What to Buy Sleep Awards 2023: The Top 36 Products For Better Sleep From mattresses and sheets to pillows and gadgets, these standout items will help you get your zzzs. By Cheryl S. Grant Cheryl S. Grant Cheryl S. Grant is the editorial director of special projects of Health and Verywell Health. She has written for brands such as Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Reader's Digest, Brides, Yoga Journal, She Knows, Spy, Taste of Home, Family Circle, USA Today, and Crain's. health's editorial guidelines Updated on February 16, 2024 Fact checked by Melinda Dodd Fact checked by Melinda Dodd Melinda Dodd is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in health, wellness, travel, and entertainment. She has previously written for People, Popular Science, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and Yoga Journal, among others. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article How We Chose the Winners Pillows Pillowcases Sheets Blankets Beds, Mattresses, and Toppers Sleepwear Footwear Sleep Masks Night Skincare Gadgets and Accessories Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Meet the Health 2023 Sleep Awards Experts Sleep is a vital part of life as it helps our bodies to restore, recuperate, and regenerate. It impacts various aspects of our health, including cognition, weight and stress management, and immune system function. Although the general recommendation is that adults get seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night, as we age, we tend to produce less of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, which can make it more difficult to rest. Your melatonin levels typically begin declining in the late teenage years and continue to decrease gradually throughout adulthood, said Pedram Navab, DO, FAASM, the author of “Sleep Reimagined: The Fast Track to a Revitalized Life.” This is particularly true for individuals in their 60s and 70s. "In our teenage years, we need more hours of sleep, but when you're older [70 and up] , that can go down to six-and-a-half to seven hours and still be in the ‘normal’" range," added Jerry Hu, DDS Dentist of Nevada Dental Sleep in Henderson, NV. Dr. Hu is triple-board certified in dental sleep medicine and is a clinical faculty member at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. For optimal sleep, Dr. Navab advises limiting screen time, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bed, staying active, and managing stress. Dr. Hu, who always gets at least seven hours of sleep a night, suggests creating a cool, dark environment in your bedroom (between 67° to 69° F) and sleeping with minimal clothing. How We Chose the Winners To select our top products, we relied on the insights of Health's editorial team and sought the expert guidance of medical professionals and interior designers. Their recommendations are based on what they use in their own homes, and years of experience. Additionally, we conducted thorough research and editor testing, meticulously fact-checking our choices to ensure that we picked quality items.. We reviewed over 125 products, including sheets, pillows, mattresses, gadgets, and gear, ultimately presenting you with 36 winners. Our goal is to provide you with a range of options that will enhance your health and wellness, while offering tips for optimal sleep. Here are the winners of Health's 2023 Sleep Awards. Pillows Hotel Sobella Hypoallergenic Medium Pillow Courtesy of Hotel Sobella Designed for side sleepers, the soft gel fiber-filled Hotel Sobella Hypoallergenic Medium Pillow boasts a 300 thread count and a 100 percent cotton cover, providing coolness and breathability. Dr. Hu recommends sleeping on your side, explaining that it offers “better oxygenation and better sleep” for most people, especially those with positional sleep apnea. SHOP Casper Foam Pillow Courtesy of Casper “I'm a side sleeper—alternating between the left and right—as I find this to be the more comfortable position for me," said Dr. Navab. "I use a low loft memory foam pillow by Casper that eases pain in my neck, provides excellent support, and keeps the spine in a neutral alignment." Seeping on the left side is considered optimal, he added, as it “keeps pressure off your internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow." SHOP Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better Juvea Essential Low-Profile Talalay Latex Pillow Courtesy of Juvea Interior designer Shivani Vyas, the owner of Studio Vyas, in Macon, Georgia, prefers to sleep on her stomach—and she loves her organic, natural plant latex Juvea pillow. "It's flat and flexible enough to support my head and neck as well as my sleeping positions throughout the night," she said. SHOP Pluto Pod Travel Pillow Courtesy of Pluto Pod If you have ever fallen