From a luxury bed stuffed with horse hair to a Goop-approved $60,000 mattress, I've covered many organic sleep launches over the last three years that have left me scratching my head in amazement. But the new Pine & Pillow Candle, now $26.99 at Naturepedic, is a release that makes perfect sense to me.

After all, Fall is upon us, and nothing will get me into the cozy, autumnal spirit more than a candle that Naturepedic describes as "warm" and "woodsy".

Plus, for health-conscious shoppers, the non-toxic Pine & Pillow Candle sits in a sustainable amber glass jar and is made from pure beeswax and coconut oil. It also uses FSC-certified cherry wood for its wick.

The Pine & Pillow is the first candle to be launched by Naturpedic, a brand more well known for luxury organic mattresses than aromatherapy, in collaboration with luxury candlemaker Fontana.

While lavender tends to be the default scent for sleep accessories like pillow mists, the Pine & Pillow Candle's notes include black pine, black spruce, ho wood, and vanilla.

Now, I know what you're thinking: Where on earth is the French lavender oil?

"We didn’t choose fragrance notes simply because they appeared on a list of 'sleep-inducing' scents," says Emily Prawda Weiss, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Naturepedic. "We tried to create something people would genuinely look forward to lighting at the end of the day — something warm, comforting, and familiar."

While that sounds heavenly to me, I also asked Dr. Tim Mercer, and Hannah Shore, Head of Sleep Science at retailer MattressOnline, to explain the sleep-promoting effects of different scents and whether the Pine & Pillow Candle's notes can really help you wind down for sleep. Here’s their verdict…

Calm racing thoughts with fresh forest scents

Before we delve into whether the green, earthy scents of the Pine & Pillow will promote relaxation, Shore wants us to know what there is no universal sleep scent.

“There is no real research as to a specific scent that will help everyone sleep better," she says. "The scents that evoke calmness in you can help promote relaxation, with chamomile, lavender, and other natural plants being the most common.

"However, if you do not enjoy these scents or they do not evoke calmness in you, then relaxation will not happen," she adds.

According to Dr. Mercer, woody scents, such as the ones found in the Pine & Pillow Candle, are often linked to "nature, clean air, and open spaces".

"This can make the environment feel fresher and more tranquil, which is particularly useful when you’re trying to leave behind the mental clutter of a busy day," says the holistic health care expert.

Dr. Mercer adds that scents like pine and ho wood have a "grounding" quality that "encourages you to slow down, relax your body and prepare for a restul night.

"The crisp quality of pine can also create a sense of freshness in the room, helping to make the bedroom feel clean, airy and peaceful rather than stuffy or overstimulating," he tells me.

Add winter warmth with comforting vanilla

In contrast to the earthy, green notes of pine and black spruce, vanilla is considered a smooth, gourmand scent. And its sweet fragrance can be a source of comfort and take you to different places, according to Shore.

“For example, the scent of coffee and toast is mainly related to breakfast, which can make you feel like you get up and get ready for the day," says the sleep researcher. "If you see vanilla as a calming scent, then this could help you relax, in turn helping you fall asleep easier.

"However, if you smell vanilla and it makes you think of sweet treats, promoting excitement, then this is less likely to make you feel relaxed and therefore will not help you fall asleep.”

According to Dr. Mercer, most people associate the soft aroma of vanilla with "warmth, relaxation, and home comforts.

"Introducing this type of scent as you begin winding down can help create a clear transition between the busyness of the day and getting ready for sleep," he explains. "Over time, using the same calming scent can help build a familiar association with relaxation, making it easier to mentally switch off and settle into bed.”

Where to buy the Naturepedic Pine & Pillow candle

If the clean, refreshing scent of pine and the sweet, comforting aroma of vanilla sound like a relaxing match to you, then the good news is that, right from today, the Pine & Pillow Candle is available to buy for $26.99 at Naturepedic. The candle is non-returnable, and shipping is free.

After looking at its ingredient list and eco credentials, the Pine & Pillow Candle is something I look forward to trying out. (And you best believe I'm first in line; my eyes are glued to my inbox for shipping info.) Considering the glowing reviews we've given to Naturepedic's mattresses over the years, my expectations are sky high for this candle.

"We spend about a third of our lives in bed, and that's why we believe the bedroom is one of the most important places to be intentional about materials and ingredients," says Naturepedic’s Prawda Weiss. "The Pine & Pillow Candle is one example of that belief in practice."

Waking up at 3 a.m. is a recurring sleep problem I can’t seem to shake. Just when I think I’ve kicked the problem for good, I find myself wide awake in the middle of the night, unable to fall back to sleep again.

Exhausted and frustrated, I sought the advice of Dr. Aric Prather, a world-renowned sleep expert and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. He instantly identified a key new mistake I’m making in the lead up to bedtime and explained how it could be causing my new wave of middle insomnia (3 a.m. wake-ups).

Here's what Dr. Prather, a published author, discovered, and why he recommends a 'two-hour digital buffer' at bedtime to reduce my chances of waking up at 3 a.m. and feeling exhausted the night day.

My key mistake

The quiet hours in the lead up to bedtime is usually an opportunity for me to catch up on unfinished work. Then I can climb into bed with one less thing to worry about.

But according to Dr. Prather, a sleep expert at BetterSleep, that's my big mistake. And it could be a driver for why I'm waking up at 3 a.m. again. “Working outside of normal hours can be detrimental to sleep when it becomes a regular habit.”

• Research shows that working outside of work hours is associated with worse sleep quality.
• Also, those who work late experience a larger Cortisol Awake Response (CAR), which can lead to 3 a.m. wake ups.

Evidence shows that engaging our brains in work-related activities — even if for a short time — can make it difficult for our brains to then switch off in order to fall into deep, restorative sleep.

“The issue is the difficulty of mentally transitioning from work to rest. Evening emails, deadlines, and unfinished tasks can keep the brain alert, making it harder to detach psychologically from work before bed.

“This can delay sleep, reduce sleep quality, and contribute to fatigue the following day,” says Dr. Prather.

So, although you might only spend a few minutes responding to work queries, the difficulty is ensuring your brain has enough time to disengage from 'work mode' in order to prepare for sleep.

“Even after you close your laptop, your mind may keep processing work-related concerns, making it harder to get restful sleep,” says Dr. Prather. “This can contribute to nighttime awakenings.

Cortisol rising

And there's science to support that thinking. A small month-long study of 58 employees found that checking emails outside of work hours was associated with worse sleep quality.

The same study also highlighted that those who worked in the run up to bedtime had a larger Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). CAR is a term to describe the natural rise in the hormone cortisol that begins around 3 a.m. and reaches its peak upon waking, helping you to feel alert.

But instead of a natural and steady rise, a larger CAR can indicate a surge of cortisol at 3 a.m., waking you up from sleep. Could checking a few emails really cause that?

"A larger Cortisol Awakening Response may also indicate changes in the body's stress-response system, although it is not, by itself, a definitive measure of poor sleep," says Dr. Prather.

"The best way to understand the connection is to track when you work, when you go to bed, and when you wake up over several weeks," advises the sleep expert. "If the 3 a.m. awakenings consistently follow evenings of work, that pattern is worth taking seriously."

The simple routine change

After tracking my own nighttime routine habits and my 3 a.m. wake ups, there's undoubtedly a clear correlation between the stints I work in the evening and the frequency of my nighttime awakenings.

So, instead of working in the run up to bedtime, I've been implementing a 'two-hour digital buffer' to wind down for better sleep.

Here Dr. Prather explains why it works: "Creating a digital buffer is a great strategy, and setting aside the final 60–120 minutes before bed for non-work activities can make a meaningful difference."

Dr. Prather says that the goal is to give ourselves a meaningful window in which to transition from productivity to rest.

"During that time, I would try to engage in calming activities, such as reading, watching light television, taking a warm shower, stretching, and meditating.

"Basically, you are looking for activities that create a feeling of calm. The specific activities are less important," says Dr. Prather.

It's early days, but swapping emails for analogue activities, such as reading in bed, is already lowering the frequency of the dreaded 3 a.m. wake ups.

Other habits I'm using to stop waking up at 3 a.m.

As we shift through sleep cycles, waking up at night is normal. It happens multiple times a night and we rarely remember it. However, waking up at night becomes an issue when we can't easily fall back to sleep.

As someone on an ongoing journey to improve my sleep, I know there's rarely ever really one simple 'fix' to sleeping better.

In addition to avoiding working late into the evening, these are the habits I try to stick to in order to reduce the frequency of my 3 a.m. wake ups:

• Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule: Your circadian rhythm functions best when you stick to a regular sleep routine, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.
• A comfortable sleep environment: After years of waking up at night due to an uncomfortable bed, I now sleep on the best mattress for my sleep style.
• Create dark and quiet sleep space: Ambient light and noise pollution can lead to nighttime disturbances. To combat those, I wear a blackout eye mask to bed and pop in my Ozlo 2 sleepbuds to drown out any sound.

I've tested a lot of sleep tech over the last three years, and the Oura Ring 5, from $399 at Amazon, is my favorite gadget overall. This top-rated sleep tracker tells me the ins and outs of my sleep night after night, but that wasn't always the case.

When I first started using the Oura Ring 5, a common rookie error cost me a week's worth of accurate sleep tracking. The good news is that fixing my mistake was easy, and now I'm getting insightful feedback on my sleep quality, duration and quality.

Here's the Oura Ring slip-up I made and what I now do to get lab-accurate sleep tracking each night from my smart ring...

The mistake I made

Caught up in the excitement of getting an Oura Ring 5, I forgot to check if there was a certain way I should be wearing it. I thought placing the ring on my index finger, then heading to bed, would be all I needed to do.

For the first few weeks, I wore both my Oura Ring and my Apple Watch Ultra so that I could compare the data captured. And I soon noticed major sleep score discrepancies between the two wearables...

As it turns out, I'd made a significant mistake.

There is a faint white marking (which feels slightly rougher in texture than the rest of the ring) on the outer side of the Oura Ring. This is an alignment indicator, used to ensure the ring's placement is correct.

The alignment indicator should be positioned on the underside of the hand, so it's placed on top of your palm.

The white marking on My Oura Ring was not aligned with my palm, and that was costing me accurate sleep tracking and leading to poor sleep scores.

How to wear the Oura Ring 5 for lab-accurate sleep data

• The Oura Ring 5 has a faint white mark. This should be used as an alignment indicator for correct wear.
• Wear the ring so that the white alignment indicator is placed on the underside of your hand (so it sits on top of your palm rather than the back of your hand).
• The white alignment indicator is positioned above your palm ensures the most accurate reading because it puts the sensor closer to your skin.
• If the alignment indicator is facing outward, the Oura Ring 5's sensor will lose contact with your skin and lead to inaccurate tracking.
• The shape and sizes of our fingers can fluctuate and cause the Oura Ring's placement to shift. Switching to a larger finger can ensure a snugger fit that won't affect accuracy.
• If you find that your Oura Ring is shifting too much on your dominant hand, switch to a non-dominant hand for less movement.
• Hand-washing and creams can cause the Oura Ring's placement to shift. I recommend taking your Oura ring off for this and putting it back on once your hands are dry.

My fingers are highly sensitive to temperature change, and colder weather or excessive AC can cause my Oura Ring 5 shift, twist, and even slide right off.

I wear my Oura Ring on my index finger the majority of the time, but when it's chillier than usual, I switch to my middle finger as it's naturally larger.

Switching fingers won't cause sleep data inaccuracy, as long as you avoid your thumb and stick to your three digits: index, middle, and ring finger.

Wearing the Oura Ring 5 on your dominant hand can cause the ring to shift as your hand goes through more motions. So, if you feel like your ring is shifting around, simply switch to your non-dominant hand.

The Oura Ring's water-resistant design also means you can perform pretty much any activity while wearing it. However, whether you're taking a bath or washing your face, greasy, creamy lotions can cause your Oura Ring 5 to shift.

I now take my ring off during my night-time routine, allowing my skin to dry off before putting it back on.

3 top-rated sleep tracking smart rings

There’s nothing quite like waking up well rested after a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s so important to find the right mattress, pillow and everything else for your particular sleep position and that’s where we can help.

From hybrid mattresses for side sleepers to mattress toppers designed to instantly upgrade your existing mattress to pillows, sunrise alarms and more, there are plenty of options when it comes to upgrading your bedroom and your overall sleep experience.

For the Tom’s Guide Awards 2026, our team of experts has tested and reviewed all of the latest mattresses, pillows and other bedding gear. Below, we highlight our favorite mattresses, toppers, pillows and other sleep tech to help you get the rest you deserve as soon as your head hits the pillow.

Best mattress

Saatva Classic

If mattresses were Beatles albums, then the Saatva Classic would be Abbey Road; a perennial classic, perfect from start to finish, and impossible to forget.

For the fifth year running, we’ve crowned this luxury hybrid innerspring the Best Mattress of The Year. It’s comfy for every sleeping position, and so breathable it could keep a snowball cool during a heatwave.

The support is superb too – it feels like getting a gentle back massage every night. I climb into bed most nights feeling crooked from a day bent over my desk working, or playing on the floor with my kid, then I wake up each morning feeling straightened out and pain-free.

We developed a new review methodology last year and the Saatva Classic aced every part of it, becoming the highest-scoring lab-tested mattress we’ve reviewed (it scored a 24 out of 25 in our Saatva Classic review). In 2026, the Saatva Classic is still the epitome of sleep comfort.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best mattress in a box

DreamCloud Classic

Good sleep needn’t cost the earth, and the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is the perfect example of that. This hybrid mattress looks like a 5-star hotel bed, yet the price is more attainable at under $700 for a queen on sale.

At the beginning of this year we retested the newly updated DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and watched it ace several of our tests, from pressure relief to temperature control. It delivers a big wedge of comfort and support for the money, outperforming many luxury beds over four times the price.

This newer version of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is a little softer than previous models, so the lighter to average weight side sleepers on our review team love it the most. But honestly? We’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy sleeping on this breathable beauty.

At a point in the economy where many of us are counting every cent, the DreamCloud Classic delivers an excellent performance for the price, once again taking home our award for the year’s Best Mattress In A Box.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best hybrid mattress

Saatva Classic

A good hybrid mattress offers the contouring support of a cradling foam mattress with the bounce and responsiveness of an innerspring bed. The Saatva Classic delivers all of this and more, earning its title as the undisputed Best Hybrid Mattress of 2026.

We’ve retested this handcrafted innerspring hybrid twice in the last year alone, and no other mattress comes close. It’s breathable, offers proper lumbar support to ease back pain, and uses high-density foam rails around the perimeter so that you can sleep right up to the edge.

The Saatva Classic is ideal for bedsharing couples and families. It reduces heavy motion transfer while still being responsive enough for you to move around easily without getting wedged in the bed — a rare feat for any hybrid we’ve tested.

With three customizable firmness levels and two height profiles, the Classic adapts seamlessly to most body weights and sleeping styles. Add in a feast of natural and organic materials, and free set-up in your bedroom (they’ll even remove your old bed for free), and it’s easy to see why the Saatva Classic’s knock-out luxury package is yet to be rivalled.

— Claire Davies, Managing Editor Sleep

Best memory foam mattress

Nectar Premier

Currently No 1 in our best memory foam mattress 2026 guide, the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress is designed to both support and cushion back and side sleepers. After sleeping on the Premier for three weeks and putting it through vigorous lab testing, we have to say its design delivers what it promises.

The Premier is great at cushioning our pressure points when side sleeping, but it also kept our hips upright when sleeping on our backs. As for the overheating that memory foam beds can be prone to, the Premier’s cooling cover eliminates this problem and dissipates heat well.

Foam layers mean that a restless partner’s movements won’t travel to your side of the bed, too. Gone are the days when a memory foam mattress meant sleeping on a cheap, stuffy slab of quicksand, and the Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress proves it.

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Best mattress for side sleepers

Helix Midnight Luxe

We’ve tested and retested the Helix Midnight Luxe multiple times over the past two years and it still offers unparalleled support for those who primarily sleep on their sides, fending off some stiff competition (we’re looking at you, Saatva Classic).

The real star of the show here is the plush pillow top layer, which gently contours around the touch points of the mattress to remove pressure from your shoulders, hips and knees. The result? A superbly comfortable bed that you can stay sleeping on your side all night long.

The Helix Midnight Luxe is undoubtedly the best mattress for side sleepers on the market in 2026. However, it’s also comfortable and supportive for back sleepers, too. Which, for co-sleeping couples with different sleep needs, is a dream.

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best mattress topper

Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper

The best mattress toppers should offer a literal slice of a luxury mattress, and the Helix Ergo Align Mattress Topper is a prime example.Premium sleep brand Helix adds enhanced lumbar support to its luxurious hotel-style mattresses with the trademark ErgoAlign Layer.

While Helix mattresses featuring the ErgoAlign upgrade can cost over $2,000 in a queen, a queen-sized Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper boasts this back pain-relieving layer for under $350.

Not only is the ErgoAlign Mattress Topper excellent for those waking up to back pain every morning, but it’s comfortable for all sleep positions and will keep hot sleepers cool, too.

Its cooling cover is made from GlacioTex, a heat-dissipating fabric that’s also found in Helix’s most deluxe mattress models. As tester Alison Barretta summarises in our Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper review, ”No matter your sleep position, the Helix ErgoAlign Mattress Topper will add meaningful support and pressure relief to an older or less-than-perfect mattress.”

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Best pillow

Helix Talalay Latex Pillow

With two lofts to choose from and crafted from natural materials, the Helix Talalay Latex Pillow is a responsive (read: bouncy) and naturally cooling pillow which suits practically every type of sleeper. Whether you opt for the low or high loft, the pillow immediately adapts to your new shape with every toss and turn — no plumping required.

Design-wise, it’s simple. Its core is a block of natural Talalay latex, which is known for its temperature regulating properties (that’s great news for hot sleepers). This is wrapped in a quilted and breathable Tencel layer, which you can remove to machine wash.

The Helix Talalay Latex Pillow isn’t a pillow that your head sinks into, like you might with a squishy memory foam pillow. Our lead teaser Ruth Jones describes sleeping on it as “a bit like resting your head on a bounce house...but we mean that in the best way possible.”

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best sunrise alarm clock

Hatch Sleep Clock

As one of the best sunrise alarm clocks and a sleep tracker rolled into one sleek package, the Hatch Sleep Clock is one of the most exciting launches of 2026. It’s a sunrise alarm clock which delivers circadian lighting for brighter and easier mornings, while simultaneously tracking your sleep.

