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These are the sleep products GH editors can't go to bed without

Spoiler: everyone loves a sleep spray

By
experts best sleep products
Malte Mueller

While we love talking to sleep experts to find out what they recommend to deal with those nights when you’re lying awake at 3am and counting down the minutes till your alarm goes off, we also just like to hear what our friends and colleagues use.

In our recent survey of GH readers, we found that 79% of you struggle with, or have varying quality of sleep. On top of that, 72% of you have tried sleep-enhancing products, with aromatherapy, sleep trackers, sleep teas and supplements proving the most popular.

This got us talking at GH HQ about what products we all swear by to help us get some shuteye, and apparently everyone has that one sleep essential they can wax lyrical about.

So, in the interests of sharing and because we could all do with a little more rest, these are the products our editors recommend to improve your wind-down routine or boost your quality of sleep. Spoiler: we love a good sleep spray.

1

This Works Limited Edition Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This Works Limited Edition Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

"There’s something so relaxing about giving yourself a treat last thing at night. For me, spritzing my pillow and mattress with this spray, which is scented with lavender, chamomile and vetivert botanical oil, has become a kind of ritual – the smell is so familiar, it’s a real home comfort.” Liz Moseley, MD of Good Housekeeping

This one got shout-outs from several members of the team. “It makes you feel like you’re taking good care of yourself, and adds a bit of luxury to your bedtime routine as it smells like a spa treatment product,” another staffer told us. “I also find it helpful for when you’re travelling or staying in new places – having a familiar scent that instructs your brain to wind down and be ready to rest.”

2

Dr Sam's Flawless Silk Satin Eye Mask

Dr Sam's Flawless Silk Satin Eye Mask

“I’d never been a fan of sleep masks – I found they gaped over the nose, the straps were either too loose or dug in and the fabrics were irritating. Then I tried Dr Sam’s 100% Mulberry silk eye mask. It’s smooth and soft against the more delicate skin around my eyes, while the light padding gently encourages my peepers to stay closed (I’m restless and always think of something to do the second I get into bed!).

It also doesn’t gape, while the strap is wide and also made of silk, so there’s no discomfort or glimmers of early morning light to disturb me. It’s quite literally a dream!” Bethan Rose Jenkins, Assistant Features Editor

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3

Susanne Kaufmann Mallow Blossom Bath

Susanne Kaufmann Mallow Blossom Bath

“There’s nothing better than a soak in the bath before bed to get you ready for sleep, especially with the addition of some luxurious bath oil.

This Susanne Kaufmann oil is designed to melt the stresses of the day away with a blend of aromatic essential oils, including mallow to soothe the skin, lavender extract to help ease overactive minds, rosemary for its antibacterial powers and sage to help treat ‘bacne’. It’s both relaxing and hydrating (I normally use it after swim class).” Emma Bashagha, Accreditation Sales Director.

4

Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB

Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB

"I know it’s not a conventional sleep product, but I really struggle to sleep if I don’t read before bed, and because my Kindle has a soft backlight, I don’t need to have the main light on, meaning my bedroom is already better set up for drifting off.

Plus, I don’t need to worry about disturbing my partner with the rustle of turning pages, especially if I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night when I’ve found turning to a book is the best way for me to switch my brain off and get back to sleep.” Hannah Mendelsohn, Homes Editor, GHI

Read our tech editor's review of the Kindle Paperwhite here.

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5

Better You Magnesium Sleep Body Spray

Better You Magnesium Sleep Body Spray
Now 41% Off

"I am a terrible sleeper so this is my specialist subject! I swear by the Better You Magnesium Sleep Spray. You squirt it all over yourself as you go to bed and it helps with muscle relaxation.

I can actually feel it working; it makes me feel wonderfully woozy (in a good way). If I ever forget to put it on, I always know because it takes me forever to drop off!” Jo Finney, Consumer Affairs Director and Books Editor

6

Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light

Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light

“I am not a morning person, but this has completely changed my wake up routine. The sunrise lamp comes on gradually from about 20 mins before my alarm, which helps me wake up gently. Plus, it means my room isn't dark when my alarm goes off, so I'm less likely to snooze it and go back to sleep.

It has plenty of gentle alarm sounds to choose from too. It also has a sunset function, which means I can set the lamp to slowly fade to darkness at night, helping me wind down before bed.” Jo Jo Anastasiou, Senior Food & Drink Tester

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7

Welleco The Evening Elixir

Welleco The Evening Elixir

“I used to think that a hot chocolate nightcap was extremely old-fashioned (i.e., my dad and his malted Horlicks, but then I discovered this chic wellness version from Elle Macpherson's brand. It’s only 13 cals a cup, as well as being vegan, gluten-free and packed with beauty-boosting nutrients to support overnight skin regeneration.