asleep in an airplane or car and had your head sway from side to side, resulting in a sore neck, you'll appreciate the comfort of the Pluto Pod travel pillow. Its padded hood lets you rest your head comfortably against a window, and its built-in eye mask blocks out all forms of light. SHOP Wiggle Pillow Courtesy of Wiggle Pillow Body pillows are great for providing bedtime support, and the nearly 7-foot-long Wiggle Pillow offers an added bonus as it is created from sustainable wood sources like eucalyptus and air-blown fiber from recycled plastic, making it also environmentally friendly. This editor's favorite was soft and mushy, making it an excellent vehicle for catching quality zzzs. SHOP Pillowcases Grace & Company Serafina Vegan Satin Pillow Case Courtesy of Grace & Stella The Grace & Company Serafina Vegan Satin PillowCase offers a beautifully designed way to safeguard your skin. "Silk pillowcases can help reduce friction between your skin and the pillow, which may help minimize the development of sleep lines and wrinkles," said board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island. "Silk also absorbs less moisture than cotton, so it may help keep [your skin] more hydrated overnight." Bonus: The smoothness of the pillowcase also discourages hair breakage and frizz. SHOP Sheets Buffy Breeze Sheet Set Courtesy of Buffy Breeze Indulge in the cooling comfort of the Buffy Breeze Sheet Set, which is made from eco-friendly eucalyptus. Its soft fibers are colored with OEKO-TEX-certified botanical dyes, made from plant sources such as turmeric and pomegranate. This lowers the possibility of irritation for people with sensitive skin. SHOP Pottery Barn 700-Thread Count Sateen Sheet Set Courtesy of Pottery Barn Laura Botelho, the founder of Laura Botelho Interiors, in Frisco, Texas, loves "a crisp white, cotton sateen sheet set in a higher count”—and Pottery Barn's is among her favorites. . The company’s 700-Thread-Count Sateen Sheet Set has the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, which guarantees that it is has been tested for up to 350 harmful substances. SHOP Tuft & Needle Courtesy of Tuft & Needle “Crisp,” “cozy,” and “breathable” are three descriptors used to describe the Tuft & Needle Organic Percale Sheet Set. It comes in a variety of colors, is pre-washed to reduce shrinkage, and contains strong elastic to keep its fitted sheet in place. SHOP Blankets UnHide Marshmallow Blanket Courtesy of Unhide “Layer your bedding textiles using soft quilts, throw blankets, and sheets. These cozy sleeping companions can moonlight as decor during the day and an extra pop of support at night,” Vyas. This UnHide- Marshmallow Blanket is an editor favorite, offering guilt-free luxury and comfort after a long day. Its extra soft faux fur creates the sensation of being enveloped by a marshmallow—perfect for a cold winter day. SHOP Sleep Number Horizontal Channel Coverlet Set Courtesy of Sleep Number Transform your bed into an inviting place to be by adding the Sleep Number Horizontal Channel Coverlet Set into the mix. It works well in the spring on those lingering cool days, during the fall when the air is crisp, and is perfect for those who run a little warm and need only lightweight coverage in the winter. SHOP Beds, Mattresses, and Toppers Serena & Lily Tall Hyde Bed Courtesy of Serena & Lily Vyas sleeps in a Serena & Lily Tall Hyde Bed, which she said she was drawn to because of its regal height ( 62" tall). Her color choice for the bed’s soft headboard? A sky-hued washed linen. "Incorporating blues in interior design is known to soothe and boost serenity," she explained. SHOP Sleep Number p5 Smart Bed Courtesy of Sleep Number The Sleep Number p5 Smart Bed is available with or without head and foot adjustments and boasts a 10-inch mattress with customizable firmness on each side. Dr. Hu recommended getting a bed with a small incline, which will keep you from lying flat on your back during REM sleep. "If you're on your back and your tongue and jaw and the muscles in that area lose tonicity, gravity becomes your biggest enemy,” he explained. “It can pull your jaw down and obstruct your airway. When that happens, your body goes into fight-or-flight, and releases cortisol and/or adrenaline while you're sleeping, which you don't want. If this happens night after night, your body is basically going through trauma." SHOP Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Courtesy of Brooklyn Bedding Crafted with six inches of individually encased coils, Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe is the mattress of choice for Dr. Navab. "It avoids heat retention and does not tend to sink,” he noted. “Less sagging allows the body's weight to be evenly distributed." This makes it easier to avoid putting excessive pressure on