Getting a good night's sleep isn't just about going to bed on time (though that's notably important), it's also about creating the right environment where you can get comfortable, let go of daily stress and drift off into a restorative sleep.
Whether you’re setting up a nursery for a newborn, helping a teen unwind from screen time, or managing sleep challenges that come with age, the right tools can make a world of difference.
I spend five days a week testing and reviewing sleep gear and gadgets from the best mattresses you can buy online right now to the latest alarm clocks, sleep trackers and sleep apps. While some are nice-to-haves, there are a handful of products myself, the rest of Tom's Guide's sleep team and our families (of all ages) rely on to get quality sleep each and every night.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up our top sleep gear and gadget recommendations for every life stage so you can get your sleep essentials shopping list ready ahead of the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales.
7 products to help you sleep better at every age
Investing in the following product and gadgets can elevate your nighttime and morning routines and boost the quality of your rest overall, no matter your age...
1. A mattress tailored to your body
The right mattress for your sleep style and body weight will keep you supported and comfortable so you can sleep peacefully through the night.
Of course, our bodies change through life and so will your sleep needs and mattress preferences. Smaller bodies can be well supported by thinner (but still good quality) mattresses, from crib mattresses for infants through to simple and affordable memory foam mattresses for growing children.
As an adult you may need a mattress with technology targeting different sleep needs. For example, people prone to hot sleeping would benefit from a bed with specialized temperature regulation, which you can find in our best cooling mattress guide.
In later adulthood, your mobility may be reduced, meaning you'd benefit from an adjustable bed which you can customize to help you get in and out of bed.
2. A supportive pillow
A supportive pillow is key to avoiding back or neck pain at any age. You can find our top-rated pillows in our best pillow of the year guide.
If you're wondering what to look for specifically, here's a word of advice from our pillow expert Becky George: "Side sleepers generally need a reasonably tall (ideally between four to six inches) and comfortable pillow to ensure that the side of the head doesn't dip toward the mattress and cause misalignment."
Meanwhile, she says back sleepers "need a pillow that is just high enough to support your head, while keeping your chin in neutral position. One with low loft will help you achieve this."
And if you sleep on your front: "You'll need to find a low-loft pillow as these prevent you straining your neck and help keep it in alignment with your spine."
3. Sunrise alarm clock
When my friends ask about which products can *actually* help them sleep, I'm always quick to recommend a top-rated sunrise alarm clock.
I've had one at my bedside ever since I started testing them in the fall last year and now rely on it for both my nighttime and morning routine.
These sunrise alarm clocks gently wake you up with gradual light, allowing you to reach the end of a sleep cycle before jolting you awake so you wake up feeling more refreshed.
They double (or triple) up as night lights and sleep sound machines too as most devices from trusted brands, like Hatch and Lumie, offer a library sleep podcasts, guided meditations and white noise.
Plus, children are sure to love the colorful light options available on sunrise clocks like the Momcozy Sunrise Sound Machine.
4. Comfy bedding
Investing in comfy bedding is one of the most simple but impactful ways to elevate your sleep space and improve sleep quality at any age.
Good quality, breathable duvets, comforters and bed sheets can both make your bed cosy and keep you at an ideal sleep temperature.
For babies and toddlers, soft, breathable materials help regulate body temperature and create a safe, soothing sleep environment.
Kids and teens benefit from cozy bedding that encourages them to wind down and feel secure at night — especially during growth spurts or busy school schedules.
Meanwhile, high quality, cooling sheets can prevent adults getting irritated or overheating through the night so you spend less time tossing and turning and more time snoozing.
And for older adults, bedding that’s both comfortable and easy to manage is key.
5. Sleep mask and ear plugs
Be you subject to noisy neighbours or a snoring partner, sometimes you have to sleep in a not-so quiet environment, and this is when reliable, comfy earplugs will be your best sound-blocking sleep companion.
Similarly, if you work shifts or you and your partner are on different sleep schedules, a eye mask can help you snooze when your room isn't completely dark.
Personally, I love the SOMO sleep fitness mask which uses acupressure to help you relax. But you can find ample more affordable sleep masks online like this MyHalos sleep mask for $12.99 at Amazon.
6. Blackout blinds
Light pollution is prevalent in many urban U.S. states and many studies show that this light pollution can negatively impact sleep quality and duration.
This is because light pollution can block secretion of melatonin, throwing off your circadian rhythm and keeping you awake longer. But blackout curtains can help by turning your bedroom into a dark sanctuary where you can rest without being disturbed by a street light flickering outside your window.
Blackout curtains can be especially useful when it comes to getting your young children off to sleep before the sun has fully set.
7. Sleep apps
Sleep apps come with many functions, which can benefit you at different stages of life.
Some, like Rise Science and Sleep Cycle, help you keep track of your sleep routine and help you learn how you can harness your energy peaks and troughs through the day as working adults.
Others, like Calm, are packed with sleep audio tracks. You can use them to read you sleep stories or play soothing soundscapes (we're never too old for a bedtime story or lullaby) that can help children and adults alike drift off to the land of ZZZs.
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