Lead tester Ruth Jones took the Hatch Sleep Clock for a spin and loved that she could ditch the health wearables and still get an overview of her sleep. Sleep tracking aside, the Hatch does everything you would expect from a sunrise alarm clock of this pedigree, with a vast library of sounds and light options at your fingertips.

In addition to helping you wake up, it actively helps you drop off, too. We love how you can program your own turndown service to activate on command, which initiates a sunset simulation with lights and sounds of your choosing.

— Nicola Appleton, Sleep editor

Best sleep tracker

Oura Ring 5

The Oura Ring 5 was launched this summer, promising more accurate sleep data and a slimmer design than the 4th generation. As we were blown away by the previous model’s sleep tracking, we started testing the Oura Ring 5 as soon as it became available.Three months of testing later, and we’re already convinced it’s the best sleep tracker we’ve tested..

Its improved sensor precision and extended week-long battery life are the new standout features, but we also love its streamlined, stylish build that’s much more comfortable to wear than chunky smart watches.

While the ring itself is screenless, the Oura Ring 5 has an intuitive accompanying app which presents visual breakdowns of sleep duration and stages via easy-to-read charts.

The smart ring also measures sleep debt, nighttime breathing, and heart rate, while the app’s library of bedtime stories and guided meditations is a nice touch beyond key sleep metrics.

— Frances Daniels, Senior Sleep Staff Writer

Watching your once snow-white pillow develop a multitude of yellow pillow stains is pretty gross – and your bedtime routine and laundry habits are high on the list of culprits for why pillows turn yellow.

From sleeping with wet hair to skipping regular bedding washes, there are five common habits that cause moisture and oils to seep into your pillow where they then oxidize and turn yellow.

The good news? Making a few simple changes to your routine will stop this discolouration from happening in the first place and keep your pillow brilliant white for longer.

Top 5 reasons why your pillows turn yellow

• 1. Sweat and natural body oils – breaks down pillow fibers overnight.
• 2. Going to bed with wet hair – trapped dampness causes bacterial growth and yellowing.
• 3. Skincare and makeup – transfers directly to the pillow, causing yellowing (retinol is notorious for this).
• 4. Not washing your pillow and pillowcases enough – stains set deeper and look more yellow.
• 5. Not replacing your pillows often enough – over time, pillows naturally decay and yellow.

1. Sweat and natural body oils

The two main culprits behind yellow pillow stains are moisture and oil, which we pump out hour by hour when sleeping.

Dr Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MyPsoriasisTeam explains it further: "Sweat, natural skin oils, saliva, dead skin cells, and moisture from wet hair gradually soak through the pillowcase and into the pillow, creating that familiar yellow discoloration over time."

All of this oxidizes when exposed to air. And when sweat and sebum react with oxygen, yellow pillow stains form — and overheating while sleeping can make the stains worse.

2. Going to bed with wet hair

I've all been guilty of this one, especially at the end of a long day when I'm tried and desperate to hop into bed.

But going to be with wet or damp hair not only makes your pillow feel soggy, it can also cause excess moisture from your hair to seep through your pillowcase and oxidize just like sweat and saliva does.

The result? Yellow staining on your pillow. If you keep doing this, your pillow will become yellowed regardless of whether you use a pillow protector.

3. Skincare and makeup

From skin-smoothing retinol to plumping overnight lip masks, beauty sleep products are a dream for our skin but a nightmare for our pillows.

Applying these skincare products right before bed means that the products' moisture and oils are still sitting on your skin, ready to transfer down into your pillow.

Same goes for sleeping with your make-up on.

The result? Yep, you guessed it: yellow stains. "Products that have not fully absorbed before bed can transfer onto the pillowcase and eventually seep into the pillow," says Dr Kanwal.

"Rich moisturizers, facial oils, leave-in conditioners, and other oily or pigmented products are more likely to leave residue, especially when combined with sweat and body oils."

4. Not washing your pillow and pillowcases enough

Skipping laundry day can mean that moisture and oils that have accumulated and oxidized on your pillow have a chance to really dig in to the fabric, causing deep staining that's harder to remove.

One survey found that 24% of adults admit to only washing their pillowcases every three to four weeks. While another found that only 15% of people wash their pillows on a regular basis.

To keep your pillow clean, fresh and free of yellow stains, you should aim to wash your pillowcase once a week and wash your pillow monthly. Keep in mind that removing yellow stains from a memory foam pillow requires its own specific method.

5. Not replacing your pillows often enough

If you've noticed that your yellowest pillow is also flat and unsupportive, it's no coincidence – yellow stains are one of the key signs that your pillow needs replacing.

The average lifespan of a pillow is up to two years, but one survey found that only 18% of 2,200 respondents knew this.

Meanwhile, the same study found that the average person keeps their pillow for around 14 months after the recommended time to replace it.

5 ways to stop your pillow turning yellow in the first place

• 1. Wash your pillow every 3 months – regular deep washes prevent sweat and oils from seeping deep down into the fill.
• 2. Use a pillow protector – this fabric barrier stops the majority of moisture and skincare from transferring to your actual pillow
• 3. Apply skincare routine an hour before bed – gives your products time to seep in, so your skin is dry when you lie down on your pillow.
• 4. Use breathable pillowcases – encourages better airflow and less nighttime sweating (a major cause of yellowing).
• 5. Replace your pillow every two years – ensures you're never sleeping on a decaying pillow that's yellow from natural old age.

1. Wash your pillow every 3 months

The first way to prevent your pillows from turning yellow? Start washing them more.

"I would wash pillowcases at least once a week, and more often if you sweat heavily, have oily or acne-prone skin, or use a lot of hair and skincare products," advise Dr Kanwal.

"Many washable pillows can be cleaned every 3 to 6 months, but always follow the care label because foam, latex, feather, and synthetic pillows need different cleaning methods," she adds.

For advice on how to clean your pillow, visit our guide on how to wash a pillow.

2. Use a pillow protector

Along with washing your pillowcases regularly, you can also try adding an extra layer of pillow protection.

"Using a washable pillow protector also helps keep sweat and product residue from reaching the pillow itself," explains Dr Kanwal.

While you can get pillow protectors that act as a pillow encasement, you can also get a waterproof pillow protector for more safeguarding.

3. Apply skincare routine an hour before bed

If skincare is a crucial step in your night-time routine, make sure that you've taken off your make-up and applied any lotions at least an hour before bedtime.

Dr Kanwal says that making skincare the first step of your evening regimen gives the products enough time to be absorbed by your skin and less likely to be absorbed by your pillowcase.

4. Use breathable pillowcases

Sweat is a big cause of yellowed pillows, so the more things you can do to sleep cool and dry the better.

This can mean switching your current pillow with a pillow featuring cooling tech like GlacioTex, or making sure that the fabric of your pillowcase is breathable.

Ditching heat-trapping synthetic bedding material like polyester or satin for naturally cooling, moisture-wicking materials like cotton, bamboo, linen, silk, or Tencel can help limit night sweats and overheating, meaning less discoloration from moisture build-up.

5. Replace your pillow every two years

As surprising as it sounds, I can understand why some people may want to hold onto their ageing yellow-stained pillow. It's comfortable, it's familiar, and if it ain't broke, why fix it?

However, even if you're happy to camouflage the yellow stains with a pillowcase, the truth is that an old pillow that's over two years old and covered in yellow stains needs to be replaced.

Trust me, it's much easier to invest in one of the best pillows every two years than to struggle with allergies, neck pain, and tension headaches from an old, unsupportive yellowed pillow.

Top 3 products to prevent yellow pillow stains

The hottest summer on record has turned my pristine white sheets into a yellowed mess. Even increasing my laundry schedule hasn't been able to banish yellow marks from my white duvet cover.

My first instinct was to grab the chlorine bleach. This strong chemical would effectively remove yellow sweat stains and turn my white sheets sparkling again. However, chlorine bleach is harsh on fabrics as well as stains, and overuse risks wearing holes in your duvet cover. That's even worse than stains.

The solution is a simple soak using a gentler chemical that helps lift stains without hurting the fabric. It returns your duvet cover to the bright white you enjoyed at the start of the summer.

• Too yellow to save? Check out our guide to the best bed sheets for our top tested picks.

Why you should avoid chlorine bleach in your laundry

Yes, chlorine bleach will strip the stains from your sheets. It contains sodium hypochlorite which causes a process known as oxidation. This changes the chemical composition of the stain to make it easier to wash away. It's an effective, albeit harsh, method.

But the stain isn't the only thing chlorine bleach removes. It breaks down dyes (so shouldn't be used on colored fabrics) and over time it can weaken fibers. If you regularly use chlorine bleach in your laundry routine, you might find your bedding begins to deteriorate, leading to holes.

Chlorine beach is also harsh against the skin. We advise always wearing gloves when handling chlorine bleach. And work in a well-ventilated area, as it can irritate the airways as well.

• Read more: I got deep yellow stains out of my memory foam pillow using a $1 cabinet staple

How to remove yellow sweat stains without chlorine bleach

While oxygen bleach is gentler on the skin than chlorine bleach, we still recommend using gloves while handling it, particularly if you have sensitive skin. We also advice using it in a well ventilated area.

Clean yellow bed sheets with an oxygen bleach soak

When yellow stains are ruining your once-pristine bed sheets, use an oxygen bleach soak. While chlorine bleach relies on sodium hypochlorite to break down stains, oxygen bleach releases oxygen molecules to lift and remove unwanted marks.

It's a gentler oxidation process that leaves your sheets sparkling white without the wear and tear.

To begin, mix a scoop of oxygen bleach into a bath of lukewarm water (Avoid hot water — we'll explain why below). Supercharge your soak with a squirt of dish soap, to help lift any grease stains.

Immerse the duvet cover in the water and mix well. Leave to soak for up to six hours, stirring occasionally.

At the end of the soak, use a soft brush to scrub at any particularly stubborn yellow stains. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and squeeze out excess water.

Finish with a warm cycle in your washing machine

While hot water is best for removing stains caused by dirt or grease, when it comes to yellow sweat stains, it's best to use a cooler wash cycle.

Heat can cause the proteins in sweat to become set in the fabric, making those yellow stains even harder to remove. Cold (or lukewarm) water helps flush out the stain, for sparkling white sheets.

Once you've finished your initial, cooler, wash cycle, inspect your sheets and duvet cover for lingering marks. If you're happy with the white finish, follow-up with a hot cycle. Hot water (140°F / 60°C) is best for removing dust mites and allergens, but always check the care label for the right temperature.

White sheets are a hotel staple for good reason; they look crisp and inviting. And with this wash routine, you can enjoy those sparkling whites for longer.

For me, a good night's sleep lays the foundation for a productive work day. But lately, I've been tossing and turning at night and my sleep quality has taken a direct hit. I had a hunch my pillow might have something to do it, so I decided to perform a simple test that instantly tells you whether your pillow needs replacing or not.

Sure enough, my pillow failed this basic 30-second test.

A pillow that has lost its support and shape will force you to wake up multiple times a night to replump and reshape it. Long-term, a pillow that has lost its support can throw your neck out of alignment, causing morning aches and pains and poor posture.

Here's what the 30-second test involves, how to perform it yourself, and what the results mean for your pillow and the quality of your sleep.

The 30-second test explained

The 30-second pillow test is a simple way to find out if your pillow is supportive enough to hold your head, neck and shoulders in alignment with your spine while you sleep.

A pillow with an even fill distribution and good support will not fold easily. Instead it will snap back fast. This pillow is good for sleeping.

An unsupportive pillow, on the other hand, will not only fold, but also take time to spring back to its original position. This pillow needs replacing asap.

How to perform the 30-second pillow test

• Remove the pillowcase or any other protectors.
• Lay the pillow flat on a hard surface.
• Fold it completely in half and hold it closed for 30 seconds.
• Now release the pillow
• If it stays folded or springs back sluggishly, the support has gone and your pillow is no longer fit for purpose.
• If it snaps instantly back into shape, it’s still good for sleeping on.

Why my pillow failed the 30-second test

After several nights of broken sleep, I figured that it's time to put my pillow to the test. For reference, my microfiber pillow is over two years old and has overall lost its initial plushness. I laid it out on a flat surface and folded it in half. To my surprise, my pillow folded almost too easily, like a book.

Unlike newer supportive pillows, which instantly snap back, mine took longer to return to its original position. On further inspection, I figured that the filling inside was bunched up and uneven, giving a still-folded effect right in the middle. This made me realize that it's high time to replace it with another.

Why unsupportive pillows need replacing

A sagging or unsupportive pillow compromises your spinal alignment.

In order to correct your posture, your neck ends up bending unnaturally, straining the muscles— the major reason behind morning neck pain.

It can also lead to frequent wake-ups and tossing and turning, as it happened in my case, where I was constantly trying to find the right sleeping position.

If you're someone who already struggles with snoring, sleeping on an unsupportive pillow can also make your symptoms worse.

Other signs your pillow needs replacing

While experts recommend changing your pillow every one to two years, you can do it sooner if you notice any of these secondary indicators.

Clumping up of the filling is a strong indicator of a lack of support. Pillows with poor support can lead to those random 3 a.m. wake-ups because your head and neck fall out of alignment, and you wake to replump the pillow.

Another common sign is the yellowing of your pillow. This is due to a buildup of your sweat, body oils, drool and dead skin cells, which seeps through the pillowcase. Over time, this can create the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria, even resulting in a musty, bad smell.

And no, washing your pillow might not solve the problem, especially if you've been using it for a long time.

A constant need to re-fluff or plump your pillow also shows that it is not fit to provide you with the required comfort.

What to look for in a new pillow

As a professional bedding tester, I'm aware of the fact that finding a comfy pillow among a sea of options is tricky.

The key is to first understand what your sleeping position (side, back and stomach) is and then choosing the right pillow loft to support it.

Pillow loft is basically the height of your headrest. Lying on a pillow too low or too high for your sleeping position, once again, puts your neck muscles and spinal alignment at risk. This is why it's important to choose the right pillow for your sleeping position.

Side sleepers require a high to mid-loft pillow (4 to 6 inches) which effectively bridges the gap between your ear and your mattress.

Back sleepers need a low-loft pillow which is high enough to support your head, but keeps your chin in a neutral position.

Stomach sleeping is the least recommended position, but if it's a force of habit, you need a low-loft, soft pillow, which prevents any further strain on your neck muscles.

If your priority is long-term durability and support, look for pillows made of materials like latex and high-quality memory foam, known to provide responsive comfort consistently.

Still confused? We've curated the best pillows guide, which includes options for every sleep position and concern.

Check your pillow tonight

If you've been waking up several times during the night or struggling with morning neck pain, it's a good idea to check if your pillow is at fault.

All it takes is 30 seconds of your time. Simply fold your pillow, hold it for 30 seconds and observe how long it takes to return to its normal position.

This simple fold test can reveal if your pillow lacks the support you need to have an uninterrupted night's rest.

I never put much thought into choosing bedding. Typically I'd pick my bed sheets based on price and color, never bothering to check things like thread count or material composition. That is, until I started waking up at 3 a.m. feeling stuffy, sweaty, and overheated.

Night sweats aren't something I usually deal with, so I initially blamed my awakenings on this summer's hot weather. Then I started testing a cool, crisp cotton bedding set. It put an end to my 3 a.m. wake ups and made me realize that my bedding was behind my disrupted sleep all along.

If you're thinking of buying some breathable sheets to help you sleep cooler, you've picked an excellent time. Today's Labor Day sleep and mattress sales are in full swing, with excellent deals on sheets we've tested and recommend. But first, here's the classic bedding mistake I made and how I fixed it....

The classic bedding mistake I made...

If you're anything like me, you probably buy the sheets that catch your eye when it's time to replace your old bedding.

And as you browse through the bed sheet selection on Amazon, Target, or Walmart, you'll find some cheap sets earning praise for their softness and wrinkle-free appearance. Sounds perfect, right?

However, the low price and smooth look are usually down to a certain material: polyester. This material comes in different types, including microfiber and polycotton blends, and is sometimes described as "cotton-like".

Now, there are a lot of advantages to polyester, such as its affordability, durability, and low maintenance. (Take a look at the pros list in our Utopia Bedding Sheet Set review.)

However, the downside is that polyester is not a breathable fabric. In other words, its notorious for trapping body heat.

I came to learn this the hard way when I was plagued by sweaty night-time awakenings throughout summer (and even during the colder months). And that's because my polyester sheets — even ones with a cotton blend — didn't have enough temperature regulation. Hot air was getting trapped in the material and causing me to overheat.

How I fixed it...

I must admit, I fixed my bedding mistake by accident. I like the look of the Brooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet Set, now from $119.25 at Brooklinen and decided to test it out.

I never realized what switching to 100% cotton could do to your sleep until I made the swap. Cotton is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, and when a bed sheet is pure cotton instead of a polycotton mixture, you can feel the difference.

In this case, I used sheets made from percale cotton, a crisp, matte-look weave known for its fresh, hotel feel.

Other naturally breathable bedding materials you can try include linen, bamboo viscose (like the Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set), and natural silk. Tencel, though technically a semi-synthetic material, is also great at cooling.

3 top-rated breathable bedding Labor Day deals

Synthetic materials to avoid...

Of course, it's not just polyester that you should avoid. Other bedding material that can cause night sweats are nylon, satin, and acrylic. Nylon blends are often found in glossy sheets, quilts and travel blankets, while acrylic is found in faux fur blankets, bedspreads and throws.

Meanwhile, satin is often used for pillowcases to make them more skin-friendly and to reduce hair frizz. Satin pillowcases are often used as a cheaper alternative to silk pillowcase, but unlike silk, satin is synthetic and can retain heat.

To me, there's nothing better than getting into freshly washed bed sheets, but I recently discovered that my newly cleaned bedding was getting dirty again after just one night.

Why? According to infection prevention expert Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, bringing these three key everyday items into bed at night can turn freshly washed sheets into a hotbed of bacteria. allergens, and germs.

So if you want cleaner bed sheets for longer, here are the three specific items Dr. Knighton keeps out of her bed – and would advise you to, too...

• Read more: 5 habits turning your pillows yellow — and how to keep them brilliant white for longer

What an infection expert bans from her bedroom for cleaner sheets

To help keep your sheets cleaner for longer, Dr. Knighton recommends you keep these three thinks far away from your bed.

1. Your phone

Whether it's for a sneaky pre-bed scroll or so you can check your messages first thing, many of us keep our phone close to hand at bedtime. But Dr. Knighton says that it's a magnet for things that have no place in the bedroom.