any one part of your body during sleep. SHOP Sealy Posturepedic® Plus Satisfied II 14" Plush Mattress Courtesy of Sealy Botelho listed the Sealy Posturepedic Plus Satisfied II 14" Plush Mattress among her must-haves. "It's a bit on the firmer side, but not too firm, and it gives me a great and comfortable sleep," she shared. "It also has a stabilizer [so I] feel less movement from my husband if he tosses and turns at night.” SHOP Saatva Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper Courtesy of Saatva Mattress toppers offer a fantastic solution; they allow you to extend the lifespan of an older mattress and switch to a softer feel if your current mattress is too firm, then revert to that firmer feel when ready. Saatva's Down Alternative Featherbed Mattress Topper is like sleeping on a cloud. This editor favorite is also a hit because it is hypoallergenic and comfy for side sleepers—gentle on pressure points. SHOP Sleepwear J.Crew Eco Dreamiest Long-Sleeve Pajama Set “I adore J.Crew’s dreamiest collection,” said Vyas. “Sleeping in a comfortable outfit regulates my temperature at night and makes me feel happy, calm, and collected. SHOP Footwear Baloo Cloud Bootie Courtesy of Baloo Keep your feet nice and toasty before bedtime with the Baloo Cloud Bootie. These lightweight indoor shoes are soft and comfy, and feature a non-skid sole. SHOP UGG Boots Courtesy of Ugg Dermatologist Mona A. Gohara, MD, associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, counts her UGG booties among the products she values for a restful night's sleep. The UGG Tazzlita is a plush option as it's made with comfort in mind and crafted from responsible materials, including upcycled wool in the interior. SHOP Sleep Masks Ostrichpillow Eye Mask Courtesy of Ostrichpillow Unlike some eye masks that can compress your eyelashes, the Ostrichpillow iteration will do no such thing with its ergonomic design, ensuring no pressure on your eyes. So, all you experience is total darkness. SHOP Drowsy silk eye mask Courtesy of Drowsy “I need the room to be totally black, as even a sliver of light can disrupt my sleep,” said Dr. Navab. To achieve that goal, he uses a silk eye mask by Drowsy, which he says helps him to fall asleep. SHOP Night Skincare Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Courtesy of Laneige Laneige Water Sleeping Mask is an editor favorite as its results are visibly noticeable overnight. It is lightweight and moisturizing, brightening the skin and leaving you looking refreshed. Its two-star ingredients, squalane and hyaluronic acid, are probably the reasons why. SHOP La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water Face Mist Courtesy of La Roche Posay Treat yourself and your skin to a mini spa experience before lights out with La Roche- Posay Thermal Spring Water, just like Dr. Gohara does. This mineral-rich face mist soothes and tones sensitive skin. SHOP Korres Black Pine Plump-Up Sleeping Facial Courtesy of Korres Add a little bounce to your skin with Korres Black Pine Plump-Up Sleeping Facial. Just as the rest of our bodies undergo housekeeping while we sleep, so does our skin. Aid in that process by adding a dollop of this velvety cream to your skincare routine. SHOP SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum Courtesy of SkinMedica For speedy skin repair, keep SkinMedica TNS+ Advanced Serum top of mind. “It’s full of skin-rejuvenating antioxidants and growth factors, little chemical particles that promote the production of collagen and elastin—two things that begin to fade as we age,” said Dr. Gohara. “ I make sure to incorporate this serum into my routine daily.” SHOP Gadgets and Accessories Urban Apothecary Green Lavender Signature Diffuser Courtesy of Urban Apothecary Vyas suggests harnessing the power of scent to create a soothing atmosphere. Urban Apothecary Green Lavender Signature Diffuser delicately permeates the air with the aroma of lavender, spearmint, lemon balm and clary sage, all of which can help you doze off. SHOP Papier The Magic Is In You Wellness Journal Courtesy of Papier Thinking about what you’re grateful for is an excellent way to end the day. Jotting down negative experiences can also be therapeutic, as it provides a healthy outlet for your emotions, allowing you to set the day aside and get your proper zzzs. The Papier The Magic Is In You Wellness Journal can be personalized with your name, and has 12 weeks' worth of daily overview pages plus weekly and monthly check-ins. Its undated pages allow you to start your wellness journey whenever you are ready. SHOP SleepPhones Courtesy of SleepPhones For the times when you want to privately drift off to the sound of your favorite music, audiobook, or meditation but traditional headphones prove uncomfortable and downright painful, the