Rest easy: sleep essentials that make a difference

Even one rough night of sleep can leave you feeling off the next morning. Over time, restless nights add up, making even simple tasks feel more challenging. Using high quality pillows and mattresses that support your body, tucking into the softest comforters and sheets, and even using sleep accessories like eye masks and white noise machines can help you sleep more soundly.

The foundation of great sleep: your mattress

A mattress is quite literally the foundation of a restful night sleep. It's where you spend roughly 3,000 hours per year, and it can make or break the quality of your sleep. Mattresses come in all shapes and sizes, making it important to do some light research so you can factor in your specific needs before making a purchase. Top mattress brands can encourage you to drift to sleep quickly, sleep through the night, and wake up feeling refreshed.

Choosing the right firmness level. Firmness is one of the most important details to consider before buying a mattress. While personal preference comes into play, the position you sleep in largely determines the level of firmness best for you. Other factors, such as body weight and mattress material, can also influence which firmness will provide the most comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

Consider your sleep position. Side sleepers may prefer soft to medium firmness to cushion their shoulders and hips, while back sleepers often do better with medium to firm mattresses to provide back relief and support their spine. Those who sleep on their stomach may feel most comfortable with a firm to extra firm mattress to keep the lower back from bowing, which can become uncomfortable over time. And if you toss, turn, and switch positions all night? You may prefer a mattress with a medium firmness.

Comparing mattress types. There are a variety of mattress materials to choose from: Traditional innerspring mattresses feature a series of coils with foam padding on top. Because of the springs, they have a bouncy and firm feel. Another option is memory foam, which—true to its name—essentially keeps a “memory" of your body while you sleep by contouring around you. For a middle ground option, hybrid mattresses combines both memory foam and innersprings, offering a sort of “best of both worlds" option. The coils sit underneath and memory foam is on top.

Pillows for personalized comfort

Second only to mattresses, pillows are an important sleep essential worth putting real thought into. When you've picked a winner, you'll enjoy proper neck and spine alignment which can translate to a deeper, more comfortable slumber.

Finding the right pillow. Back sleepers need to support the hollow area between their head and shoulders. A higher pillow made from memory foam—or a contoured pillow that's higher on the edge and slopes down toward the center—can provide this support. Side sleepers need to support the hollow space between their ear and shoulder, making a higher, denser pillow a great option. (A body pillow is an add-on that can help with rest in this position, too.) Stomach sleepers don't need as much height or firmness, so a low pillow made with soft, breathable materials is ideal.

Materials that matter. Like mattresses, pillows come in a range of materials. Solid memory foam provides that deep, contouring cushion; shredding memory foam offers the same but with less firmness, and down pillows deliver a soft and airy feel. Hybrid pillows mix and match materials, and you can even find cooling pillow options that are ideal for hot sleepers or for warm weather.

Bedding that promotes restful sleep

Once you've got your core sleep essentials, dressing the bed with sheets and blankets comes next. Soft, breathable bedding promotes a better night's rest, and opting for good quality is paramount.

Sheets and pillowcase materials. One of the biggest obstacles getting in the way of a great night's sleep is feeling hot and uncomfortable. Prioritizing breathable sheets can help those who sleep warm to hot at night, with 100% cotton or linen leading the way for breathability. Sateen sheets aren't as breathable, but they're silky-soft and can keep your body warm through the night if it's chilly outside or if you're a cold sleeper. For bitterly cold nights, consider flannel sheets—they add a plush, comforting layer that's perfect for snuggling in.

Weighted blankets and their benefits. Available in a range of weights suitable for different body sizes, weighted blankets are designed add gentle pressure across the body. They create a cocoon-like feeling that can deepen relaxation and promote rest. Many people find that pairing a weighted blanket with soft sheets or a cozy duvet enhances the overall comfort of their bed.

Sleep accessories for better rest

Sometimes the smallest additions can take your quest for rest to the next level. From silky eye masks that let you slumber more deeply to white noise machines that dampen disruptive sounds, these little TLC touches are bedroom heroes.

White noise machines and soundscapes. White noise machines work by counteracting external noises—like traffic, digital devices, and everyday home sounds—essentially quieting them so all you hear is the low, fuzzy stream of white noise. Some devices even play consistent sounds like running water, rain, and thunderstorms, or jungle noises.

Eye masks to block out light. A soft eye mask is one of the simplest ways to block out light and create a more restful sleep environment. They're especially helpful for light-sensitive sleepers, anyone trying to nap or catch up on rest during the day, and those mornings when you just want a few extra minutes under the covers.

Aromatherapy and calming scents. Certain scents are perfect for nighttime relaxation, with some favorites being lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. Using aromatherapy for sleep in a diffuser is a great way to spread the scent through the room before going to bed. Candles, candle warmers, and even room or pillow mists are all relaxing options, too.

Creating the perfect sleep environment

A little thing called “sleep hygiene" plays a pretty big role in how well you rest. The goal is to create a welcoming, cozy retreat that you look forward to spending time in, and that encourages you to slip into that sweet slumber.

Lighting tips for winding down. Starting a wind-down cycle in the hour or two before you go to bed can help lull your mind to sleep. This is easily done by turning off or dimming overhead lights, using low and warm nightstand lighting, and avoiding digital screens.

Temperature control. A slightly cooler room—roughly 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit— tends to work best for most people. Using breathable bedding, lightweight blankets, or a fan can help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Decluttering your bedroom. Don't underestimate just how much clutter affects rest. Whether it's that pile of laundry in a corner chair or accumulated stuff on your nightstand, these visual distractions can increase stress and ultimately decrease relaxation.

Clean bedding. Ever noticed how you sleep more soundly with fresh sheets? You can recreate that experience as many times as you'd like. Ideally, sheets and pillow cases should be washed once per week; having a second set to swap in makes the laundry cycle easier.

How to choose sleep essentials that work for you

Tucking into bed every night is a given, so tailoring your (very literal) dream setup to your needs is a must. By figuring out what works and what doesn't, you can slowly create a bedroom you look forward to sleeping in every evening.

Investing in essentials that last. A customized sleep situation is essential, as is investing in quality products. Ultimately, you want bedding and sleep accessories that hold up over time so they provide continued comfort and support today, tomorrow, and even 10 years from now.

Understanding your sleep needs. Understanding your specific sleep needs is step number one. You can factor in things like your go-to sleep position, body weight, how hot or cold you sleep, whether you're light-sensitive, and other personal preferences. These touch points can inform confident purchases.

Building the best bedding setup is all about catering to your needs. This is true whether you're investing in a new mattress, swapping in a new pillow, or trying out some sleep accessories. Some items require a little trial-and-error, but the more you understand about yourself and your sleep needs, the easier it is to design your perfect cozy cocoon.