"People bring a filthy phone to bed, the same phone that has been on restaurant tables, in bathrooms, and in their hands all day, and they set it on the pillow or the sheets," explains Dr. Knighton. "A smartphone surface is one of the dirtiest things most people own, and they bring it right up to where they sleep."

Leaving your smartphone out of the bedroom not only locks out germs, but also keeps you away from numerous sleep disruptors. Light, sound, and social media temptation are all banished, alongside any nasties clinging to the surface.

2. Outside clothes

After a long day sometimes all you want to do is collapse directly onto the bed. But Dr. Knighton warns you should never let your outside clothes into your sleep space.

"I do not sit on the bed in [outside clothes], I do not sleep in them, and I do not sit them on or near the bed," she says.

Like your phone, your outside clothes pick up dust and grime throughout the day. And we're not just talking about the obvious coffee spills and dirty cuffs. Sweat, body oils, and other air pollutions can all get trapped in the fabrics before rubbing onto your bed.

"Whatever my outdoor clothes and my phone touched during the day stays out of the space where I sleep," says Dr. Knighton.

3. Bare feet

"Slippers are not optional in my house and serve a purpose beyond just comfort," says Dr. Knighton. "This is one people do not think about. If you allow outside shoes indoors, or you have pets, the floor is carrying everything that came in from outside."

The same goes for anyone who wears socks around the house and then sits on the bed in those exact same socks.

"Walking across the house barefoot and then climbing into bed means you have just dragged all of that up onto your sheets with your own feet," explains Dr. Knighton. "A pair of slippers between the floor and the bed breaks that chain."

How little habits contribute to a dirty bed — and why it matters

Your pillows, comforter and mattress are already the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, as Dr. Knighton previously explained to Tom's Guide.

Now add on an explosion of grime and allergens — that's what happens when you bring your phone, outside clothes, and bare feet into the bedroom.

Dr. Knighton explains that for most, this dirt build-up can cause "odor, breakouts, skin irritation, or allergy and asthma flares." But if you have broken skin or a weakened immune system, the hours of close contact with dirty bedding can lead to more serious problems, including a "real infection risk for the immunocompromised."

How often should you wash your bed sheets?

Dr. Knighton recommends washing your bed sheets at least once a week in summer. This helps prevent a build up of dirt, grime and moisture. Heavier items, such as pillows, comforters and duvets should be washed every couple of months.

She recommends washing at a temperature of 130°F/54°C at least, turning it up to 140°F/60°C if you're worried about dust mites. However, always check the care instructions on your bedding first, as some materials can't handle high temperatures.

Nothing ruins a cozy bedtime routine like pulling back the bed covers and unleashing an unwelcome odor. There goes your calm mood and out floats the musty scent of a summer spent sweating yourself to sleep. Is it time to uncork the lavender oil and drown your pillow in a more welcome scent?

Even the best mattresses act as a sponge for bad odors, absorbing everything from body oils to sweat to your unwashed feet. And while a quick spritz of lavender or sandalwood might mask the scent, the best way to prevent your mattress from smelling is this five-second hack.

The 5-second daily hack

When you wake up, your first instinct might be to turn around and make the bed. (That, or leave the sheets in a bundle until you’ve had some coffee.)

But this seemingly good habit could be the reason your mattress smells, notes Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, an infection prevention expert and Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

“If [the bedding] is still damp from sweat, pulling the covers up seals that moisture and warmth against the mattress,” explains Dr. Knighton. “You have just slowed the drying and handed odor, dust mites, and microbial growth a more comfortable place to sit all day.”

Instead, she encourages you to “throw the covers back.” This allows the bed to breathe, and for sweat and body oils to escape — so they won't sit stewing all day.

It's important to fold back the sheets properly. Don't just leave them screwed up in a ball. Once that's done, you can grab a coffee. When you come back, it's time to make the bed. But not, Dr. Knighton warns, until it's fully dry.

“A tidy bed should not outweigh a dry bed,” she says.

The weekly follow-up

Dr. Knighton recommends washing your pillow cover and sheets at least once a week, particularly during hot weather. This prevents sweat and moisture from building up, eliminating the risk of bad smells.

And while your bedding is in the wash, you can do a more thorough airing of your mattress. Strip it bare, open the window, and allow the fresh air to lift away any embedded sweat or odors. The result is a cleaner mattress with minimal effort.

The bad smell you should never ignore

Over time any mattress will start to emanate a slight odor. Often this will disappear with a quick airing and some fresh sheets. But there are two lingering smells that you should never ignore.

First, an earthy smell, like a damp basement. This is a sign that your mattress might be infected with mold. Look for black marks and spot treat them with a hydrogen peroxide solution. (Patch test a small area before using hydrogen peroxide on your bed).

Second, a musty, sweet scent, similar to spoiled raspberries. While it seems innocuous, this is often a sign of bed bugs. Diatomaceous earth can be used to limit a bed bug infestation but if the critters are calling your mattress home, you might need to contact the professionals.

While it’s possible your mattress can recover from mold or bed bugs, if you’ve noticed either smell, it might be time for a replacement.

I used to find that even with weekly washes, my dazzling white bed sheets quickly faded to gray. Months of detergent build-up to remove yellow bedding stains left a film on my bedding, a problem worsened in hard water areas, as mineral deposits add another layer of dullness.

My first instinct was bleach and a hot wash. However, while chlorine bleach can strip away soap residue, chlorine reacts with mineral build-up to lock in hard-water film. Despite the heavy washing, my gray sheets were even duller.

But I've found a fix. This simple two-step pre-wash soak starts with oxygen bleach and dish soap to lift leftover detergent, and finishes white vinegar to cut through gray film. My sheets are back to their sparkling white best — here's how.

• Read more: I got deep yellow stains out of my memory foam pillow using a $1 cabinet staple

The 2-step pre-wash laundry soak

These ingredients are safe to use on most fabrics. However, oxygen bleach should be kept away from silk, wool and leather (plus anything with wooden buttons), while vinegar shouldn't be used on delicate materials such as silk and rayon.

Our first hero ingredient is oxygen bleach. This mild bleach contains either sodium percarbonate, hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate, which form bubbles when mixed with water. These oxygen bubbles help gently lift away stains and gray film, without damaging the fabrics.

Adding a squirt of dish soap helps boost the stain removal. Dish soap is good at breaking down oils and grease (hence why you use it on your dirty dishes.) In this pre-soak, it helps lift the oily film left behind by your detergent.

Step two involves white vinegar. This kitchen staple is a cleaning must-have, used for everything from freshening up toilets to washing pillows. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which cuts through the gray grease of soap residue. It also breaks down mineral deposits, like the calcium left from hard water.

How to use this pre-wash soak

In my experience, the bright white results last for several months but if you're in a hard water area, your sheets may need regular soaks to stay sparkling. However, this soak shouldn't be completed more than every two weeks, as acidic vinegar can break down fabrics. Depending on the severity of your stains, the soak can take upwards of 6 hours. But only around 20 minutes of hands-on washing is required. Here's how to do it:

• Fill a basin or bathtub with warm water
• Add roughly half a cup of oxygen bleach and mix well (check packet instructions for exact measurements)
• Submerge the sheets completely and leave to soak for up to 6 hours
• Drain the water and rinse the sheets to remove any leftover oxygen bleach
• In a basin of warm water, add a cup of distilled white vinegar and stir
• Submerge the sheets and leave to soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Rinse and finish with your usual washing cycle

The final step: Machine wash your bed sheets

Once your pre-wash soak is completed, the final step is to machine wash your bed sheets. We recommend opting for a hot wash, as hotter water is better at lifting soils and stains, ensuring even brighter whites. However, always follow the care instructions to avoid damaging your bedding.

How to choose bed sheets that won’t turn grey

It is possible to choose sheets that stay sparkling for longer. First, opt for natural fibers. Materials like 100% long-staple cotton or linen take longer to develop a gray detergent film than synthetic fabrics such as polyester and microfiber. It's a case of oleophilic versus hydrophilic: synthetic fibers attract and absorb oil, most natural fibers absorb water.

Weave is also important. A loose, open weave like percale allows laundry detergent to wash through easily. Tight weaves, like sateen, hold onto soap residue. This build-up will quickly lead to graying.

While eventually all bedding starts to dull, sheets made from natural fibers with open weaves take longer to develop a gray finish. That bright white will stay intact for years to come.

I love sinking into a fresh, bright white pillow, so imagine my horror when I discovered one of my pillows had yellowed and was covered in stains. A build-up of body oils, sweat, cosmetic products and more – or natural old age of the pillow – seeping into the fabric and oxidizing over time can cause pillows to turn yellow.

I tried a range of cleaning methods to see if any of them could restore my pillow to bright white again, and while some did lift a few stains here and there, only one ingredient worked all over... a $1 staple you'll find in most medicine cabinets.

Here's how I used this unassuming stain remover to restore my pillow to bright white – and why it works when other methods fail.

• Pro tip: To test if your pillow has lost its support and need a new one, try this 30-second pillow test.

The $1 ingredient that restored my yellowing pillow to bright white

Antiseptic 3% hydrogen peroxide is a medicine cabinet staple, but it's also excellent for removing yellow stains from pillows.

After being told by textile and cleaning specialists about its stain-busting properties, I decided to give it a try on my yellowing pillow.

To use hydrogen peroxide as a safe cleaner, always use a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, avoid mixing it with other chemicals, and protect hands with gloves. As hydrogen peroxide has a mild bleaching effect, avoid using on dark-colored fabrics and delicate materials such as silk, wool and cashmere.

Turns out, there's good reason why 3% hydrogen peroxide has a reputation as a wonder ingredient. It restored my pillows to mint condition, and it required low effort and an even lower cost.

Here's how I used it to lift deep-set stains from my yellowing pillow...

How I used hydrogen peroxide to remove yellow pillow stains

It's important to note that I used this method on a microfiber pillow. Removing yellow stains from a memory foam pillow requires its own gentler method to prevent lasting damage.

To get rid of deep-set, yellowish stains out of my pillow, I placed it in an empty bathtub. I then filled a clean spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide and spritzed it all over the pillow and then let it sit for 30 minutes.

After the half hour was up, I worked the hydrogen peroxide into the pillow with an old toothbrush. As the electric toothbrush scrubbed away at the pillow, I noticed the stains beginning to fade and flake off.

Following the pillow's cleaning instructions, I placed the hydrogen peroxide-covered pillow into the washing machine for 1 hour. Once the cycle was over, I opened the washing machine to reveal a bright white pillow that's back to its pristine self.

To dry the pillow, I absorbed any excess water with a light-colored towel and then place it in the dryer with three tennis balls for extra fluffiness (yes, the hack works).

Here's a very satisfying before and after shot of the formerly grubby pillow:

The kit you'll need

The pillow cleaning methods I don't recommend

The safest pillow cleaning method is following the care label to the letter, which usually involves an appropriate laundry detergent and water setting.

However, ingredients like 3% hydrogen peroxide are perfect if your pillow stains are too stubborn for laundry detergent.

That said, for the sake of science I tried the weirdest pillow cleaning ingredients that have been doing the rounds on social media. Unfortunately, the majority of them are best avoided...

For example, CleanTok heralds vodka as a stain remover. I was not impressed by the results. I also tested shaving foam after seeing so many videos hyping its stain-removing powers, only to be left disappointed by my still yellow pillows.

And while some hacks sort of worked, they came with a disclaimer. Like the viral lemon slice soak — research shows that citrus acid degrades fabric. Another popular cleaning staple, baking soda, should not be used on your memory foam pillows

My advice? If you want to keep the best pillows in top condition, follow the care label to the letter.

Over time, even the highest-quality white pillowcases inevitably lose their crisp finish. Sweat, body oils, and nightly skincare products slowly oxidize in the fabric, creating stubborn yellow discoloration that normal laundry detergent fails to lift. Running them through a standard wash cycle often bakes these trapped oils deeper into the cotton fibers.

Chlorine bleach can actually make the problem worse by reacting with the proteins in sweat and turning the fabric an even darker yellow. Keeping up with routine bedding care and cleaning is essential, but to bring yellowed cases back to bright white, the secret lies in stripping the embedded oils using a simple two-ingredient pre-soak.

The two-ingredient soak

This soak method is intended primarily for durable fabrics like cotton and polyester blends. Do not use this method on delicate or natural fibers such as silk, bamboo, viscose, modal, or fabrics containing elastane/spandex, as these materials can be weakened, damaged, or shrunk by exposure to these soaking ingredients.

To strip away that embedded oil layer, first fill a basin or clean sink with hot water to help loosen the hardened lipids (fats and body oils). For a quick pre-treatment, add half a cup of baking soda and one cup of distilled white vinegar.

The immediate rush of carbon dioxide gas creates rapid effervescent bubbles that help physically agitate and dislodge surface residue from the fabric fibers. Submerge your pillowcases completely and let them soak for 2 to 4 hours.

If you have stubborn, set-in yellowing and want to maximize the chemical strengths of each ingredient, try a sequential soak. To a basin of hot water, add half a cup of baking soda and stir until dissolved. Its alkaline properties will immediately go to work breaking down the greasy buildup. Let the pillowcases soak for 30 minutes.

Afterward, wring them out and transfer them to your washing machine, adding one cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to dissolve any remaining detergent residue and completely lift the yellow stains.

Alkaline baking soda breaks down organic grease and body oils, while acidic vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum. Used in separate steps, they alter the wash water’s pH to chemically release and remove embedded residues from the cotton fabric weave.

The final step

Then simply run a normal cycle using your standard laundry detergent to flush out the loosened oils and chemical residue. For more tips on maintaining your sleep gear, read our comprehensive guides on how to wash a pillow and how to clean a mattress.

If weather permits, skip the dryer and hang your them outdoors on a clothesline. The UV rays from direct sunlight act as a free bleaching agent that naturally brightens white cotton.

Keep in mind that direct sunlight is not a substitute for proper washing. While UV rays help naturally brighten white fabric and kill germs, sunlight alone won't remove body soil.

Once dry, pillowcases emerge remarkably crisp and bright, completely free of dingy yellow patches.

Ready to revive your bedding? Grab some baking soda and vinegar, give your pillowcases a soak, and drop a comment below to let us know how bright they turned out!

More from Tom's Guide

• I restored my graying socks to brilliant white using one overlooked step
• How to keep your sofa spotless this summer — 7 expert hacks for stains and spills
• I tried deep-cleaning my white baseboards with vinegar — and brought back their bright white finish

I'm a side sleeper who needs an ultra-plush bed to cushion my shoulders and hips, and that's why I loved sleeping on Helix's softest bed. After sleeping on the luxury hybrid for over two months, I can see why the Sunset Luxe, now down to $1,874 (was $2,498.66) at Helix, is recommended to side sleepers.

I wasn't at all surprised by the Sunset Luxe's high quality, as Helix is a brand that features in our best mattress guide. As both a side sleeper and lead tester for the Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review, I was impressed by the relief it provided for my pressure points thanks to its plush, cradling foam layers.

So, if you sleep on your side and are shopping for a new mattress, here's why I's buy the Helix Sunset Luxe (plus, why I wouldn't wait until the Labor Day mattress sales are in full swing before buying it).

Ultra-plush comfort for side sleepers...

• Read more: Our mattress test results are in — this $360 bed beats a $999 rival at relieving pain for side sleepers

Want a mid-range alternative? Try this...

When I tested the Sunset Luxe at home and at our sleep lab, I quickly discovered that pressure relief is the highlight of this premium bed. Pressure relief scored 4.07 stars out of 5 as the Sunset Luxe soothes shoulders and hips, displaying the most sinkage out of all the tested mattresses in these key side-sleeping areas.

As for subjective feedback, I found the bed to have plenty of contouring, as did my fellow mattress testers. One tester even awarded the Sunset Luxe a perfect 10 or pressure relief.

However, stomach and back sleepers will find the Sunset Luxe far too soft. If you're a back and side sleeper, I recommend taking a look at the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. The Helix Midnight Luxe is No 1 in our best mattress for side sleepers guide, but its medium-firm feel also packs plenty of lumbar support for back sleeping. It costs the same as the Sunset Luxe, too.

Whether you choose the Sunset Luxe or the Midnight Luxe, now is the time to invest in a Helix mattress. You don't have to wait until Labor Day itself to rake in the savings, as we've never seen a discount bigger that 25% on the Sunset Luxe.

Heading to college? You've probably crossed all the sleep essentials off your dorm room checklist: pillows, comforter, sheets. But what about a mattress topper? Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable and throwing a brand new bedspread over a mattress that's seen better days won't fix it.

The best mattress toppers can give dorm beds a shiny new makeover. While in an ideal world you'd be bringing one of the best mattresses to your dorm, mattress toppers are lighter, cheaper, and easier to set up. In fact, many bed toppers are designed with students in mind.

I'm a mattress topper tester and I'm sharing the five key reasons why every dorm bed needs a mattress topper — yes, even the brand new ones. Plus, I'll explain how to choose a mattress topper that's right for you in the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales, so you can stop poor sleep from getting in the way of your grades.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Mattress toppers protect against all kinds of mess and germs.
• They also changing the bed's feel and firmness for better comfort and support.
• When choosing a mattress topper, make sure it contains foam, has some form of temperature control, and is not too thin or thick.

5 reasons why a mattress topper is a dorm room essential

1. Adds a germ barrier

The average lifespan of a mattress is seven to 10 years, so in all likelihood, multiple people have used that dorm mattress before you. As someone who has had to sleep on quite a few second-hand mattresses in her time, I'm unfortunately familiar with mysterious bed stains.

But stains are inevitable because mattresses collect everything, from sweat to spilled drinks, like stamps. Even if the person before you used a mattress protector and never ate in bed, bodily fluids like natural oils can still seep through and leave stubborn, yellow mattress stains.

That's where a mattress topper steps in. Toppers act as a thick germ barricade, protecting you against a grimy dorm mattress. Many toppers also have hypoallergenic, deodorizing, and antimicrobial properties. Consider one infused with antibacterial copper, such as the ViscoSoft Active Cooling Copper Topper or the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper.

2. Softens hard beds

Even if you're the first one to sleep on your dorm mattress, you still might run into issues. New mattresses haven't gone through a break-in period, meaning they're can be unusually firm. You might feel like you're sleeping on a plank of wood (particularly if you're used to a well-used mattress at home).

Luckily, most mattress topper are made from body-contouring foams that are perfect for softening hard beds. Memory foam mattress toppers are also great for soothing side sleeper pressure points, moulding to your shoulders and hips.