SleepPhones are just what you need. The lightweight headband that supports its speakers can be wired or wireless, making it easy to tune out the world and rest. SHOP Dreamland Baby Dream Sound Machine Courtesy of Dreamland The Dreamland Baby Dream Sound Machine will help you sleep well—like a baby. Although it was created specifically for little ones, it's lightweight enough to take on trips so you can settle down the way you would at home. It also features seven dimmable lights and sounds like waves, rain, and brown noise, which is similar to heavy wind. SHOP Helight Sleep Courtesy of Helight Sleep For those who like to fall asleep with the lights on, the Helight Sleep is a viable option. It emits pure red light on a relaxing wavelength for 14 minutes, then gradually fades out. In fact a small 2012 study found that athletes who received 30 minutes of red light therapy every night for two weeks had improved sleep quality and physical endurance. SHOP Yogasleep Dohm Natural Sound Machine Courtesy of Yoga Sleep Dohm Yogasleep Dohm Natural Sound Machine is a must for Dr. Gohara, and it's easy to see why. This white noise machine replicates the sound of rushing air without its intensity. Use it to establish a sleep-friendly environment by masking unpleasant noises. SHOP Hatch Restore 2 Courtesy of Hatch “As I get older, I have become more high maintenance with my sleeping requirements—I love my silk eye mask and my Hatch sound machine,” said Dr. Libby, who sleeps at least seven hours a night. The Hatch Restore 2 gently ushers you into dreamland with soothing sounds that block disruptive noise. It also offers subtly colored lighting in shades like lilac and warm white, which can put you in a mellow mood. In the morning, you’ll wake up to its gentle sunrise alarm. SHOP The Hatch Restore Completely Changed the Way I Sleep and Wake Up in the Morning Experience peace three different earplugs in one with the Loop Earplugs Switch. Its trio of settings allow you to toggle between Engage, Experience, and Quiet modes, so you can choose the level of exterior volume you want. Use them to block out noisy roommates or neighbors and get peace and quiet. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Courtesy of Samsung While we are all tethered to various devices, there are gadgets like the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 that expressly help you focus on wellness. A Samsung health app works with the watch to facilitate tracking of your blood oxygen levels during slumber, measure your sleep, analyze the amount of time you spend in REM and other sleep cycles, and even monitor your snoring. After seven days of consistency, a sleep coaching program is created around your sleep patterns. SHOP The Best Sleep Products: Reviews of Mattresses, Pillows, & More Skyview 2 Courtesy of Skyview From sunrise to sunset, the Skyview 2 replicates outdoor lighting. This keeps you energized during the day and gets you ready for rest at night. The twilight setting starts the morning off right, the blue sky light keeps you alert into the afternoon, and an amber hue helps you wind down in the evening. SHOP Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier Courtesy of Hey Dewy Another one of Dr. Libby's sleep essentials is a humidifier. The Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier provides a cool mist that reduces dryness for up to 24 hours. It also has a 360-degree rotating nozzle and an optional mood light setting. Since there is no filter to clean, maintenance is easy. SHOP Loop Quiet Ear Plugs Courtesy of brand Enjoy a restful night of slumber with Loop Ear Plugs Quiet. Their flexible silicone design makes them comfortable from dusk to dawn. Use them to block out noisy roommates or neighbors and get peace and quiet. Meet the Health 2023 Sleep Awards Experts Pedram Navab, DO, FAASM: Author of “Sleep Reimagined: The Fast Track to a Revitalized Life.” Jerry Hu, DDS Dentist of Nevada Dental Sleep in Henderson, NV. Dr. Hu is triple-board certified in dental sleep medicine and is a clinical faculty member at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Mona A. Gohara, MD: Associate clinical professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, and associate director of DEI and community engagement for its department of dermatology. Tiffany Libby, MD FAAD, FACMS: Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island. Laura Botelho: Founder of Laura Botelho Interiors in Frisco, Texas. Shivani Vyas: Interior designer and owner of Studio Vyas, in Macon, Georgia. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 1 Source Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Zhao J, Tian Y, Nie J, Xu J, Liu D. Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of chinese female basketball players. J Athl Train. 2012;47(6):673-678.