Sleep Gear: Eye Masks, Sleep Trackers, and More

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December 14, 2022

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Sleep and technology aren’t always the best combo. It’s true that blue light can disrupt your natural circadian rhythms, but there are also a number of tech-based sleep gear solutions that can help you get some much-needed shut-eye. Unlike the screens that can keep you up at night, sleep gear uses technology like white noise, specialized lighting, and comfortable fabrics to lull you into a restful sleep.

If you want to improve or optimize your slumber, take a look at some of the sleep gear that can help get you there.

Why Use Sleep Gear For Better Sleep?

The benefits of being well-rested are well-documented. Sleep is critical for your physical health and mental health. Everything from your work performance to your relationships can suffer if you’re not getting enough shuteye.

If you do manage to get a good night’s sleep, you’re rewarded with plenty of awesome benefits. Your immune system may get stronger. You’ll likely be less stressed and more productive at work. You might even be able to control your emotions more effectively. Getting enough sleep, in general, helps makes you a happier, healthier human.

But despite its importance, a good night’s sleep is often elusive. In this 24/7 world, people are constantly bombarded with stimulation—from work deadlines to device notifications to the never-ending scroll of social media. It’s no wonder that folks have trouble winding down at night and getting the restful sleep their bodies need.

This is where sleep gear comes in. Sleep gear is any type of device or product that can help you sleep better. This can include:

Sleep trackers
Eye masks
Blackout curtains
White noise machines
Comfortable bedding
Specialized pillows
Bed cooling systems

While some sleep gear is low-tech (like a comfy pillow), newer, innovative devices like sleep trackers use intuitive technology to track your sleep patterns, help you fall asleep faster, and wake up feeling well-rested. When used correctly and consistently, high-tech sleep gear can have a profound impact on your sleep quality—and your overall health.

High-Tech Sleep Gear

Technology gets a bad rap in the bedroom. But technology can also be a powerful tool for promoting healthy sleep. Just check out these examples of high-tech sleep gear that can make a big difference in your sleep quality.

Sleep Tracking Pads

One of the most popular types of sleep gear is the sleep tracking pad. These devices—like one from Withings Sleep—are placed under your mattress to track your sleep patterns and give you insights into your sleep quality.

Sleep tracking pads use sensors to track your movement throughout the night. They can also track other important data points like heart rate and breathing. This data is then analyzed and used to give you a Sleep Score that gives you an overview of your sleep quality.

These devices will give you a more accurate reading than the free sleep tracker apps on your phone, but they’re definitely an investment. Tf you’re struggling with sleep and are looking for a way to get insights into your sleep patterns, a sleep tracking pad could be worth the price tag.

Wearable Trackers

Much like tracking pads, wearable trackers use sensors to track your movement and sleep data. But instead of being placed under your mattress, these devices are worn on your body—usually on your wrist.

One of the most popular wearable trackers on the market is the Fitbit, but there are plenty of other options to choose from, including the Apple Watch. While they’re typically used to document workouts, most fitness trackers have built-in features that can monitor your sleep, too. The latest Apple Watches can even detect how long you spend in specific sleep stages.

Oxygen Monitors

If you have sleep apnea, an oxygen monitor may be a good option for you. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes your breathing to stop and start throughout the night. This can happen multiple times per night, can disrupt your sleep, and cause serious health problems in the long term if left untreated.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your unique situation, but there are at-home options for monitoring your condition. An oxygen monitor—like this one from EMAY—is a wearable device that tracks your oxygen levels at night.

Benefits of Monitoring Your Sleep

Sleep tracking devices can be a great way to get insights into your sleep patterns. But what can you actually do with this information?

For starters, understanding how you sleep can help you identify:

Whether or not you’re getting the recommended 7+ hours of sleep
Sleep cycles and patterns
How long you’re spending in sleep stages (deep, light, REM)
Time spent awake during the night
How long it takes you to fall asleep

By understanding how you sleep and what is impacting your rest, you can make small tweaks to your daily routine that can have a big impact on your sleep quality.

This information could also be helpful to have when working with a sleep specialist. If you’re struggling with sleep, they may be able to use this data to better understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Takeaway

Technology in the bedroom doesn’t have to be a bad thing. High-tech sleep gear like sleep tracking devices, wearable trackers, and oxygen monitors can all be used to improve your sleep quality.

If you’re struggling with your sleep, you may want to consider using one of these devices to get insights into your sleep patterns and find ways to get the rest you need.