3. Controls temperature

According to the Farmer's Almanac, we're in for more hot weather this fall. While many newer dorms are equipped with air conditioning, a large number of older, historic campuses have restricted AC or no AC at all.

If you find yourself struggling to sleep in a hot dorm room, the next best thing to a massive fan is a cooling mattress topper. Most mattress toppers have some degree of temperature regulation, but some go one step further and utilize state-of-the-art cooling tech. For example, Helix mattress toppers have GlacioTex covers, which are designed to dissipate body heat.

4. Adds support

If your dorm mattress has passed through a few users, it might have developed lumps and dips. A firm mattress topper can add support to an overly soft or sagging bed.

Choosing a firmer designs is also better for stomach and back sleepers, who need more lumbar support to avoid lower back pain.

Some mattress toppers, such as the Puffy Deluxe Mattress Topper, come in different firmness options. If a mattress topper doesn't have a choice of feels but does come in a variety of heights, go for the thinnest one for firmer support.

5. Protects the mattress

As I mentioned above, mattress toppers act as a barrier against germy dorm beds. That means they also protect the dorm mattress from your germs.

If you're someone who's accident-prone or likes to snack in bed, a mattress protector can provide a buffer between you and the mattress. That means when it comes to move out day, you won't be stuck with a fine for a replacement bed.

Many (but not all) mattress toppers come with removable, machine-washable covers, such as the Tempur-Adapt+ Cooling Mattress Topper. This means you can launder the topper's cover without having to clean the mattress itself.

Finish with one of the best mattress protectors for full safeguarding.

3 steps to choosing the right mattress topper

1. Choose a topper between 2" and 4" thick

A mattress topper's thickness is important when finding the right one for you. Too thin or too thick can both come with problems.

A too-thin mattress topper is unlikely to make any difference to the feel of the bed, while a too-thick mattress topper will be too squidgy and add unnecessary height to your mattress.

As a rule of thumb, don't choose anything thinner than 2" or anything thicker than 4".

2. Make sure it has foam

If you've been trawling Amazon for some cheap mattress toppers, you may find quilted ones that look good but appear awfully thin. That's because these are mattress pads, not mattress toppers.

These are often foamless — sometimes labelled as microfiber, synthetic-filled, hollow fiber, or down alternative mattress toppers — and the bad news is they make no difference to the feel of your bed whatsoever.

Instead, look for a mattress topper that is clearly labelled as containing foam, either memory foam or latex foam, to ensure it's capable of providing a thick layer of comfort.

3. Look for cooling materials

And last but not least, look for cooling materials or design features that keep your bed temperature neutral.

Some cooling features are better than others, however. For instance cooling gel-infused foam is no match against a specialist cooling cover made of GlacioTex or PCM.

Also, some materials are naturally cool, such as organic latex foam or moisture-wicking, breathable cotton or wool.

3 top-rated mattress topper deals

The best mattress protectors are the unsung heroes of the bedroom — coffee in bed becomes a much riskier prospect without one. So when it comes to keeping your mattress safe from spills and stains, is it better to save or splurge on a waterproof mattress protector?

First things first: a mattress protector is a non-negotiable. When liquids get into your mattress they can cause the materials to degrade, as well as potentially supporting mold growth. If you've bought the best mattress for your sleep needs, you need to keep it safe.

But before you splash the cash on a luxury mattress protector, we did some splashing of our own. I poured water, coffee, wine and other liquids on a $119 Purple Mattress Protector and a $21 Linenspa Mattress Encasement to see which kept our mattress sparkling clean. Here's the one I trust with my Sunday evening Syrah...

Meet the mattress protectors

How we tested our mattress protectors

We wanted to put our mattress protectors through the wringer: how would they cope if a very clumsy person had a feast in bed?

To do this, we wrapped each protector around a white mattress (to better show stains). We then tossed a variety of substances onto them both. Primarily liquids, we also tried some heavier, oiler substances as well — hand lotion and guacamole.

Each substance was left for five minutes, to give it time to soak in. We then blotted any excess and lifted the mattress protector to see what lay beneath. In other words, was there any seepage?

Finally, we washed the mattress protectors to see how easily each stain was lifted.

Test 1: Hand lotion

Greasy skincare can leave mattress stains, plus it's a nightmare to clean up. We rubbed a blob of hand lotion into our protectors to see what happens...

Test one, and Purple was off to a flying start. The waterproof mattress protector stopped any hint of lotion from reaching to bed. Plus, the shiny surface was easy to wipe excess from.

But the Linenspa wasn't going to get left behind. No hand cream made it to the mattress and we could wipe away the cream with ease.

Test 2: Guacamole

Chunky guacamole served as a counterpoint to our wetter tests. And, without being crass, has a remarkable resemblance to vomit. (I'm saying this as an avo-enthusiast.)

Easy to wipe up and zero seepage — a success for the Purple Mattress Protector.

Similarly, the Linenspa held its own against the guac test. So while we don't advice chips and dip in bed, it shouldn't end in disaster.

Test 3: Water

I keep a bottle of water by my bedside for the morning. If I take a sip before my hand-eye coordination has woken up, that can result in spillage.

You really don't want water seeping into your mattress. It can settle in the materials causing damp and, in some cases, mattress mold. If you've noticed yourself sneezing in bed, it's worth checking for signs of mold.

So how did our protectors do in the water test?

Purple kept the water spill contained and prevented it from going through to the bed. This is particularly good for families who might deal with bed wetting instances. Expect easy clean up and the mattress to stay fresh.

Again, the Linenspa prevented anything sinking into the mattress materials. However, the water spill quickly spread out and left a lot of the surface damp. If an accident occurs, everyone will know.

Test 4: Coffee

Who doesn't enjoy the occasional cup of coffee in bed? But if your lazy Sunday morning ends in disaster, here's what you can expect from these mattress protectors.

The coffee spill settled where we poured it on the Purple Mattress Protector, although blotting did cause some spread. But it all stayed on the surface, with nothing sinking into the bed below.

A splash of coffee turned into a swimming pool on the Linenspa Encasement but the good news is, it didn't sink into the mattress.

Test 5: Wine

Now for the big one — red wine.

No judgement if you enjoy a glass of wine in bed after a long day, but a wine spill is a big no-no for a mattress. Alcohol is not good for memory foam and red wine stains are difficult to remove.

We splashed a glass of bottom shelf Syrah onto each mattress protector and waited five minutes. Here's how it went:

One the Purple, the wine pooled immediately. And sat there. After five minutes we employed a barrage of paper towels to mop it up. But no wine made it to the mattress.

There was a similar result on the Linenspa, although the initial spread made blotting the wine trickier. No stain, though.

As a bonus, this video also shows just how long it takes one person to take a mattress encasement off a queen sized bed. I easily hit my step goal for the day after this.

Test 6: How well does each mattress protector clean up?

So you've spilled your wine and guacamole all over your bed. Thankfully, your mattress is fine. But, oh no, your mattress protector is covered in stains!

Fellow tester Frances Daniels took both protectors home and washed them that evening. This resulted in a few hours between the tests ending and the mattress protectors getting cleaned. (At home, you should aim to wash quicker.)

She placed the protectors in a cold wash using a non-bio detergent. Each mattress protector was left to air dry before being tumble dried.

The Purple Waterproof Mattress Protector showed more signs of staining than the Linenspa, even after cleaning.

We suspect this is because liquids spread further on the Linenspa, reducing the build-up in any single place.

On the Purple Protector, the liquids pooled. This made it easier to blot up but might have led to the darker stains you can see above.

Verdict: Which mattress protector should you buy?

We threw everything at these mattress protectors. Literally. There were no more liquids left in our Sleep Lab to test.

The result? Two sparkling clean mattresses:

Neither protector allowed any liquids to get through to the mattress beneath. Both beds were bone dry, meaning your errant spill is unlikely to sink into the materials. So being clumsy with a cup of coffee shouldn't lead to a moldy bed.

And while both protectors showed some signs of staining, for the most part they cleaned up well. If you clean quicker than we did (our Sleep Lab is equipped with a lot, but not a washing machine), expect less staining.

So it's conclusive, right? Save your money and go for something cheap?

If it's just waterproofing you want, the yes. The Linenspa formed a super effective barrier against all our liquids. If you want to protect against sweat, urine, or your Sunday morning breakfast in bed, it'll do the job.

But the Purple protector did better at containing liquids. A small splash of water spread far and wide on the Linenspa, making it harder to clean. (And potentially disturbing anyone else in the bed.)

The Purple Mattress Protector is also quieter and softer. And as someone who has wrested to get the Linenspa Encasement on a mattress, the Purple is much, much, much easier to use.

Our favorite sleep essentials

Sleeping on a hot, stuffy pillow in summer is a nightmare when I want to fall asleep fast. In fact, research shows that your body naturally cools as you go to sleep, so a heat-trapping pillow means you don't get the temperature drop you need to drift off.

The best pillows should avoid this problem, and we've found that luxury cooling pillows are top notch at regulating temperature. But is there a cheaper way to keep your head cool at night? Or is a fancy pillow packed with cooling tech the only way to keep you comfortable on a hot night?

To find out, I grabbed my $93 Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow, the $20 Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillow, and a trusty thermal cam. Here's how much heat each pillow absorbed and shed when our testers slept on these headrests in our lab...

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Hot temperatures make it difficult to sleep, as your body naturally cools before bed. Some pillow materials trap warm air rather than help it circulate. As a result, you get a hot head that can't cool down.
• Cooling pillows claim to use special materials that help wick away warmth, to keep you comfortable.
• However, our thermal cam tests showed for a neutral feel, a cotton cover might be enough.
• And flipping to the cool side won't always provide the relief you need — one of our pillows was actually warmer on the unused side.

How we tested a cheap vs a luxury cooling pillow

Temperature regulation testing is a key part of our rigorous mattress testing methodology. So when it came to analyzing our pillows, I turned to our tried and tested method.

In a comfortable environment, we ask a tester to lie on the pillow for 15 minutes. This is ample time for heat to transfer and cooling properties to kick in. The tester then gets up and we continue to measure the temperature of the pillow for the next 15 minutes. This allows heat to disperse (... or not).

For pillows, I also employed a flip test. After the above tests, I flipped the pillow to see how cool the other side was.

Meet the pillows:

I used two pillows for this test. One, a luxurious memory foam pillow packed with cooling tech. The other, an affordable pillow with 'down alternative' fill (that's probably fiber fill).

Test 1: How quickly does the pillow get warm?

For part one of the test, sleep writer Frances Daniels graciously agreed to lie on each pillow for 15 minutes. We used a side sleeping position as its the most common and a breathable but not cooling mattress (the DreamCloud Classic Mattress).

Click through the gallery to see what happened:

We marked the center of each pillow, which is where Frances rested her head. This is also where we took a temperature reading every minute.

Verdict

The Helix Cooling Memory Foam pillow is delightfully chill when you touch it. So when you first settle into that GlacioTex cover, it's going to feel great.

From there, the temperature gradually rose but never tipped over into uncomfortable. Frances noted (as did I during my testing period) that once the pillow had warmed to your body temperature, it hardly wavered.

The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow also impressed, and did so with the help of just a cotton cover. After a big initial jump in temperature (13.3°F), it slowly cooled and evened out. However, you won't get that initial 'aaah' of Helix's chilled cover.

Test 2: How quickly does the pillow cool down?

The work continues once our tester, the lovely Frances, has stepped away. For the next 15 minutes I monitored the temperature at the center of the pillow. This shows us how quickly the heat dissipates.

Click through the gallery to see what happened:

Verdict

A good cooling pillow should drop excess heat quickly. This means when you sit up in bed or step away for a few minutes, you can return to a blissfully chilled sleep surface.

You won't get that with either of these options.

The Helix Cooling Pillow took a long time to lose just 4°F of warmth. Even after 15 minutes, it wasn't back to the icy feel we started with. However, the edges and corners of the pillow kept cool. So if you're willing to move around, you don't have to sleep on the warm patch.

The Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow dropped to a cooler temperature quicker. After this initial heat shed, it remained roughly 2°F higher than when we started — that's a neutral feel.

These results back up our hands-on testing. If you get up to use the bathroom or grab a drink during the night, you won't return to a cool pillow. However, you should get back to something with an even, neutral finish.

Test 3: What about the 'cool side'?

There are few moments quite as satisfying as the brief relief of the cool side of the pillow. But in the spirit of investigation, I wanted to see just how cool this cool side is...

Having completed our tests, I flipped the pillows to reveal the so-called 'cool side'.

First up, the Helix Cooling Pillow. While the pillow wasn't as blissfully chilled on the other side as I expected, it did drop 1.4°F.

However, I was in for a shock with the Hotel Collection Pillow. A quick flip revealed the pillow was actually warmer on the other side. 1.8°F warmer, to be precise.

That's not a huge temperature jump. But it's not what you want when you're awake at 3 a.m.

Should you save or splurge on a cooling pillow?

So, should you spend or save on a cooling pillow? My test results show that cooling tech might not live up to its high promises. If it's a breathable feel you're after, cotton covers and airy fill can make a big difference.

However, I'd note I tested the Helix Cooling Memory Foam Pillow at home during some brutal weather. (It's been heatwave after heatwave in my city.) Throughout it all, my pillow stayed neutral, if not cool.

And we know from testing over 130 of the best mattresses online that cooling tech can make a serious difference to your sleep comfort. The best cooling mattresses we've tested feature either specialist materials or use natural fabrics to create a chilled feel.

And luxury pillows do have their benefits, including enhanced durability. After being tossed around our Sleep Lab, the Helix Pillow looked in better shape than the Hotel Collection alternative.

My advice? You don't need to splurge to sleep cool, but investing in sleep comfort pays off in the long term.

Our favorite cooling sleep products

Astronauts on the International Space Station experience sleep inertia (grogginess upon waking) because they work in shifts, are rolling a chronic sleep debt, and see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours, among many other factors.

I experience sleep inertia because my pre-schooler doesn’t believe in sleeping through the night. And that build-up of broken sleep makes me feel punch-drunk some mornings.

I tried easing the grogginess with caffeine, but it didn’t work. And after speaking with Dr. Erin Flynn-Evans, Director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center, I now know why…

“Caffeine takes time to take effect, so it’s not the best tool to use if you have to wake up and act quickly,” Dr. Flynn-Evans explains, whereas light activates retinal pathways immediately.

Well, my job doesn’t require me to perform complex tasks straight after waking. But my son is full bore from the moment he opens his eyes — sitting on the couch to watch him play while I'm still struggling to wake up fully is not an option.

Let there be (blue) light

While caffeine isn’t a fast-acting off-switch for post-sleep grogginess, the right type of blue light within 30 minutes of waking is.

Yes light therapy glasses and lamps can help to reduce sleep inertia, but devices cost money. For a $0 solution, Dr. Flynn-Evans says to step outside your front door: “Going outside when the sun is out will expose you to blue light from the sun naturally.”

Even though it looks yellow from Earth, the sun contains blue light (and many other colours). “There are specialized photoreceptors in our eyes that are very sensitive to blue-wavelength light that are different from the rods and cones that we use for vision,” explains Dr. Flynn-Evans.

“They are most sensitive to blue-enriched light, because the light that we receive from the sun has a strong blue component. When these photoreceptors detect light, they send a signal to our internal clock (circadian rhythm) to indicate that it’s daytime.

“This initiates a cascade of other effects throughout the body that promote alertness. For example, our bodies immediately stop producing melatonin when the photoreceptors detect light.”

Little wonder that blue light is being studied as a powerful off-switch for melatonin production (a master sleep hormone), and a powerful on-switch for wakefulness signals.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• The biological switch: Natural morning light triggers specialized photoreceptors in your eyes. These instantly signal your brain to stop producing melatonin.
• The $0 NASA solution: While blue light therapy devices are helpful for night-shift workers and in the darker months of the year, natural light outside contains all the blue-cyan light you need to help ease sleep inertia.
• Blue light isn’t a 24/7 enemy: Reduce your exposure at least one hour before bed, then embrace it soon after waking to reduce grogginess.
• The weekend trap: Sleeping in creates ‘social jetlag’, which throws off your circadian rhythm and makes your sleep inertia worse on Monday.

6 a.m. cement brain

At the start of this year, my son started going through a rough patch with sleep and my father-in-law was receiving end-of-life care in hospital. I was stressed day and night, and my sleep took a hit.

It didn’t matter how many hours of sleep I got, either – because it was so broken, I felt deeply groggy each morning.

“Sleep inertia is the groggy feeling when somebody wakes up from a deeper part of sleep, and the body is still transitioning from sleep to wake, so they don’t feel fully alert yet,” explains Dr. Lindsay Browning, Chartered Psychologist, Neuroscientist and the founder of Trouble Sleeping.

It was winter when my grogginess drifted in. Sun-dappled mornings were replaced by deep black 6 a.m. skies, and I had lent my trusty Lumie Vitamin L light to a friend battling Seasonal Affective Disorder.

So I became reliant on a daily vat of caffeine to ‘power up’.

Call it divine timing (or forgetting that I had requested the product for testing), but a few weeks later I was sent a pair of 470nm blue-turquoise light-emitting glasses. My morning grogginess was beginning to ease up when wearing them, but they weren't an instant 'on' switch to take me from punch-drunk to instantly alert at 7 a.m..

“The circadian rhythm is a forward feeding cycle, so if you generally wake up at the same time each morning, your internal clock will anticipate when it’s time to wake up and begin to turn off sleep signals and turn on wake signals at your typical wake time," explains Dr. Flynn-Evans.

“You’re also likely to be exposed to light at about the same time in the morning if you get up around the same time, so any light you are exposed to may simply be interpreted by the body as the expected daily light signal.”

So if I always wake up at 7 a.m., my internal body clock already anticipates light at 7 a.m., so that burst of artificial blue light isn't a ‘shock’ system boost and won’t be as potent against sleep inertia as it would be at, say, 2 a.m. when I'm normally asleep.

The right light at the right time

“Bright light exposure soon after waking is one of the best ways of helping you feel more awake more quickly,” explains Dr. Browning.

Ok, but is there a difference between the blue light that helps wake us up versus the ‘melatonin-disrupting’ blue light we’re told to avoid before bed?

“Nope! It’s the same,” says Dr. Flynn-Evans. “The difference is that light in the evening shifts the drive to sleep and wake later. Light in the morning shifts the drive to sleep and wake earlier.

“As a result, most people need to minimize light in the evening in order to fall asleep, and maximize light in the morning to wake up.”

