Cool Technology to Help You Sleep

The science of sleep and insomnia can be messy, and there are dozens of factors that can affect an individual’s sleepless nights. Sleep patterns can be affected by everything from indigestion to anxiety.  On top of that, respiratory factors such as snoring can be difficult to manage.

Some people might be quick to blame squeaky floorboards or an imperfect mattress for their insomnia, but sometimes the trick to getting to sleep is more psychological than environmental.

Fortunately, technology has evolved to provide new ways to let you rest easy at night. Since restful sleep is more of a science than an art, scientists have come up with a variety of tools that can mitigate environmental and psychological factors that are keeping you awake at night. Even if you’re not sure what’s causing your tossing and turning, try the following tech tools to help you get a few more hours of shut-eye.

Weighted Blankets

As low-tech as they may sound, weighted blankets are a relatively new concept to insomniacs. Weighted blankets have tiny pellets built into pockets all over the blanket, giving it a comforting, gentle pressure that helps you relax. As manufacturing techniques have improved, weighted blankets have gotten better and less expensive, making them well worth a try if you’re not sure what’s causing your insomnia.

Fitbit

Believe it or not, your Fitbit has sensors that can help you monitor your sleep and identify potential issues. If you’re waking up groggy and fatigued every morning, consider using a Fitbit to log data that can then be shown to a sleep specialist or analyzed on your own. Data from a Fitbit can identify when and how you’re waking up, as well as how much you’re tossing and turning.

SleepScore Max

Most sleep-tracking systems require physical contact to measure your breathing and other indicators of sleep, but SleepScore Max can detect your movements from a distance, eliminating the need for bracelets or other accessories. Max also works with your existing bed, helping you continue to sleep comfortably without readjusting to a new mattress. The creators of Max have done extensive research to make that their product works, so give it a try if you haven’t had success with similar products.

Somnox

This bean-shaped “sleep robot” was designed for people who struggle to fall asleep due to stress and anxiety. It uses soft sounds and breathing regulation techniques to help you relax, and even gently expands in and out to simulate breathing. It can even play audiobooks, giving you an easy way to unwind before falling asleep. The Somnox is currently in the final stages of development, but its creators are working with manufacturers to bring it to market as soon as possible.

Aromarest

This innovative lamp diffuses scents, emits white noise, and uses light therapy to help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. When it’s time to wake up, the device acts as an alarm clock and uses scents and lights to help you start the day. The device can be customized with your preferred essential oils and sounds and is controlled with a smartphone app available for both iOS and Android. As of this writing, Aromarest hasn’t fully launched yet, but it’s in the final stages of development and will be available to consumers for about $140.

Magniflex

Magniflex Magni mattresses are designed to react to snoring and other sleep disturbances. They adjust your sleeping position to minimize snoring and help you and your partner sleep better every night.

Snoring Apps

In the massive smartphone app market, there are a number of apps that can track and help minimize your snoring, but we’ve tracked down the best three snoring apps for you to try. Since snoring is relatively easy to detect and manage, these apps could be the key to identifying you or your partner’s source of sleeplessness. Even if you don’t think you snore, try using one of these apps if you’re waking up tired and irritable with no discernible cause. You may be snoring quietly enough to disturb your own sleep cycles without waking up fully.

White Noise Apps

Whether you have an iPhone or Android, there is a range of white noise apps that can help you sleep better. Some make a noise that’s similar to a box fan, while others sound like the ocean. These apps can even help drown out a snoring partner or creaky floorboards, making sure your well-rested no matter how early you must wake up.

Remember, a wide range of factors can cause your sleeplessness, and getting better sleep may require a little trial and error. Don’t get discouraged. If you’re not sure what product is best for you and your family, you might want to start with an inexpensive option. If obvious factors like snoring cause your sleeplessness, check out ways to reduce you or your partner’s snoring.