A cocktail of nature's 'tranquillisers' – from muscle-soothing magnesium to calming passionflower – is thrown in too, to help maximise beauty sleep. Most importantly, it tastes good! I find it's a really pleasurable way to round off a busy day, and I genuinely sleep better after sipping a cuppa.” Lynne Hyland, Senior Beauty Editor

8

Eym Naturals Rest Standard Candle

Eym Naturals Rest Standard Candle

“You can barely move for candles in my bedroom at night. I’m a fervent fan of mood lighting – the protest noise I make when my boyfriend attempts to switch the 'big light' on always surprises us both.

I've been on the hunt of late for natural wax alternatives, which provide the same aromatherapeutic benefits to help me nod off. Enter Eym. I first heard of the brand when I saw its stunning refillable glass-bowls in the living rooms of some of my favourite interior influencers. This 'rest' candle is a little more affordable, lasts for ages and is the perfect accompaniment to a good book and a cup of soothing tea before bed. Bliss.” Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer, GHI

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9

Oura Ring

Oura Ring

“I’ve been wearing my Oura Ring consistently for five months now and I’ve noticed a huge difference to my sleep. The data is accurate, extremely insightful and has not only helped me prioritise my sleep, but also encouraged me to form healthier daily habits, like drinking less alcohol and coffee, managing my stress levels and watching my meal times.

I’ve tried a number of sleep trackers in the past but I love how personalised Oura is – it adapts to my habits and body, providing realistic targets based on my individual needs, not general public health data. I also like that it promotes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, encouraging you to rest when it senses you're unwell. Plus, it’s unobtrusive, lightweight and comfortable and, unlike most fitness trackers, actually looks pretty stylish. I can’t recommend it enough.” Priyankaa Joshi, Senior Health & Wellbeing Writer

10

Sanctuary Spa Wellness Solutions De-Stress Warming Body Balm 150ml

Sanctuary Spa Wellness Solutions De-Stress Warming Body Balm 150ml
Now 33% Off

“I’ve recently discovered this wonderful warming body balm from Sanctuary Spa, and it’s become a complete game changer for me, as someone who carries a lot of everyday stress in my shoulders and neck. I usually put it on at the end of the day to help me unwind before bed. Also, a little goes a long way!” Christina Geggus, Junior Homes Writer

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11

Calm App (annual subscription)

Calm App (annual subscription)

"The Calm app subscription is one of the best self care purchases I’ve made for my mental health. There’s an enormous selection of super varied sleep stories and helpful meditations that can assist with panic attacks, performance or flight anxiety.

It also has longer term mindfulness practices and lesson plans to help in areas like building up self esteem or dealing with grief. I’m also a fan of the visually-guided breathing exercises for immediate support when dealing with moments of stress. I truly cannot recommend it enough.” Frances Waterbury, Accreditation Manager

12

Drowsy Sleep Mask

Drowsy Sleep Mask

“I take this luxurious mask everywhere with me to sleep – airplanes, hotel rooms with no blackout blinds, or the sofa when I want to nap during the day. It completely blocks out the light thanks to a double layer of padding and total face coverage. It’s also luxuriously soft and silky.” Laura Cohen, Head of Accreditation

This was another popular product with the team, receiving several shoutouts from our beauty editors in particular, thanks to its silk finish, which is kind on your skin and hair.

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13

Homefront Electric Blanket Dual Control - King

Homefront Electric Blanket Dual Control - King

“My husband and I have very different ideas of what makes an acceptable bedroom temperature at night, so this product is less a lifesaver, more a marriage saver. It's one king-size underblanket divided into two halves, each with its own temperature controller (right hand side for me, left hand side for him).

It means we can both pick our perfect bedtime micro-climate and doze off to sleep happily, agreeing to disagree. It's cosy, quick heating, and machine washable – plus the wires don't dig in or protrude. The only problem is stopping the cat leaping onto my (far warmer) side.” Lynne Hyland

Headshot of Alison Lynch
Alison Lynch
Head of Content

Alison is head of content for the Good Housekeeping Institute, responsible for product reviews across homes, beauty, wellness, family and food & drink. She lives by the William Morris quote that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
  

Alison has over 15 years' experience as a lifestyle editor and has written features on everything from misophonia to how to dress like Claudia on The Traitors. She has also interviewed everyone from Dame Joanna Lumley to the Kardashians.   
 In her spare time, you'll find her hanging out with Monty the cocker spaniel and refreshing the Sezane website every five seconds. 

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