“Additionally, physically getting up out of bed and moving can also help you wake up and feel more refreshed,” adds Dr. Browning. “Staying in bed, repeatedly pressing snooze, is unlikely to help you quickly wake up.”

This is a trap many of us fall into on weekends; a time when we feel we deserve a lie-in, or have the chance to catch up on sleep.

Truth is, this ‘social jetlag’ confuses our circadian rhythm and perpetuates our sleep issues. A consistent sleep schedule, especially your wake-time, is arguably the MVP of good sleep hygiene.

“Sleeping in later at weekends can shift your sleep-wake schedule later, making a Monday morning alarm feel more like waking up during your ‘biological night’,” Dr. Lindsay explains.

“This effect may be more pronounced in naturally later chronotypes (owls) compared to earlier chronotypes (larks)."

Less is more: How long to use blue light for

It’s important to remember that Dr. Flynn-Evans’s work at NASA is focused around how to help astronauts reduce sleep inertia fast when working in space.

Using enriched blue-light helps them go from groggy to alert when they wake up for a shift in a place where they have few circadian cues, yet many physical stressors.

Back on Earth, shift workers who sleep in the day and work through the night might also benefit from blue light exposure.

So how long should a person be exposed to this light before their brain switches from ‘sleepy and groggy’ to ‘awake and energized’?

“We don’t know exactly, because it depends on the time of day and the stage of sleep that a person has awoken from,” Dr. Flynn-Evans explains, before revealing more about her team’s lab protocol: “Our studies typically use a minimum of 20 minutes of bright light exposure.”

For most of us, getting outside soon after waking is still the gold standard approach for easing sleep inertia. Dr. Browning: “At the end of the day, natural daylight is easy, free and one of the most effective practical options for most people.” 

Why some people experience sleep inertia more than others

“If you wake up from a deeper part of sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep, you are more likely to experience sleep inertia.” Dr. Lindsay explains.

“If you wake up from a much lighter part of sleep, typically at the beginning or end of a sleep cycle, you are less likely to experience as much sleep inertia.

“Also, if you set your alarm for a different wake-up time from your usual one, either earlier or later, you might find yourself waking from a deeper part of sleep and therefore experience more sleep inertia.”

Dr. Lindsay's point rang true when I had to wake up around 3 a.m. for a family flight to Spain—not even the excitement of a holiday could override that crushing sleep inertia we all felt.

“Our sleep cycles tend to have more deep, slow-wave sleep in the first half of the night, and sleep tends to get lighter and less deep with each subsequent sleep cycle towards the morning,” Dr. Browning reveals.

“Therefore, if you wake up when your body clock thinks you should still be in the middle of your night’s sleep, you are more likely to wake up from a deeper part of sleep and experience sleep inertia.”

I used my light therapy glass to power through at the airport, giving me enough energy and concentration to lug my sleepy son in a hip carrier whilst also dragging a 20kg suitcase up a steep hill.

Other ways to reduce sleep inertia

In the lighter months where mornings are awash with daylight early doors, sleeping with your curtains partially open is a great way to harness natural light cues.

“Even through closed eyelids, you can sense the sunlight increasing, which has been suggested to help pull you from a deeper part of sleep into a lighter part of sleep.” Dr. Browning then recommends opening your curtains fully as soon as you’re up. “This helps to shift sleep inertia more quickly.”

A good sunrise alarm clock is an excellent solution here.

Her other top tip is to keep a consistent wake time, even on weekends. “This helps your body get used to that time as ‘wake-up time’, and it helps your body shift to that time being a more natural waking point between sleep cycles rather than from a deeper part of sleep.

“So, in summary," continues Dr. Browning, "getting some natural daylight shortly before waking and as soon as you wake up, and having a consistent wake-up time, may both help to reduce the likelihood of sleep inertia.”

When to see a doctor

“People who consistently wake up exhausted often have an undiagnosed sleep disorder," explains Dr. Flynn-Evans, "so the first thing I would recommend is talking with your doctor about a referral to a sleep clinic.

“For those who do not have sleep disorders, it’s important to maintain a regular bed and wake time, with regular bright morning light exposure.

“Night owls tend to struggle with waking up in the morning, which makes it more important for night owls to turn down the lights before bed and maximize morning light exposure to adapt to their work or social schedule." Dr. Flynn-Evans says. "It’s also important to have an appropriate cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment.”

Dr. Browning adds: “If you find that you experience severe sleep inertia most mornings, or it doesn't shift after waking and the sleepiness and grogginess persists long into the day, then this might be a sign that you aren't getting enough sleep, you might have circadian misalignment, or you might possibly have another sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea.”

If you only occasionally experience sleep inertia, it’s nothing to worry about: “Making sure that you get enough sleep is more important than worrying about avoiding sleep inertia, because even if you wake up with sleep inertia, it will usually wear off fairly quickly.”

Sleep tech to help banish morning grogginess

Like most people, my evening routine used to resemble scrolling on my phone in bed at the expense of getting the quality sleep I need. Tired, wired and averaging six hours of sleep a night, I needed to take drastic action.

I felt as though modern life was working against me, and the blue glare from my screens was keeping me artificially stimulated long after it was time for bed. Caffeine and sugar propelled me through the day but left we wide awake at 3 a.m.

So, inspired by the Amish and their healthy relationship with their circadian rhythm (our body's 24 hour internal clock), I decided to rise and sleep with the sun in an attempt to fix my poor sleep habits.

I expected that I might get more sleep, but what happened to my focus and energy levels caught me completely off guard. Here's my story...

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Our circadian rhythm is our body's internal clock, primarily regulating our sleep-wake cycle.
• The rising and setting of the sun acts as a circadian cue, triggering the production of the key sleep hormones we need to fall asleep and wake up.
• For me, modern life and artificial light has resulted in a disconnect between the solar day and my circadian rhythm. This has led to poor sleep.
• To get more sleep and improve my energy levels, I took inspiration from the Amish to sleep and rise with the sun for 14 days.
• The result? I slept longer after just night one. After two weeks, my cognitive fog lifted and my focus returned.

• Read more: I kept waking up exhausted until a NASA scientist shared her $0 lab-tested tip for beating morning grogginess — here’s how it works

What is your circadian rhythm and what role does in play in sleep?

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock. It’s governed by the sun and regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It also regulates other functions, including hormone production, temperature and metabolism.

“Circadian means ‘around the day,’ and for humans and almost every other living thing on earth, it's aligned with the sun and controls two of our most fundamental states of being — sleep and wake,” explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a doctor double-board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.

“At the core of the circadian system is sleep and wake,” says Dr. Dimitriu. "Sleepiness is reset by sleep, and builds up the more hours you are awake.”

The sleep-wake cycle is made up of two parts. First comes sleep pressure (your homeostatic sleep drive). It builds from the moment you open your eyes in the morning. As does a chemical called adenosine.

“As it gets later in the day, we build up more adenosine, which accumulates and makes us sleepy over time,” says Dr. Dimitriu.

He then adds that the second part of the sleep-wake cycle is aligned with daylight and melatonin, which, alongside adenosine, delivers a one-two punch of tiredness, making it easier to fall asleep.

“The system is designed so that when these two signals overlap — so you are sleepy, and it is dark outside — you enter and stay asleep,” explains Dr. Dimitriu.

The catalyst: Why I turned the lights off in my life

I write about sleep for a living, yet my own relationship with sleep is complex. An erratic sleep schedule, endless to-do lists and age-related hormonal fluctuations (I’m 40+) means I usually get in the region of six hours of broken rest per night.

And, no, I’m not one of those rare humans who manage to thrive on less than seven hours of sleep. I exist in a cognitive fog, my emotions sit close to the surface and I often find myself wide awake at 3 a.m. in a mild panic.

Ironically, the idea to shun artificial light in order to claw back my sleep quality could be described as a lightbulb moment. It was during a camping trip that I mulled over the fact that I always slept better in the great outdoors.

These camping trips tend to follow a familiar pattern; a busy day of outdoor activities — hiking, surfing, swimming — followed by a gradual wind down, perhaps a short walk, before getting into bed soon after the sun sets. I climb onto my air mattress and sleep like a log.

During my most recent trip, I clocked up an unprecedented 8h 47m of sleep, 1h 55m of which was spent in deep sleep (most adults aged between 25 and 64 require between 45-90 minutes of deep sleep per night, which suggests my body was trying to repay a portion of the mountain of sleep debt I’ve accumulated over the past decade).

For the first time in weeks, I woke up feeling restored. I had (unintentionally) corroborated a 2013 study that explored how following a natural light cycle could shift your circadian rhythm forward, resulting in more sleep.

It was then that I realised I was slowly suffocating my circadian rhythm with artificial light and tech back home.

"Bright lights, late meals, and highly stimulating activities can make it harder for the body to register that it's time for sleep," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a doctor double-board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine. "Lightbulbs have changed our relationship to the sun, and screens and devices have made it worse.

"Bluish high efficiency LED lights do the same — they trick the circadian system into thinking it's daytime when it's night," he continues. "People need to be in dark dim sunset colors to sync their circadian systems, and align them for sleep."

With most modern homes packed with tech that actively prevents them from sleeping, could it ever be possible to apply the simplicity of a rustic camping trip — where I sleep and wake with the sun — to my busy daily life? I decided to try...

Sleeping like the Amish

In her quest to explore what life was like when humans had a closer relationship with natural light, health and science journalist Linda Geddes visited an Old Order Amish community in rural Pennsylvania. There connection to the electric grid is forbidden and their days are largely spent toiling the land and tending to the home.

It was here, while researching her book Chasing the Sun, that Geddes noticed how certain aspects of Amish life leant itself to quality sleep. Physical activity, a circadian rhythm closely aligned with the sun, and plenty of natural daylight.

In contrast, my life as a desk-bound journalist means I spend a large portion of my day hunched over a laptop under the glare of bright LED office lights. Instead of fresh air, I’m blasted by recycled air and survive on a staple diet of oven chips.

Sleeping and waking with the sun

When Geddes stayed with an Amish family, she noted how their attention isn’t absorbed by electrical gadgets. Their evenings weren’t punctuated by bright electrical lights, either.

Instead, they use a single, large, stand-mounted propane gaslight that they move between the kitchen and living space, where the family congregates. If anyone needs to use the bathroom, they take a battery powered LED lantern, a torch or oil lamp.

“Even so, once the sun goes down, most Amish households are far darker than the average American house,” writes Geddes.

As a result, a sleep schedule that closely aligns with the sun — around 9 p.m. until 4.45 a.m. — is standard, rising without an alarm before dawn.

Daily labor

Adenosine, a chemical that builds throughout the day and helps promote sleep, is a byproduct of physical activity. So sedentary lifestyles can impact sleep pressure, our biological urge for sleep.

Sleep pressure is a pillar of our circadian rhythm, so when we move less throughout the day, the delicate balance of our circadian rhythm — which regulates our sleep-wake cycles — is disrupted.

For the Amish community, who work, walk (for the Old Order, cars are forbidden), farm and do, this isn't an issue as they are constantly moving.

"The way many of us live today is almost the opposite of what our internal clock expects," Dr. Shelby Harris, a licenced Clinical Psychologist and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialist, tells me.

"We spend most of the day indoors, often under relatively dim lighting, and then at night we're surrounded by bright lights, TVs, laptops, and our phones. That evening light tells the brain to stay alert when it should be winding down."

Daylight exposure

While modern life has left many of us disconnected from the solar day and at the mercy of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression tied to a lack of natural sunlight, Geddes points out that the Amish population has the lowest prevalence of SAD of any Caucasian population.

And that could be down to the amount of daylight they're exposed to. According to Geddes, Amish people are exposed to an average daytime illuminance of 4,000 lux during the summer, compared to the 587 lux that Brits are exposed to.

In Winter, that drops to approximately 1,500 lux and 210 lux respectively, which, again, leads to a dysregulation of our circadian rhythm. "In other words, our waking hours are approximately seven times gloomier than those of the Amish," writes Geddes.

My experiment: What happened when I slept and rose like the Amish

I'm not about to disconnect my home from the National Grid, nor can I swing two weeks off work to grow my own food.

But there are aspects of Amish life that I can take inspiration from in order to improve my sleep — and that's sleeping and (hopefully) rising with the sun.

Instead of using artificial light to prop up a later bed time, I decide to spend two weeks going to bed as the sun goes down, just like I do when camping. Two weeks should give me enough time to settle into some sort of routine.

The night I start my experiment, the sunset takes me by surprise. Is it 10.15 p.m. already? I’ve accidentally left it until the light is practically non-existent before getting ready for bed.

But, like I would when I go camping, I muddle through with the little light there is and manage to get myself ready for bed.

I leave my phone downstairs out of reach, turn off my sunrise alarm (I’m just hoping that I wake up in time to get the kids ready for school) and climb into bed.

Normally, I would appreciate reading in bed (or, more accurately, scrolling on my phone) for a while in order to wind down after a busy day.

However turning on a light goes against the whole point of this exercise, so I lie in the darkness and wait for sleep to take me.

I sleep for longer from night one

The speedy bedtime routine (and earlier bedtime) means it takes me longer than normal to fall asleep. When I do, I’m aware I’m sleeping lightly as I’m worried about sleeping in and the kids being late for school.

Despite worrying, I wake naturally at 06:49, which is a little later than I would normally wake but still within the realms of my usual routine. My sleep tracker tells me I’ve clocked up 8h and 18 minutes of sleep and didn’t wake up in the night.

I question how accurate that is as I felt like I kept checking the time all night. Still, for me, 8h and 18 minutes of sleep is pretty incredible.

Waking up eventually stops being a struggle

Worrying about not setting an alarm is starting to impact my sleep. So I set my sunrise alarm clock for 6 a.m. as a safety net and hope that I don't need it.

I start my experiment on a Thursday and, when my sunrise alarm starts chirping away on Monday morning, I'm still dead to the world. I initially feel disappointed that I'm not waking naturally with the sun at 5 a.m.

But then I remind myself that I've been getting less sleep than I need for years, so paying off all that sleep debt won't happen within a few days.

However, as the experiment goes on and my alarm goes off, I begin to feel ready for it. For the first time in months, I'm waking with energy.

There are even occasions when I wake before my alarm.

When that happens I try to get out of bed straight away and enjoy my first cup of tea in the garden before anyone else wakes up.

While I would normally have spent that time on my phone in bed, I've instead been checking the progress of my dahlias and soaking up the early morning rays.

This, says Dr. Harris, is one of the most impactful ways I can anchor my circadian rhythm: "One of the biggest things is getting outside soon after you wake up. Even 15 to 30 minutes of morning light helps reinforce your body's schedule and makes it easier to fall asleep that night."

My cognitive fog is lifting and my focus is returning

Over time, the double whammy of sleep deprivation and underlying stress has taken a toll on my cognitive function. I've become forgetful, there are times I can struggle to focus, and I rarely allow myself the luxury of finishing a thought.

After a week of sleeping and rising(ish) with the sun, I begin to feel the cognitive fog lift.

For the first time in a long time, I feel creative again — ideas come to me and I allow myself the time to mull them over. I'm focusing on one task at a time and enjoying immersing myself in them, whether it's work, cooking or DIY.

This, says Dr. Dimitriu, is entirely expected: "Sleeping closer to sunset and waking closer to sunrise, is what we have been doing naturally for millennia, and it also helps establish deeper, and longer periods of sleep.

"More sleep, that is circadian aligned, has multiple benefits, physical and mental. Mood stability improves, anxiety is reduced, and there is more room to think before you react," he continues.

"People become more patient. Attention and focus, as well as memory and recall — the ability to learn, are also improved."

How to protect your circadian rhythm during the darker months

While attempting to align my circadian rhythm with the sun, I've been aware that summer is the easiest time to do this. After all, a sunset and sunrise time in the region of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. isn't a million miles from my optimal routine.

Which leads me to wonder, how can I anchor my circadian rhythm around the sun during the winter months when the days are shorter and the sunlight is weaker?

"Winter definitely makes it harder because we're naturally exposed to less sunlight, especially in the morning," acknowledges Dr. Harris.

"My advice is to make the most of whatever daylight you do have. If you can step outside for a morning walk, that light is still much stronger than what you get indoors."

For those who notice that their mood and energy levels are impacted during winter, Dr. Harris recommends a light therapy box, which emulates natural sunlight for improved health.

"More than anything, try not to let your routine drift," concludes Dr. Harris. "Keeping a consistent wake time, getting some movement during the day, and limiting bright light late at night can go a long way in keeping your body clock on track, even when the days are shorter."

Tech to help regulate your circadian rhythm

If you've ever become engrossed in CleanTok, that TikTok community dedicated to strangely-satisfying cleaning videos, you've probably watched influencers dunk their old, yellowed pillows into a bathtub full of household items to make them sparkly clean.

So compelling are these videos that I sometimes forget that the people who confidently guide me through their hacks are not professional cleaners but simply TikTok account holders with a bathtub and some grubby pillows. In fact, many CleanTok videos go against expert-approved cleaning advice on how to wash a pillow.

"I would be cautious because these household products were not formulated or tested as complete fabric cleaners," says Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer at MyPsoriasisTeam. "Standard laundering methods are more reliable because they are designed to lift sweat, skin oil, saliva, cosmetics, and other residue from fabric and rinse them away."

That's why I took bunch of old, grubby pillows with deep set stains to test five CleanTok hacks and to see how they compare against three gold-standard pillow cleaning techniques used by specialists and in hotels. Here's how it all went...

• Read more: The real reason your pillow stays yellow after washing — and how to fix it

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Viral TikTok pillow cleaning trends (like shaving foam and vodka) are mostly visually-pleasing, clout-chasing quick-fixes that fail to completely remove deep-set, stubborn stains.
• Spritzing a 3% hydrogen peroxide and water mixture, scrubbing it in, and running the pillow through a standard wash cycle outperformed all other methods, lifting tough stains and restoring brightness.
• While soaking pillows in a bath of soda crystals yielded weak results, adding them directly to the washing machine drum proved far more effective for fading severe discoloration.
• However, the safest expert-recommended approach is to follow the pillow's care label and make sure its dried completely before using.

The pillow stains I needed to remove

To begin my experiment, co-workers (not going to name and shame!) kindly sent me their old, grubby yellow-stained pillows.

These yellow stains (usually caused by a build-up of sweat, body oils, and drool) are the most common type of pillow stain.

However, I know that plenty of people eat and drink in bed, so I decided to kick it up a notch by staining each pillow further with tea, coffee, and smoothies.

