People say technology is what ruins our sleep sometimes, and there's quite a bit of truth in that. It's important to learn to unplug at the end of the day and take a break from the computer screen or mobile phone that we're checking constantly. However, if you have trouble sleeping at night, there is tech that will help you get your snooze on.
Pillow
PolarPillow: The PolarPillow is filled with cooling-gel infused microbeads that pull the warmth away from your head and uses the coolness of the room to transfer into your body. After your body is at a comfortable temperature, the pillow warms back up to your body temperature. It sounds pretty ideal for the coming summer nights, and there is no setup required.
Apps
Infinite Relaxation App: I tend to fall asleep with the TV on or stream shows on my phone to help me fall asleep sometimes. If you want something a little more focused on inducing sleep, this app will soothe you into a state of relaxation. You can choose to listen to a voice recording or background music. There are options to help you take a power nap or get a good sleep for the night.
Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock: Some people hate the ringtones on their phone because they use them as an alarm clock. It would be more soothing to use the Sleep Cycle alarm app that analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase so you aren't jerked awake in the morning. However, this app is only good for those who don't mind sleeping with their phone in the bed.
Sunrise Lights
Philips Wake Up Light: The Philips Wake Up light is a simulated sunrise clock that wakes you up naturally with a gradual light - it beats waking up to a loud beeping or radio.
Northern Light Sunrise Clock: Another option with a more compact design to take up less space on the night stand.
(Images: as linked above)
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I'd be interested in hearing from someone who actually uses a sunrise clock. Does the room need to be super dark for it to be effective? Do you reliably wake up, even if you are really tired (as I do with a noisy alarm)? Do you like it??
They interest me, but not sure how well I'd adapt.
I'd be interested in the PolarPillow - I tend to move my head around sections of my pillow that are "cool" as it comforts me. It'd be pretty crazy if the pillow knows when you have fallen asleep and adjusts the temperature!
I have had a sunrise clock for almost 4 years now and it is without question one of the best purchases I've ever made. I'm a teacher and have to wake up in the hideously early morning hours and the sunrise alarm makes it so much easier. When my boyfriend and I moved in together over a year ago it took me a while to get him on board with the idea - he thought it would be strange or not work or something - now he loves it just as much as I do. He's in the navy and has to wake up at ridiculous times - he says it's the only thing that's ever helped him get out of bed at 3am to go on duty! I avidly recommend a sunrise clock for everybody! It's the best way to wake up :)
white-noise machine! for those of us who can't sleep to singing or talking. i cannot sleep without it (except in the summer when the window a/c does the trick). plenty of smartphone apps offer techie customizable versions (just search "white noise"), and you can pick rain, ocean, train, oscillating fan, and even birds or crickets.
To Lperreca,
Which sunrise clock do you use?