partner snores! I also carry a pair in my purse--just in case I'm on the bus and get stuck next to someone yammering on a cell phone. Peace.
Thanks for writing this!
Nice work this month, Cindi. Love the pic! Makes me tired just looking at all that stuff!
Take Care
Kari Henley