I then allowed each stain to set, making them mega-tough to remove so I could see how effective each pillow-cleaning method really is.

Putting each viral hack to the test — see my results and how I scored them

Hack 1: Shaving foam | Test score: 0 out of 5

We all love a medicine cabinet staple that can double as a multipurpose cleaner, which is why CleanTok is full of shaving foam cleaning hacks. It seems simple, right? Just apply a dollop of foam to a stain, leave for 15 minutes up to 1-2 hours, and wipe away with a damp microfibre cloth.

However, when I gave this hack a go on a prominent yellow pillow stain, it did nothing but make the pillow smell nice. I had an inkling that this quick fix seemed a little too good to be true, plus health experts advise against it.

"Shaving foam may leave fragrance and surfactant residue, which can cause irritation," warns Dr Kanwal.

If you do want to give this no-harm, no-foul hack a try, make sure to use a white shaving foam (the kind that's already foamed up as soon as it's squeezed out of the can) rather than a shaving gel with added dyes.

Hack 2: Vodka | Test score: 1 out of 5

Next up is vodka, which seems a little counter-intuitive as a drink is usually what causes stains. However, plenty of CleanTok videos herald vodka as a stain remover for grubbiness. So, I chose a feather pillow (the yellowest of the pack) to see if a vodka spritz could remove the build-up of body oils and grease.

I spritzed the pillow with a cheap bottle of vodka poured into a spray bottle, and then I rubbed the pillow with a cloth dunked soaked with hot water. Did it remove any stains? No. Did it de-odorize the pillow and give it a little refresh? Yes. As Dr Kanwal puts it: "Vodka does not replace the oil and dirt removing action of laundry detergent".

Hack 3. Soda crystals | Test score: 2 out of 5

Now, this is the hack I had high hopes for, as soda crystals seemed the most legitimate of cleaning tips. These magic crystals are not only used to remove detergent build-up in washing machines but they also help remove stains and soften water.

So, I added 1 cup of soda crystals to a half-filled bathtub of warm water, swished the crystals around, and left them to soak for 1 hour. When I returned, I found that the stains were removed slightly, but I feel that the soda crystals didn't live up to their stain-removing hype. However, I wouldn't skip the soda crystal treatment altogether (as you'll find out later).

Hack 4: Baking soda and vinegar | Test score: 3.5 out of 5

Ah, the baking soda volcano. I don't think any other kitchen ingredients have been used in DIY cleaners more frequently than baking soda and white vinegar. However, I was a little sceptical.

I've been told by cleaning experts to avoid using baking soda on certain mattresses due to its fine particle. "Baking soda may help with odour, but using too much can leave residue that may irritate sensitive, acne prone, or eczema prone skin when the face rests against the pillow for several hours," Dr Kanwal tells me.

However, a vinegar and baking soda mixture can be a cleaning wonder when baking soda is used properly. So, here's how I preceded: I put a stained pillow in the bathtub and sprinkled a generous amount of baking soda on the stains and rubbed it into the fabric. Next I filled the bathtub with warm water and added 2 cups of white vinegar. I then left the pillow to soak for a couple of hours.

Unsurprisingly, the mixture did fade the stains significantly, but definitely not completely or quickly. While a couple of hours is a slog, I will admit that these are stubborn, deep-set stains that faded with low effort and minimal scrubbing. My verdict? Worth a shot.

Hack 5: Lemon slice soak | Test score: 4 out of 5

Out of all the pillow hacks I've seen grace CleanTok, this one is probably the most talked about. Lemons are kind of seen as nature's cleansers, so soaking your pillow in a bath filled with citrusy goodness seems like a good idea.

However, this hack has become controversial because research shows that citrus acid degrades fabric. That doesn't stop it from remaining one of the most popular TikTok cleaning hacks out there, so I figured it would be pretty remiss of me not to give it a try.

In the video above, the TikToker soaks a child's pillow in a bathtub full of piping hot water, baking soda, detergent, and sliced lemons. Naturally I did the same.

As I scraped the last of the lemon slices from a chopping board and into the bath, I noticed the bathwater had already begun to discolor. Surely just the lemon juice?

Then, I started to squeeze and press the pillow, and as I was doing so, I began to see the tea and coffee stains spurt out of the fabric. With my hands massaging the fabric and the lemons floating on the surface, I felt like I was giving the pillow a luxury spa treatment rather than a good clean.

Out of all the cleaning hacks I tried, this was honestly the most fun to do and the most TikTok-worthy to look at. Watching the bath water fill with lemon zest and filth was oddly satisfying and made me realize why the original video was such as hit.

So, it was fun and hypnotizingly gross, but does this method help remove stains? I hate to admit it, but...yes. It didn't remove stains completely, but it did noticeably lighten them.

Overall, a fun cleaning hack to try, even if the addition of lemons is a little dubious.

Bottom line

All the CleanTok pillow cleaning hacks I tried above may seem like miracle solutions, but trying them for myself reminded me that most of these "hacks" are made for visually-pleasing quick-fix social media content and won’t actually remove deep-set pillow stains. Most will leave you either disappointed...or low on shaving foam.

If you want to know more about how to clean pillows from experts rather than cleanfluencers, then visit our guide on how to wash a pillow, how to wash a memory foam pillow, or read on to see how I got on using the specialist pillow cleaning techniques used by experts and luxury hotels.

3 gold standard pillow cleaning methods that actually work

According to Dr Kanwal, the best way to clean a pillow is to follow what its care label permits.

"The safest approach is the warmest suitable water setting, an appropriate laundry detergent, a complete rinse, and thorough drying so the pillow is not left damp," she advises.

However, some pillow stains need extra help to budge, so I've tried the ultra stain-removing methods that health experts, cleaning specialists, and luxury five-star hotels approve of. Here's what happened and why they actually work...

Method 1: Hotel hot wash | Test score: 3.5 out of 5

Hotels get their bedding crip and white by using a hot wash of 140 °F for a minimum of 90 minutes, to remove germs and stains. I was a bit apprehensive at first as none of the pillows' cleaning labels advise a hot cycle, plus it's not very environmentally friendly.

"A hot water cycle can improve cleaning and reduce some allergens or microorganisms, but only when the pillow’s care label permits it," says Dr Kanwal.

After putting a stained pillow in the machine for two hours, I wasn't at all surprised to see that the high temperature faded most of the tea and coffee stains.

It definitely didn't get the pillow clean enough for a five-star hotel bed, but most five-star hotels don't have pillows this stained.

Method 2: Soda crystal + washing machine | Test score: 4.5 out of 5

Now we're back to the soda crystals. While this versatile powder didn't impress me during the TikTok method, I thought maybe the power of the washing machine would bring out the soda crystal magic.

"Soda crystals can support detergent by helping loosen greasy buildup, but it should be rinsed thoroughly because it can irritate skin or damage certain fabrics if misused," says Dr Kanwal.

Turns out, the detergent really did bring out the soda crystal magic. After applying half a cup of soda crystals to the drum of my washing machine and following the laundry instructions on the pillow label.

I was pleased to see that the pillow stains had faded almost to nothing (though a few stubborn stains did linger).

Method 3: Hydrogen peroxide | Test score: 5 out of 5

I've written quite a few cleaning articles in my time, and every time I interview a cleaning specialist about the best ways to remove stubborn stains, they always bring up hydrogen peroxide. "Three percent hydrogen peroxide can help break down some organic stains, but rinse thoroughly to avoid skin irritation," says Dr Kanwal.

So, I followed this guide on how to hydrogen peroxide as a safe cleaner, and then grabbed some gloves, a spray bottle and 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

I spritzed a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water all over the stained pillow and let it sit. After 30 minutes, I worked the solution into the pillow with an electric toothbrush.

As I scrubbed, I was surprised to see the stains start rub and flake off. I then popped the pillow into the washing machine (following the label's cleaning instructions) for an hour.

When I took the pillow out of the drum, I was shocked. Not only had it removed even the toughest of stains, it had also made the pillow whiter and brighter — something that the other methods failed to do.

So, the best pillow cleaning method in my opinion? Hydrogen peroxide all the way.

Top-rated products to keep your pillows stain free

Night sweats and allergens can ruin our sleep during the summer, and not washing your bedding enough can make these issues even worse. Sweat, oil, and allergens can build up if sheets and pillows during heatwaves, but how often (and at what temperature) should we wash our sheets in the summer?

While research has found that the average person changes their sheets every 24 days, an infection prevention expert says this is way too long a wait wash your bedding.

"Bedding collects normal skin bacteria, environmental bacteria, yeasts, mold spores, dust mites, and the allergens that come with all of it," says Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, a Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

So, to set the record straight, I've called on Dr. Knighton to tell us how often we should be washing our sheets and pillows during the summer. She'll also tell us what temperature to wash your bedding at, and three other ways you can prevent summer allergens from piling up and disrupting your sleep.

• Read more: My bed sheets were dirty one night after washing until I banned these 3 things from the bedroom

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week: but those with skin conditions, an active lifestyle, or allergies will need to change them more frequently.
• Duvet covers should be washes at least every two weeks: pillows and comforters can be washed every few months if they aren't visibly soiled or stained.
• Wash bedding at a temperature of at least 130°F: with 140°F being the optimal for killing dust mites.
• Make sure bedding is well-ventilated: this prevents moisture from encouraging bacterial growth, and use a waterproof mattress protector.
• Wear slippers: these stop your feet from picking up floor debris and bringing it into your bed.

How often should you wash bed sheets and pillowcases in summer?

"Wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly at a minimum during hot weather," advises Dr Knighton.

However, the infection expert stresses that many people may need to wash their bedding more frequently depending on their lifestyle, occupation, and conditions.

"Wash more frequently if you sweat heavily, go to bed without showering, have oily or acne-prone skin, have allergies or eczema, share the bed with pets, or work a high-exposure job such as healthcare, sanitation, childcare, or repair work where you carry the day home with you," she shares.

How often should other types of bedding be washed in summer?

While Dr. Knighton advises pillowcases and sheets be washed frequently, other types of bedding can survive a longer wait.

"Duvet covers should be washed weekly or every two weeks depending on use," says Dr Knighton. "Pillows and comforters follow the care label, which is usually every few months, and sooner if they become sweaty, stained, musty, or visibly soiled."

However, just because pillows, duvet cover, and comforters don't need to be washed as often as sheets and pillowcases, this doesn't mean they aren't immune to allergen and moisture build-up.

In fact, Dr. Knighton says that dense pillows and comforter can hold onto moisture far longer than thinner sheets do, trapping heat, sweat, skin oils, and dead cells without airflow.

These warm, moist conditions allow bacteria, fungi, and odors to thrive deep inside the fill — even if your sheets look completely clean on the surface.

"Over time, that same combination is what produces the musty smell, the yellowing, and the staining that will not wash out easily," explains the health specialist.

What temperature should bedding be washed at in summer?

As for what temperature you should was bedding at, Dr Knighton points to research that found that 140°F (60°C) kills all house dust mites.

However, she suggests following the bedding's care labels and opting for the warmest temperature the fabric can stand, with most allergy guidance pointing to 130°F (which is 54.4°C).

• I tested 5 viral pillow cleaning hacks to see if they work

What happens if you don't wash your bedding often enough in summer?

So, we know if we don't wash our bedding often enough, oil, sweat and allergens will start to accumulate in our beds, but what are the consequences of that happening?

"The risk is not the same for everyone, and that is the honest answer," Dr. Knighton tells me. "For a healthy person with intact skin, the usual result is odor, breakouts, skin irritation, or allergy and asthma flares.

"For someone with asthma, mold sensitivity, eczema, broken skin, or a weakened immune system, the picture is more serious, and there is real infection risk for the immunocompromised."

3 more ways to keep your bedding clean in summer

1. Wear slippers or socks

"Slippers are not optional in my house and serve a purpose beyond just comfort," says Dr Knighton.

She says this rule applies especially to those who have pets or allow outdoor shoes indoors, where the floor could be covered in debris.

"Walking across it barefoot and then climbing into bed means you have just dragged all of that up onto your sheets with your own feet.," she warns. "A pair of slippers between the floor and the bed breaks that chain."

2. Don't bring your phone to bed

You may want to skip your nightly doomscrolling session, as a phone's surface are "one of the dirtiest things most people own".

The same phone that has been on restaurant tables, in bathrooms, and in their hands all day, and they set it on the pillow or the sheets, " says Dr. Knighton. "My phone does not come to bed with me."

The expert also says she doesn't bring the clothes she's been wearing all day to bed either. " Whatever my outdoor clothes and my phone touched during the day stays out of the space where I sleep," she reveals.

3. Make sure your bed is dry

While washing your bedding is important, keeping it dry also prevents the risk of allergen buildup.

To prevent your bedding trapping moisture and encouraging microbial growth, Dr Knighton recommends using one of the best mattress protectors with waterproof protection and ensuring your bedding gets enough ventilation.

If excessive sweating at night means you're waking up to a damp bed, the infection prevention expert recommends allowing the bedding to dry before making it.

"After a sweaty night, throw the covers back, let the bed breathe for a while, and make it later," she advises.

For more cleaning advice, see our guide on how to clean a mattress. This is especially important if you've invested in the best mattress for your sleep needs and want it to last as long as possible to get your money's worth.

I thought my biggest challenge would be choosing between medium-firm and hybrid. Instead, my shiny new mattress arrived with an unwelcome guest: a harsh chemical stench that turned my bedroom into a paint factory.

While the support was sheer heaven for my aching back, the overwhelming scent made sleeping on it impossible. That lingering smell is off-gassing, a common nuisance with modern foam beds, but you do not have to just sit back and endure it.

Here is what actually causes that industrial odor, the rookie mistakes to avoid, and the practical steps I took to clear the smell from my bedroom.

What causes mattress off-gassing?

The moment you break the vacuum seal on a fresh mattress, synthetic materials suddenly react with room air. Most bed-in-a-box models rely on polyurethane foams, adhesives, and flame retardants that release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as they expand.

Trapped in heavy plastic packaging for weeks or months, those compounds escape all at once upon unboxing. While the scent is rarely harmful to health, it can trigger headaches or throat irritation, and it can certainly ruin a good night's sleep.

The initial mistakes that made the smell worse

My immediate instinct was to slap on a mattress protector, dress the bed with fresh linen, and shut the bedroom door to contain the problem. That was a mistake.

Sealing the mattress traps escaping gases directly inside the foam layers, prolonging the off-gassing process by days. Spraying heavy scented fabric refreshers only created a bizarre, nauseating mix of lavender and industrial solvent. To actually neutralize the odor, the mattress needs constant airflow and room to breathe.

How to stop the off-gassing smell

First, strip the mattress bare and open windows on opposite sides of the room to establish proper cross-ventilation.

Next, position a floor fan so it blows air directly across the top surface toward an open window. Pushing stale air away from the bed prevents escaping gases from settling back into the fabric, cutting the off-gassing timeframe nearly in half.

Foam acts like a dense, microscopic sponge filled with pockets of trapped gas. To speed up the release, walk barefoot back and forth across the mattress surface for ten minutes, or press down firmly with your hands.

This mechanical pressure squeezes trapped VOCs out of the inner core much faster than passive airing alone.

Once the room has aired out for several hours, sprinkle a light, even layer of plain baking soda over the exposed mattress top. Let it sit untouched for at least four hours (overnight is even better), so the powder can pull residual moisture and chemical odors out of the outer ticking.

Finish by thoroughly vacuuming the surface using a clean upholstery attachment, taking care to clean out the deep side seams.

How long does the smell really last?

By combining forced airflow with manual compression and a basic baking soda treatment, the heavy chemical scent vanished within 48 hours.

While a faint smell can linger for up to a week depending on the mattress density, taking active steps means you can sleep comfortably without sacrificing your air quality, or your lungs.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to take the perfect power nap — 5 dos and don'ts
• Don't throw out your used tea bags — this trick helps eliminate fridge odors as good as baking soda
• How to make your home smell amazing — try these top tips

As a sleep editor I get the opportunity to test a huge range of sleep tech and products, all geared towards helping us in our collective quest for a decent night’s sleep. I have everything I need for a good night’s rest, and yet I still struggle with middle insomnia.

Middle insomnia is characterised by falling asleep with ease, only to then wake in the middle of the night. For me, I go through periods of waking up at 3 a.m., unable to fall back to sleep. While unpicking the root cause of my nighttime awakenings is an ongoing process, I’ve learnt that there are habits that make the issue worse.

Below, three leading sleep doctors weigh in on the nighttime routine mistakes I’m making, like falling asleep in front of the TV. Plus, they share the three simple switches I can make in order to better manage my middle insomnia.

• Read more: Stress was waking me up at 3 a.m. — until two of the world's best sleep doctors shared 5 fast fixes to lower my cortisol at night

Why do I keep waking up at 3 a.m.?

• Sleeping in on the weekends: Breaks your natural circadian rhythm and causes 'social jet lag.'
• Falling asleep in front of the TV: Falling asleep in front of the TV diminishes your sleep pressure, making it harder to both fall and stay asleep.
• Getting inadequate exercise: Incorporating less movement into my day when I'm tired perpetuates the cycle of poor sleep.

3 simple doctor-approved daily routine switches to help you sleep through the night

I strongly suspect that the underlying cause of my 3 a.m. wake ups is due to elevated baseline levels of cortisol, the 'stress' hormone.

While there's no quick fix to dealing with stress and anxiety, there are several nighttime routine mistakes that I wasn't aware were contributing to my middle insomnia.

Below, sleep doctors weigh in on why certain common daily habits wreak havoc on my rest, plus the simple switches I can try instead for better sleep.

1. The 3 a.m. culprit: Sleeping in on the weekend

As a parent, sleeping in on the weekend isn’t something that I get to do all too often. But if the opportunity arises to sleep in past my usual wake time, I tend to grab it with both hands — especially following a broken night’s sleep.

But, according to experts, this is one of the biggest sleep routine mistakes I could be making.

“Even after a poor night's sleep, maintaining a consistent wake time can help restore healthy sleep patterns more effectively than sleeping in,” says Dr. Joshua Roland, medical director at Dreem Health.

Dr. Matthew Walker, a leading sleep scientist, agrees. "Irregular wake times, particularly across weekends, can create social jet lag: a mismatch between biological time and clock time, even without travel."

The swap: Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule

Following a consistent sleep schedule, like the 7:1 sleep rule where you go to bed within the same one hour window and achieve a minimum of seven hours of sleep, ensures you have enough time to build adequate sleep pressure throughout the day.

