Chronic stress, sleeping disorders, and poor lifestyle choices can disrupt a person’s sleep. Insufficient sleep can, in turn, lead to daytime fatigue and increase the risk of dementia, diabetes, heart conditions, and other health issues. But the good news is that modern technology has helped develop numerous sleeping aids to optimize sleep quality and improve overall well-being. These devices are readily available in the market and can be purchased online and in-store.

Sleeping aids to consider
The following sleeping aid devices are suitable for both kids and adults:

• Weighted blanket
  This unique blanket applies gentle pressure to the body, inducing relaxation and security. It is especially beneficial for individuals with anxiety, stress, insomnia, sensory processing disorders, and other sleeping disorders.
• Weighted sleep mask
  A weighted sleep mask applies gentle pressure to the eyes and surrounding areas to stimulate acupressure points, helping alleviate tension and promote a sense of calmness. It also effectively blocks out light, benefiting those with light sensitivity.
• Sleep and wake-up light
  This light simulates natural sunrise and sunset by gradually adjusting its brightness to mimic the changing light of dawn and dusk. As the light increases in the morning, it gently rouses one from sleep. This enables natural awakening without noisy alarm clocks.
• Temperature-control duvets
  Temperature-control duvets adapt to one’s body temperature, providing comfortable sleep. They dissipate excess heat on warm nights, ensuring a cooler sleeping environment. Similarly, they trap and retain body heat in colder conditions, promoting uninterrupted sleep.
• Aromatherapy diffusers
  These devices disperse essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang into the air, filling the bedroom with calming scents that promote relaxation and better sleep. These oils enhance one’s sleep environment naturally. Some aromatherapy diffusers also come with soft ambient lighting.
• Noise-canceling headphones
  Whether street traffic, noisy neighbors, or snoring partners, noise-canceling headphones can block external sounds and create a peaceful auditory space, making it easier to drift into a restful sleep.

Remedies to improve sleep quality
Besides using sleeping aids, kids and adults can improve their sleep quality with these tips:

• Eating a light dinner
  One should avoid heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime and opt for a light dinner to prevent discomfort and indigestion that may disrupt sleep.
• Massage therapy
  Getting a gentle massage or self-massaging with calming essential oils can release tension and promote relaxation before bedtime.
• Limiting screen time
  One should avoid staring at electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers before bedtime. The blue light emitted from their screens can disrupt the production of sleep-inducing hormones.
• Comfortable sleep environment
  Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet and investing in a supportive mattress and comfortable bedding can help a person fall asleep sooner.
• Herbal teas
  Herbal teas like chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower have natural calming properties that promote relaxation and better sleep.
• Sleep-inducing apps
  Several free smartphone apps help people optimize their resting hours and track habits that affect their sleep quality. They often come with additional features like personalized sleep goals, relaxation exercises, calming sounds, sleep cycle monitoring, guided meditation, and hypnotherapy.

Those suffering from sleep disorders like narcolepsy, insomnia, and sleep apnea should consult a health professional for guidance. In addition to listed sleeping aid products and home remedies, the doctor may recommend treatment options like light therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to treat one’s condition.