Our Favorite Relaxing Gifts for Anyone That Struggles to Get a Good Night’s Rest
If you or someone you love has insomnia, you may already know the struggle of managing day-to-day life on top of chronic sleep deprivation.
"Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder marked by trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than intended," says Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, a board-certified sleep specialist and practicing physician at the University of Chicago. "It can cause feelings of tiredness, delayed reaction time, confusion, and mood disruption. It can also impact memory and concentration."
One of the most important strategies to combat insomnia is to reduce chronic stress, which Holliday-Bell says is often the main cause of both short-term and chronic insomnia. That’s why she recommends a relaxing, predictable, and consistent bedtime routine. "Signaling the body to sleep at a certain time can be done with the use of a pre-sleep routine," advises Courtney Scott, MD, an addiction medicine specialist and the medical director of Momentous Recovery Group. This routine should include:
- Relaxing rituals: Both physicians recommend activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, reading, drinking herbal tea, journaling, or taking a warm bath (depending on your loved ones' preferences) as key components of a bedtime routine to help you wind down after a long day.
- Limiting blue light exposure: "Melatonin (the sleep hormone) is greatly inhibited by blue light from phones, tablets, and televisions," says Scott. "At least an hour before your normal bedtime, substitute everyday screen time with activities like reading, stretching, or listening to calming music."
- Creating a sleep-friendly environment: "Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet," says Holliday-Bell, "and reserve it for sleep and intimacy only. Incorporate light, breathable fabrics like cotton to help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool while sleeping."
There are some handy products that can help you build your nighttime routine, too. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of our editor's favorite items that we know can help you — or someone you love — create a calming nighttime routine. And pro tip: these items make for excellent gifts for any loved one who struggles with sleep.

Get Grounded With This Comfortable Yoga Mat
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat Half-Inch Thick With Nylon Strap

Soothing Magnesium Bath Salts to Melt Away Your Worries
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
Give yourself or someone else the gift of blissful relaxation. Taking a hot bath before bed can relax tired muscles and send you off into a peaceful slumber. These soothing magnesium bath salts sourced from an ancient seabed can give your bath an extra dose of anti-inflammatory goodness. Light some candles for a soothing home spa experience.

Block Out the Noise and the Light With This Sleep Mask With Headphones
MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones

A Dreamy Nightcap With Melatonin, Magnesium, and L-Theanine
Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

Read Without Waking Your Partner With This Cozy Reading Light
Hooga Book Light

A Weighted Blanket That Feels Like a Gentle Hug
Baloo Weighted Blanket

Mulberry Silk Blocks Light Without Irritating Your Eyes
Blissy Silk Sleep Mask

An E-Reader With Warm Backlighting for Less Eyestrain
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

This Clock Helps You Drift Off to White Noise and Wake Up Gently
Hatch Restore 2

Give the Gift of Warm Feet With These Cozy Slipper Socks
Bombas Gripper Slippers

A Plush but Lightweight Robe for Lounging
Luxome Resort Bathrobe

This Curated Tea Collection Radiates Chill Vibes
Traditional Medicinals Relaxation and Sleep Teas

Drift Off With Doctor-Recommended Meditations
Calm App

Hug the Stress Away With This Weighted Aromatherapy Pillow
Quiet Mind Lavender-Scented Weighted Pillow

Read It and Sleep — a Primer on Sleeping Better
‘The Sleep Prescription,’ by Aric A. Prather, PhD

Stay Cool but Comfy With This Breezy Cotton Blanket
Cotton x D.S. & Durga The Cool Calm Cotton Set

A Skin- and Sleep-Friendly Bedtime Lotion
8 Sheep Organics Sleepy Lotion

Infuse Loose Tea and Keep It Toasty With No Mess
Plum Deluxe Perfect Tea Mug With Infuser and Lid

Write Your Way to Better Sleep With This Journal
Papier Colourblock Sleep Journal

Stretch the Stress Away With This Helpful Stretching Aid
CastleFlexx Sport Mobility and Full-Body Strengthening Device

This Spray Turns Your Pillow Into an Aromatherapy Device
Rowe Casa Organics Deep Sleep Pillow Spritz
Why Trust Everyday Health

SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Author
SaVanna is a registered dietitian and health writer.
As a registered dietitan, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.
She's currently a contributor for Forbes Vetted, Sports Illustrated Showcase, Mashable, and Carb Manager, and her work has also appeared in Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling Magazine, among other outlets.
SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, and weightlifting.

Alexandra Klausner
Author
Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.
Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.
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- Cruz-Sanabria F et al. Melatonin as a Chronobiotic With Sleep-Promoting Properties. Current Neuropharmacology. March 30, 2023.
- Hidese S et al. Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. October 3, 2019.
- Eron K et al. Weighted Blanket Use: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. March–April 2020.
- Kass L et al. Effect of transdermal magnesium cream on serum and urinary magnesium levels in humans: A pilot study. PLoS One. April 12, 2017.
- Luo J et al. A critical review on clinical evidence of the efficacy of lavender in sleep disorders. Phytotherapy Research. June 2022.
- Hieu TH et al. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials. Phytotherapy Research. June 2019.