Sleep pressure is your biological urge to sleep. It’s also referred to as your homeostatic sleep drive. It starts building from the moment you wake up, reaches its peak as you nod off, before levels begin to drop again.

When you sleep in later than usual, you aren’t giving your body enough time to build enough sleep pressure to both fall and stay asleep all night.
The best way to fall into a consistent sleep schedule is by anchoring your wake up time — even on the weekend.

“A fixed wake time determines the length of the waking day, stabilizes the accumulation of sleep pressure, and provides a repeatable circadian cue when paired with morning light,” explains Dr. Walker, neuroscientist and professor of neuroscience and bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas.

“A consistent wake time is arguably one of the most important anchors of the body's circadian rhythm because it helps set the timing of hormone release, body temperature cycles, alertness, and subsequent sleep pressure,“ agrees Dr. Roland, a Board-Certified Sleep Medicine Physician.

2. The 3 a.m. culprit: Falling asleep in front of the TV

Falling asleep in front of the TV is my guilty pleasure, particularly on the weekend. I'm not alone, an estimated 61% of us fall asleep in front of the TV every night. However, doctors warn that it could be contributing to my middle insomnia.

“A [mistake] is the brief evening doze, often during television or reading," Dr. Walker has previously explained. "Even twenty minutes of sleep in the evening can partially discharge sleep pressure and make it harder to initiate sleep later."

Falling asleep in front of the TV or napping during the day is a common mistake that Dr. Roland also encounters.

“Many people compensate for sleepiness by resting on the couch or napping throughout the day, which can relieve sleep pressure and make nighttime sleep more fragmented,” explains the sleep doctor.

What's more, when we push past our natural sleep window, it can trigger the production of wakeful chemicals, such as orepinephrine, dopamine, orexin and, my biggest foe, cortisol.

"When we push past our natural bedtime, we create a tug-of-war inside the body. Sleep pressure has been building all day; natural melatonin is rising, and every signal is telling you it's time to rest," Dr. Roland has previously explained.

That can result in a tired and wired feeling, which is when you're physically exhausted but feel too mentally stimulated to fall asleep.

The swap: Pay attention to sleep cues and go to bed when I’m tired

Instead of napping through a film or falling asleep when reading, Dr. Walker stresses the importance of staying in tune to our natural sleep window.

“Adequate sleep pressure is usually signalled by increasing eyelid heaviness, yawning, reduced alertness, impaired sustained attention, and the repeated loss of focus while reading or watching something,” explains Dr. Walker, who notes that artificial lighting, screen time and stimulation late into the night can impair your natural sleep cues.

“These [sleep] signals are often missed because evening light exposure, screens, and mental stimulation can override or obscure the biological drive for sleep," explains the author. "Think of the system like an instrument panel: the body is displaying reduced alertness, but environmental stimulation can distort the reading."

3. The 3 a.m. culprit: Getting less exercise on the days I feel tired

Forget the under eye bags — a quick glance at my fitness tracker stats will tell you if I’ve had a good night’s sleep or not.

On the days when I’m existing in a fog of sleep deprivation, my step count is pitifully low. But when I’ve had a good night’s sleep I tend to move more.

Why does this matter? “Moving less during the day can make it harder to get a good night's sleep,” explains Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in behavioral sleep medicine.

“But it’s really a cycle because when people don't get enough sleep, they're also often more fatigued the next day, which can lead to spending more time sitting and being less physically active.”

The swap: Incorporating movement into my day to build adequate sleep pressure

Instead of leading into exhaustion and barely getting out of my chair, Dr. Harris recommends incorporating movement into my day — even after a terrible night's sleep.

“Regular physical activity helps build the body's natural drive for sleep, supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle, and can reduce stress and improve mood,” says Dr. Harris, author of The Women's Guide to Overcoming Insomnia.

However, that doesn’t mean you need to push yourself too hard. “If you're exhausted after a bad night's sleep, don't put pressure on yourself to do an intense workout," says Dr. Harris. "Even getting up to stretch every hour, taking a short walk during lunch, or walking while you're on a phone call can make a difference.”

How to fall back to sleep when you're awake at 3 a.m.

• Don't check the clock: If you're anything like me, rolling over and checking the time can stress you out further. It can also lead to the temptation of scrolling on your phone, making it even harder to go back to sleep.
• Practice the 15 minute sleep rule: When I do wake up at 3 a.m., the advice from experts is clear — get up and leave the room and do something relaxing. This prevents creating a negative association with your bed and bedroom.
• Try the cognitive shuffling method: This is a visualisation technique or random objects and helps empty my mind of racing thoughts. To practice it, think of a word and spell out as many objects as you can beginning with each letter.

Most of us know what we need to do in order to get a good night’s sleep. But I’ve found that when life gets busy, my routine gets thrown out of whack and middle insomnia makes an unwelcome return.

Waking up at 3 a.m. is miserable and I’ll never stop searching for ways to sleep peacefully throughout the night, every night. To help get my sleep back on track and fix my middle of the night awakenings, I’ve given the 3-2-1 sleep rule a go — and it’s already reduced my middle insomnia.

Sticking to a simple wind down strategy like the 3-2-1 method has helped me get back to the basics of healthy sleep hygiene and effectively reducing my 3 a.m. wake-ups. Below, I’ll dig into what this method is and how it helps with middle insomnia, plus share expert advice from leading sleep doctors on how to banish 3 a.m. wake-ups.

• Read more: I asked a top sleep expert why I'm waking up at 3 a.m. again — he instantly spotted my new mistake and how to fix it

Key takeaways: At a glance

• The 3-2-1 sleep rule is a structured process of winding down before bed
• Practices such as avoiding heavy meals and cutting out screens before bed help promote quality sleep
• As well as falling asleep faster, I’ve found that sticking to a strict wind down structure helps combat my 3 a.m. wake ups through the healthy production of key ‘sleep’ hormones

What is the 3-2-1 sleep rule?

The 3-2-1 sleep rule is a term to describe a structured wind down routine, drawing on healthy habits that help promote deep sleep in a structured way. Here’s how to do it:

• 3 hours before bed: Stop eating heavy meals or consuming alcohol.
• 2 hours before bed: Stop working and engaging with stimulating tasks.
• 1 hour before bed: Turn off your screens or devices, including your TV.

How the 3-2-1 sleep rule reduced my 3 a.m. wake ups

The 3-2-1 sleep rule isn’t ground breaking, but I’ve found that following it is reminding me of the healthy habits I need to follow in order to get the sleep I need.

Here’s how it’s helping with my 3 a.m. wake ups...

My blood sugar levels stay regulated

Rich, heavy meals too close to bedtime is a leading cause of broken sleep, say dieticians. “One of the most common reasons for waking around 3 a.m. is a drop in blood sugar during the night,” Conny Wade at Wade Wellness, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) and practising Nurse Practitioner, previously explained to us.

“If you eat dinner too late or the meal is unbalanced, your body may release stress hormones to bring blood sugar back up, and that can wake you suddenly,” Wade explains.

As someone with recurrent nighttime anxiety, I knew that rising cortisol levels were often to blame for my 3 a.m. wake ups. However, I didn’t know that my evening meals could be contributing to that.

Instead of late, carb-heavy dinners, I’m making an effort to eat my evening meal by 7 p.m. in order to allow my body to digest my food before my 10 p.m. bedtime. If I’m still hungry in the runup to bedtime, I opt for light healthy snacks like yoghurt and fruit and water.

As for cutting out alcohol three hours before bedtime, I rarely drink so this isn’t something I have needed to take on board. However, it’s worth reiterating that, along with a whole host of other side effects, studies show that alcohol consumption compromises your sleep quality and disrupts your rest.

That’s because our brains produce cortisol in order to metabolize alcohol, leading to frequent nighttime awakenings. If you’re struggling with middle insomnia and enjoy a nightcap or two, consider cutting yourself off three hours before bedtime in order to allow your body to metabolize it before nodding off.

Avoiding stimulating tasks before bed prevents disruption of key sleep hormones

Whether it’s work or life admin that you haven’t had time to tackle during the day, the pocket of time you might have in the runup to bedtime (or beyond) can feel like the right time to tick things off of your to-do list.

However, studies indicate that when we work past our bedtime, it disrupts the natural rhythm of key sleep hormones required to help us feel ready for sleep — and that can lead to difficulty both falling and staying asleep.

“The brain activates its alertness systems, releasing chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine, and orexin to keep you functional,” explains Dr. Joshua Roland, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and medical director at Dreem Health.

“Cortisol can creep up, too, which is why you get that ‘tired but wired’ feeling: physically drained but mentally switched on,” says the sleep physician. Cortisol levels naturally rise around 3 a.m. before peaking upon waking. However, elevated baseline levels of cortisol levels can cause levels to rise enough around this time to wake you up.
As a time-poor parent, working beyond bedtime is a trap I often fall into, and it’s why I often lie in bed feeling too switched on to fall asleep, only to then wake in the early hours of the morning. Now, if I’m aiming for a 10 p.m. bedtime, I’ll close my laptop at 8 p.m. and allow my brain to wind down naturally for sleep.

Going screen-free before bedtime calms my nervous system

There is evidence to suggest that blue light from our screens isn’t as disruptive to the production of the sleep hormone melatonin as we once thought. However, the content that we’re consuming on those screens can be, and it can lead to an overwrought nervous system.

“What's interesting is that scrolling often feels restful, but physiologically it isn't,” says Dr. Jessica Meers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Rhythm Wellness. “Every swipe brings something new and unpredictable, keeping the brain engaged and alert.

“Even when we're relaxing on the couch, our brains are still processing information, emotions, and stimulation. That's one reason many people feel mentally tired but not truly rested,” says the Board-Certified Sleep Behavioral Specialist.

So, although scrolling on my phone or watching TV looks like downtime, switching off my screens one hour before bedtime in favor of an analogue activity (puzzling and reading are currently my go-to activities of choice) I’m allowing my nervous system to decompress — and that’s crucial for combatting middle insomnia.

3 sleep doctor-approved tips for stopping 3 a.m. wake ups

It’s normal to partially wake during the night as we cycle through different sleep stages and rarely even remember it.

However, waking up at night becomes a problem when you find yourself wide awake for extended periods of time and struggle to fall back to sleep.

For me, nighttime anxiety is a leading cause of my 3 a.m. wake ups. Here, leading sleep doctors share their tips for banishing middle insomnia and getting the rest you need.

1. Set aside worry time

In an ideal world we wouldn't worry at all, but if anxiety is causing you to wake up at night then setting aside time before bed to offload could help.

"One of my favorite strategies for reducing nighttime anxiety is what I call a cognitive offload," says Dr. Meers.

"Before bed, write down everything that's on your mind — tasks, worries, reminders, anything unfinished. It helps signal to the brain that it doesn't need to keep rehearsing those thoughts overnight."

2. Build sleep pressure

Building adequate sleep pressure has been a game changer for my sleep. Sleep pressure, also referred to as your homeostatic sleep drive, is essentially a term to describe your biological urge to sleep.

It builds from the moment you wake up and hits its peak just before you go to sleep. Things that add to sleep pressure include exercise and a consistent wake time. On the flip side, excessive napping, a sedentary lifestyle and caffeine can rob you of the sleep pressure required to stay asleep all night.

3. Try an invisible hour

I've tried an invisible day method, a digital 24-hour detox, in order to combat my 3 a.m. wake ups. While it undoubtedly works, it can be difficult to carve out the time in my busy schedule to implement one.

Instead, Dr. Eric Zhou, associate professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends taking a regular 'invisible hour' before bedtime.

"Create a consistent 'invisible hour' each night," recommends Dr. Zhou, a sleep researcher. "During this time, promise yourself that you won't turn on your work laptop, or see what your friends have posted on Tik Tok. Instead, use this time to participate in something that you genuinely enjoy."

Just when I think I’ve got my sleep problems under control and I'm finally getting the rest I need, my 3 a.m. wake ups make an unwelcome return. During these periods of middle insomnia (the most common cause of insomnia) I wake with a jolt and my heart pounding in my chest.

Key takeaways: At a glance

• Doctors pinpoint three potential causes of my 3 a.m. wake ups, which include a lack of adequate sleep pressure, elevated cortisol levels and blood sugar fluctuations
• Daily habits such as napping and sleeping in on the weekend are unexpected causes of middle insomnia
• Tips for sleeping through my 3 a.m. wake ups include eating my evening meals earlier and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule
• Doctors also recommend spending more time in nature to manage anxiety and lower cortisol levels

Staring at the clock and willing myself to fall back to sleep just isn’t cutting it, so I spoke to leading sleep doctors to help pinpoint the cause behind my 3 a.m. wake ups — and how, crucially, I can better manage them for improved rest.

Together, they’ve helped identify the three main culprits behind my middle of the night awakenings, along with simple routine strategies I can use to try and sleep through once and for all.

• Read more: Insomnia expert reveals 5 common fall sleep problems — plus the products to fix them

Doctors pinpoint the top 3 causes of my 3 a.m. wake ups

Whether it's a health condition such as sleep apnea, a late-afternoon caffeine habit that you can't quite kick or environmental factors (like noisy neighbors or a sweltering heatwave), many of us go through periods of waking up at 3 a.m.

My middle insomnia has ramped up over the past five years or so and I'm determined to find a solution. But in order to do so, I need to find the root cause. Here, doctors outline the likely culprits behind my 3 a.m. wake ups.

1. Lack of adequate sleep pressure

Sleep pressure can also be referred to as your sleep hunger or homeostatic sleep drive. Essentially, it's how tired you feel in the run up to bedtime. Driven by neurotransmitter called adenosine, sleep pressure begins building from the moment you open your eyes, dropping once you go to sleep.

As cortisol levels naturally begin to rise around 3 a.m., insufficient sleep pressure means you're more susceptible to being woken up by the alerting impact of cortisol. So, if your homeostatic sleep drive is on the lower side before you go to bed, you're more likely to experience fragmented sleep.

Sedentary lifestyles, excess caffeine and late afternoon naps are all examples of factors that can negatively affect your sleep pressure.

After a disrupted night's sleep, I know I'm guilty of reaching for more coffee to help me get through the day. On those low-energy days, I'm also less inclined to exercise and I'm more inclined to snatch time for a nap — and that's a big no-no.

"Think of a late-afternoon nap like snacking just before dinner: it takes the edge off your appetite," explains Dr. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas.

"In the same way, a late nap can blunt your sleep hunger, leaving you with less biological force driving you down into sleep at night," explains the leading sleep expert.

2. Elevated cortisol levels

Cortisol has a bad reputation as being the 'stress' hormone, but it also plays a pivotal role in our sleep-wake cycles. Cortisol levels begin to naturally rise in the early hours of the morning, before peaking upon waking. That's called your Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR). It's part of what helps us feel alert when we start the day.

However, if your baseline level of cortisol is higher — often caused by stress or anxiety — that slight increase of cortisol at 3 a.m. can be enough to wake you up. That's why, for some of us with middle insomnia, those awakenings are accompanied by a racing heart and feelings of anxiety.

"The Cortisol Awakening Response is when your cortisol begins to rise early in the morning, a few hours before you get out of bed, which transitions your body from sleep to wake by raising blood sugar, blood pressure, and mental readiness," Dr. William Lu, a sleep medicine physician, has previously explained to me.

"However, if this increase happens too early it can wake you at 3 or 4 a.m. This usually happens when you are on high alert from stress, anxiety, or blood sugar instability," says Dr. Lu, medical director at Dreem Health.

3. Blood sugar fluctuations

As a busy working parent, there are times during the week that I don't get the opportunity to sit down and eat my evening meal until around 8-9 p.m. While going to bed soon after eating doesn't exactly feel comfortable and often means I have difficulty actually falling asleep, I didn't know that late, heavy meals could also be contributing to my middle insomnia.

“One of the most common reasons for waking around 3 a.m. is a drop in blood sugar during the night,” Conny Wade at Wade Wellness, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P) and practicing Nurse Practitioner, previously explained to us.

“If you eat dinner too late or the meal is unbalanced, your body may release stress hormones to bring blood sugar back up, and that can wake you suddenly,” Wade explains.

Again, the culprit here is rising cortisol levels, which our bodies produce as a reaction to low sugar and insulin levels — which can wake you up.

The sleep doctor-recommended routine switches to help manage middle insomnia

Unfortunately, there's no one silver bullet solution to overcoming 3 a.m. wake ups. However, I have learnt that there are a series of small actions you can take every day for sleep better at night.

I've noticed that each small habit outlined below supports the others, which helps to improve my overall sleep hygiene and reduce middle of the night awakenings.

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule for improved sleep pressure

Sleeping in later than usual can feel like an enticing prospect following a rough night of broken sleep. However, an erratic sleep schedule can lead to insufficient sleep pressure — which is a common culprit of middle insomnia.

Instead, sticking to a regular sleep schedule — like the 7:1 sleep rule — allows an adequate amount of time for adenosine to build, which makes you less susceptible to nighttime awakenings.

"A consistent wake time is one of the strongest behavioral anchors for the circadian system," explains Dr. Walker, who notes that while a consistent bed time is also important, sleep onset can't be forced and is therefore difficult to control.

"Waking at a stable time, followed by morning light exposure, provides the brain with a reliable daily timing cue that helps synchronize the 24-hour rhythm," says the best-selling author of Why We Sleep.

2. Forest bathing to help soothe my stressed nervous system

Forest bathing might sound like the act of rolling around on the muddy forest floor but is actually an ancient Japanese mindfulness practice that involves immersing yourself in nature.

I've written before about how making the time for a twenty minute mindfulness walk through my local woods helped calm my frazzled nervous system. However, once I saw an improvement in my stress levels and sleep, forest bathing slipped down my list of priorities.

Now that my 3 a.m. wake ups have returned, making time for activities that actively lower my baseline level of cortisol and increase my sleep pressure (adenosine is a natural by product of exercise) is something I need to prioritize.

"Science shows that spending mindful time in nature significantly lowers cortisol (our stress hormone) and blood pressure," says Gary Evans, director and co-founder of The Forest Bathing Institute in the UK.

If possible, spending time outdoors within the first 60 minutes of waking has the added benefit of natural daylight exposure, which helps build sleep pressure and anchor the circadian rhythm.

"Morning light helps stabilize the circadian signal, while daytime physical activity can strengthen the depth and continuity of subsequent sleep," explains Dr. Walker.

3. Eating evening meals earlier to regulate my blood sugar levels

Instead of carb-heavy comfort meals close to bedtime, a nutritionally balanced meal around three hours before my chosen bedtime allows my body enough time to digest dinner before hopping into bed.

Your circadian rhythm is your body's internal clock, helping you to feel tired and alert at the right time. And as well as orchestrating your sleep-wake cycle, your circadian rhythm regulates your metabolism.

“The human body thrives on routine,” Emma Zengh, a certified nutritionist, previously explained to us. “Which means that eating dinner at the same time every night helps keep the hormones in the body in check.”

So, as well as allowing enough time to digest my food (and prevent a spike in cortisol due to low blood sugar levels), eating mealtimes at roughly the same time every day is another way to cement my circadian rhythm.

Quick tips to falling back to sleep when you wake at 3 a.m.

Waking up at 3 a.m. can feel debilitating. However, I have learnt how to better manage them in the moment in order to fall back asleep faster. These are some of the strategies I find useful...

• Practice the 15 minute sleep rule: Staying in bed when you can't sleep leads to a negative association with your bed. The advice from experts is clear — if after 15 minutes you're still awake, get up and leave the room and do something relaxing. Then, when you feel tired, go back to bed.
• Don't immediately check the clock: Rolling over and checking the time can cause further feelings of anxiety. It can also lead to the temptation of scrolling on your phone, making it even harder to go back to sleep.
• Try cognitive shuffling to stop rumination: If you're waking with anxiety, it can be hard to turn off the chatter in your brain in order to fall back to sleep. To help, I try cognitive shuffling, a relaxation technique. To do it, pick a random letter then think of different words beginning with that letter.

With homes in the UK acting like brick ovens and soaring energy bills leaving many in the US hesitant to blast the AC, the summer heatwaves are set to ruin your sleep. You need a way to cool down before bed so you don't spend the next few months sweaty, sticky and sleep deprived.

Your internal body clock relies several signals to fall asleep and one of them is temperature — your core needs to drop around 2°F / 1°C for you to drift off. But when your room is too warm, your body is unable to disperse heat efficiently. This leads to tossing and turning, which in turn causes cortisol levels to spike, leaving you vulnerable to 3 a.m. wake ups.

But a refreshing bedtime drink such as our Iced Summer Sleep Tea can help your body cool naturally, so you fall asleep fast even in a heatwave. Created by Claire Davies, Sleep Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach, here we'll explain why this tea works, plus everything you need to make it.

How a bedtime iced tea helps you fall asleep fast in a heatwave

Our bedtime tea takes a three step approach to creating the perfect conditions to sleep in a heatwave.

First, it's cooling (both literally and mentally.) Served over ice, this tea cools the throat to provide immediate relief from the hot weather.

The menthol in the peppermint also makes you think you're cooler (without the shock of ice water.) By triggering the TRPM8 sensors in your mouth, menthol tells your nervous system that you're physically cold.

Second, it's hydrating. Slowly sipping a cooling drink replaces the fluids you've lost through sweating, keeping your body hydrated during the night. This helps you wake up energized and without the classic "heatwave headache" that comes from an under-hydrated system.

Third, it's full of sleep friendly ingredients. Chamomile is a source of sleep-inducing compound apigenin while the electrolytes from a splash of coconut water or a pinch of salt will help replenish the minerals you've lost through sweating. This in turn relaxes your muscles and calms a racing, overheated heart.

The ritual of the tea-drinking process can also help you relax before bed. But make sure to sip, rather than chug, to keep your bladder happy.

How to make an Iced Summer Sleep Tea

• Steep two chamomile tea bags and two peppermint tea bags in 500ml of boiling water for 8-10 minutes
• Remove the tea bags and add 60ml of coconut water and honey to taste
• Chill for 1-2 hours
• Serve over ice and sip roughly one hour before bed

Below are the detailed instructions to brew an Iced Summer Sleep Tea but don't worry, it's super simple. And if you keep scrolling, you'll find everything you need to make it.

Brew the tea (10 mins prep)
Place two chamomile tea bags and two peppermint tea bags into a heat proof pitcher. Pour over 500 ml of boiling water. Leave to steep for 8 to 10 minutes to extract the maximum amount of apigenin (a sleep-inducing antioxidant) and menthol.

Add a mineral boost (1 min prep)
Remove the tea bags and, while the tea is still warm, add 60ml of pure coconut water as a mineral boost to supercharge the tea with sleep-supporting electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Alternatively, add 60ml of soda water and a pinch of natural sea salt.

Add honey (1 min prep)
Stir in one tablespoon of raw honey (or sweeten to your personal taste) until completely dissolved. Science tell us that natural sugars slightly raise insulin levels, making it easier for the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan to enter the brain.

Let it chill (2 to 3 hours)
Allow the pitcher to cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge to chill completely for roughly two to three hours before you drink it.

Start drinking around 90 minutes before bed
Pour the chilled tea into a tall glass over large ice cubes. Sip it slowly over a period of 30 minutes, and around 90 minutes before when you want to sleep.

This allows the sleepy compounds to get to work while ensuring the liquid has passed through your system before bed, so you won't be woken up in the night because you need the bathroom.

What you'll need to make an Iced Summer Sleep Tea

For the highest concentration of apigenin to quiet the nervous system, we recommend using teas made with intact chamomile heads, rather than chamomile dust (but you might need your own tea filters.)

And opt for pure peppermint tea for the biggest cooling pay off. Whole leaves such as the Teapigs Peppermint Leaves are best, as they contain more menthol oil for that tingly fresh sensation.

For electrolytes and minerals, we suggest pure coconut water — a potassium boost with a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, use a pinch of natural saa salt for minerals without an unwelcome bite of sodium (Those on low sodium diets should opt for coconut water or skip this step.) And don't forget a spoonful of honey.

The equipment is simple but a heatproof glass pitcher is a must, so you can pour boiling water straight in without worrying about cracking (thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass is best.) We also recommend big ice molds which melt slower, keeping your drink crisp without watering it down. And for the final touches; insulated glasses and stirring sticks.

US shopping list

UK shopping list

Summary

If your usual mug of steaming chamomile tea looks less than appealing in the heat, our cooling alternative offers the same benefits without leaving you hot and bothered.

It also gives you what's likely to be a much needed hydration boost before bed. Alternatively, try TikTok favorite the sleepy girl mocktail, which uses tart cherry juice for a sleep-boost.

While the sun sets and your tea brews, cool your house by throwing open the windows and doors to create a cross breeze (but close your windows in the morning, to lock in any cool air.)

Put your lotions in the fridge while you take a lukewarm shower — your post-wash routine will feel like bliss on your skin. And if you want a snack with your drink, try a kiwi for a boost of serotonin.

Each day during a heatwave, my neighbor hangs her pillows and bedding on the line for a few hours of ‘sun washing’ or ‘sun curing’ – a viral cleaning trend that claims leaving bed sheets in direct, super-hot sunlight UV-sanitizes them. I understand the appeal – this viral pillow cleaning hack is free, and who doesn’t like sleeping in line-fresh bedding?

But here’s the microbiological truth: ‘sun washing’ does little to get fungi, bacteria, dust mites and odors out of your pillows, bed sheets and toppers. According to a study on optimal ways to remove dust mites, allergens and pollen, a standard machine wash at 104°F 40°C leaves 94% of dust mites alive and kicking in your bedding. Yep, 94%.

So why is my neighbor dead-set on ‘sun washing’ her bedding during a heatwave? “The real benefit is moisture and not disinfection,” says Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, PhD, RN, CIC, an infection prevention expert and Research Associate Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.

To help us separate cleaning myth from microbiological reality, Dr. Knighton explains what ‘sun washing’ actually achieves, why pillows and bedding become moisture bombs during heatwaves, and the exact temperature a washing machine needs to get rid of the nasties.

Key take-aways: At a glance

• The 'sun washing' misconception: Hanging pillows and duvets outside in the sun won't disinfect them. Sunlight cannot physically lift soil or skin cells, and UV rays can't penetrate dense pillow and comforter interiors where microbes hide.
• Why airing bedding in a heatwave is still smart: Moving hot air pulls moisture, sweat, and odors trapped inside dense bedding. It temporarily stops bacteria from multiplying, but it won't get rid of the bacteria.
• The wash temperature that works: According to one study, 104°F / 40°C washes leave 94% of dust mites alive in your bedding. To eliminate dust mites and pathogens, you must machine wash your bedding using the warmest setting its care label safely tolerates. The ideal is 130°F to 140°F / 54.4°C to 60°C.
• When to wash bedding in a heatwave: While pillowcases and bed sheets should be washed once a week (minimum) during summer, step up the frequency if you sweat heavily, skip nighttime showers, have acne-prone skin, or share the bed with pets. Especially during a heatwave.
• Prioritize a dry bed over a tidy bed: Never make your bed straight after getting up if you've been sweating and the sheets felt damp. Pulling up the covers seals in body heat and moisture – the ideal conditions for fungi and odors to multiply during a heatwave.

‘Sun washing’ refreshes bedding — it doesn’t disinfect

With regular use, pillows and bedding house a build-up of fungi, dust mites, other allergens and odors.

“When researchers at the University of Manchester cultured used pillows, ones in service from a year and a half to more than 20 years, they found between four and 16 species of fungi in a single pillow, with higher numbers in the synthetic ones,” reveals Dr. Knighton.

“The concern is not that any single pillow is a biohazard. It is hours of close contact, night after night, with moisture and skin debris and microbial buildup sitting right against your face and airway."

Deep penetration is required to disinfect dense pillows and comforters, especially older ones that don’t get cleaned regularly in a washing machine — and that’s something a few hours of airing outside can’t deliver.

“A machine wash physically lifts sweat, oil, skin cells, allergens, and microbes off the fabric through detergent, water, agitation, rinsing, and heat,” Dr. Knighton explains. “Sunlight does not lift soil off of anything.”

Even the geometry of some pillows and bedding dilutes the germ-killing potential of ultraviolet light.

“Direct sun can reduce some microbes on an exposed surface, but the exposure is uneven and unreliable,” says Dr. Knighton. “The top of a duvet might catch the sun while the underside, the seams, the folds, and the dense fill inside a pillow never do.”

The fungi and bacteria hiding deep within the stuffing or wadding of your pillow and comforter remain entirely unreached by sunlight, even if you're 'sun washing' during a raging heatwave.

“I would never tell someone to skip a wash because the bedding spent an afternoon outside,” warns Dr. Knighton.

Why you should still air pillows and bedding outside in a heatwave

Moisture, not microbes, is the real reason to hang your pillows, comforter, and bed sheets out to air during a heatwave. You aren’t UV-sanitizing, you’re UV-dehydrating.

Every night as you lie in bed sweating away during a heatwave, your bedding acts like a giant sponge. It drinks up sweat, saliva (drool), skin oils, dead skin cells, and not to mention skin and hair products. During a heatwave, that sponge becomes extra thirsty and absorption rockets.

“Putting pillows and bedding out in dry moving air pulls that dampness back out and cuts the odor that comes with it,” Dr. Knighton notes. “That is what airing does. It dries and freshens between washes. It does not sanitize anything.”

How pillows and bedding become ‘moisture bombs’ in hot weather

All those hot, sticky summer nights spent sweating away in bed drive moisture down into your mattress, pillows and bedding.

“A dense pillow or comforter holds onto moisture far longer than a thin sheet does,” explains Dr. Knighton. “After a hot night, it’s carrying sweat, skin oil, and shed skin cells, and the warmth stays in the fill.

“Warmth, moisture, and organic material with no airflow is exactly the condition that lets bacteria and fungi persist and lets odor build, and the bedding doesn’t have to look dirty for this to be happening.”

So even though your crisp white sheets still look clean after nearly a week of sleeping under them, what’s infiltrated the sheets tells a different story.

To be clear, a heatwave won’t conjure dangerous new organisms overnight, says Dr. Knighton: “What the heat does is drive more sweat and trap more moisture, and moisture is the thing most microbes need to survive.”

The washing temperature that actually kills dust mites and more

Now that we know ‘sun washing’ draws out moisture, but doesn’t sanitize, it’s time to look at what will: your washing machine.

A standard wash cycle won’t cut it during a summer heatwave (or during any other time of year) — especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

“For temperature, use the warmest water the fabric can safely tolerate,” Dr. Knighton advises. “The benchmark most allergy guidance uses for dust mites is 130°F / 54.4°C.

“One study found that washing at 140°F / 60°C killed all dust mites, while a warm wash at 104°F / 40°C killed only about six per cent of them.”

While dropping your laundry down to a cool or warm cycle protects the fabric and saves energy, from an infection prevention standpoint, the hotter the wash the better.

Check your bedding’s care labels to ensure it will withstand a hotter wash. And if you have asthma, allergies, or a chronic health condition, consider swapping to pillows, comforters and bedding that can be safely washed at 130°F / 54.4°C.

"Hospital laundry runs hotter and longer than that, but that is validated industrial processing, not something a household needs or should try to copy,” Dr Knighton explains.

“The practical message is simple: wash often, use detergent, use the warmest safe setting, and dry the item all the way through."

How often you should wash pillows and bedding in summer vs a heatwave

A weekly bed sheets wash is common in most homes, but according to Dr. Knighton you might need to clean them more often during a heatwave.

During extreme summer heat your body is working overtime to cool itself down at night (heat spikes can cause 3 a.m. wake-ups and other middle insomnia issues).

As a result, sweat, facial skin oils, dead skin and more all seep down into your pillows and bedding at an accelerated rate.

Dr. Knighton recommends stepping up your laundry schedule significantly if you match any of the following criteria:

• You sweat heavily during the night or experience night sweats.
• You prefer to shower in the morning and go to bed with daytime skin buildup.
• You have oily, acne-prone skin, eczema, or environmental allergies.
• You share your bed with dogs, cats, or other pets.
• You work a high-exposure job (such as healthcare, childcare, sanitation, or repair work) where you actively carry the day's grime home with you.

Here, Dr. Knighton breaks down exactly how often you should machine wash different types of bedding during hot weather to keep the microbial load under control:

Bed sheets and pillowcases: Once a week (minimum)

You should wash these at least once a week in hot weather, but "more often for a lot of people," says Dr. Knighton.

Duvet covers: Every one to two weeks

To combat fungi, dust mites, allergens and more, you should hot wash your duvet cover once a week during summer – more if you don’t shower before sleep then sweat in bed.

Using a top flat sheet as a barrier between you and the duvet cover buys you a bit more time – up to two weeks, but check your cover for odors.

Pillows and comforters: Every three months (or sooner)

Always follow the care label on your pillow or comforter, but generally you should be washing them every few months. However, in a heatwave you need to wash them immediately if they are damp with moisture, stained, musty, or visibly soiled.

“A tidy bed should not outweigh a dry bed,” says Dr. Knighton.

By using ‘sun-washing’ to reduce daily moisture build-up between washing your pillows and bedding on as safe a hot wash as they can handle, you’ll get the microbial load under control and enjoy much cleaner sleep in the hot summer months.

Nighttime anxiety has me in a chokehold, jolting me awake at 3 a.m. most mornings with my heart hammering in my chest. While I fantasise about a relaxing spa break where I can finally decompress, I’ve found the next best thing: an ‘invisible day.’ What is it? A 24-hour digital detox that allows my nervous system to re-set before bedtime — and sleep experts approve.

“Taking an invisible day, especially when done consistently, can be a powerful method of reducing stress and anxiety from an overstimulated brain, which can help with the 3 a.m. wakings,” explains Dr. Eric Zhou, associate professor in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

As a busy working parent, my smartphone is my lifeline. But every ping of a notification is also another demand on my time and attention. Instead, turning my phone off — even just for a day — helps me relax without being in a state of constant alert. Here’s why it's helping me to fight back against all those 3 a.m. wake-ups…

• Read more: Stress was waking me up at 3 a.m. — until two of the world's best sleep doctors shared 5 fast fixes to lower my cortisol at night

Key takeaways: At a glance

• An ‘ invisible day’ is a 24 hour digital detox during which you either turn your phone off or place it on airplane mode
• Experts believe that silencing the demand for our attention allows our nervous system to decompress before bedtime
• A higher than normal baseline level of cortisol is why many people with anxiety wake at 3 a.m.
• Reducing daytime stress helps lower the baseline level of cortisol, helping you to stay asleep all night

What is an invisible day and how can it help with your sleep?

It’s up to you exactly how you conduct your own 'invisible day'. However, the crux of it is that you are essentially invisible to the aspect of your life that is causing you the most angst. That might be caregiving or household chores.

It’s a pause in your busy, daily life.

For me, I initially chose a day to be invisible to my online world — where group WhatsApp messages demanding my attention were rolling in thick and fast — so that I could spend time with my family without distraction. During my 'invisible day' I felt present, calm and, crucially, I slept peacefully and didn't wake up at 3 a.m.

“It makes complete sense to me that you've found it helpful,” says Dr. Jessica Meers, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Rhythm Wellness.

“The 3 a.m. waking pattern is one of the most common sleep issues I see, and it often comes back to a nervous system that never fully unwound during the day.”

I spend most days with my phone glued to my hand so that I can promptly respond to every email, call, Whatsapp or notification. Sound familiar? This constant input takes its toll on your nervous system and makes it hard to switch off at night, Dr. Meers explains.

“An ‘invisible day’ interrupts that cycle and gives your nervous system a chance to decompress before bedtime, which can absolutely improve sleep,” says Dr. Meers, a board-certified sleep behavioral specialist.

How an 'invisible day' curbed my anxiety and reduced 3 a.m. wake-ups

I took my first invisible day a couple of months ago during a period of feeling overwhelmed and suffering from poor sleep.

At first, I just wanted to turn off the constant background chatter that I was allowing to infiltrate every part of my life. However, I soon realised that it was helpful for combating my 3 a.m. wake-ups too.

Here’s the science behind why…

1. It reduces cortisol levels

“Waking at 3 a.m. can be the hallmark of sleep maintenance insomnia, driven by an overactive nervous system; a stress-response system that can't sustain consolidated sleep,” explains Dr. Ranji Varghese, a Board-Certified Sleep Medicine and Psychiatry Specialist.

“For most people, cortisol (the body's primary stress hormone) naturally bottoms out around midnight and rises around 3 a.m,” says Dr. Varghese, noting that, in chronic insomnia, cortisol levels remain high.
However, studies point to a reduction in cortisol levels following a digital detox. By lowering your baseline level of cortisol, you’re then less likely to be woken when levels naturally begin to rise around 3 and 4 a.m., says Dr. Varghese, Medical Director of the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center at Hennepin County Medical Center.