Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult at times, especially if you’re suffering from eye strain, pain behind your eyes, or simply the discomfort of being unable to fall asleep. If you’re looking for answers or simply want to improve your ability to sleep well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve gathered insights from top optometrists to create a list of six sleep products that could significantly improve your nightly sleep.
Rest assured, all of our recommended items are selected independently and we do not earn a commission if you shop through our links. Let’s dive in!
Your Journey to Sleep Well & Eye Health Starts Here
Why take sleeping tips from an optometrist? Optometrists are uniquely qualified to discuss how to sleep well because they understand the complex relationship between eye health and overall well-being. As principal optometrists of Real Eyes Optometry and veterans in the healthcare industry, our optometrists have helped detect and treat countless conditions (like eye strain, dry eyes, and blue light exposure) which have a direct impact on sleep quality.
By addressing these issues, optometrists assist patients in not only improving their eye health but also getting more restful and rejuvenating sleep. Their expertise in visual ergonomics and ocular comfort positions them as trusted advisors in developing a comprehensive approach to improving sleep patterns.
1. Dry Eye Mask
There seem to be infinite sleeping mask options available, so why would an optometrist recommend a specific sleeping mask? Optometrists are all about your eye health and dry eyes are a common issue that can disrupt your sleep. Dry eye masks work by providing consistent heat to your eyelids, which aids the tear film to keep the eyes hydrated throughout the night. This can reduce discomfort and the pain behind your eyes that often accompanies dry eyes, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.
Buy Here2. Cooling Bed Pad
Temperature plays a crucial role in the quality of your sleep. Scientists link this to the fact that our body temperature naturally drops at night. And while most Lower Mainlanders don’t need air conditioning 90% of the year, when summer hits, heat is to blame for our decreased sleep quality.
Why does this work? A cooling bed pad, like the Sleep Zone Cooling mattress topper, can help maintain an optimal sleeping temperature throughout the night. These pads balance your body temperature by dispersing body heat and providing a cool surface to sleep on, which can be particularly beneficial during hot weather or for those who naturally run warm.
Available Here
3. Hatch Restore
If you’ve ever been abruptly woken from REM sleep, you’ve likely experienced sleep inertia, the groggy feeling you get when abruptly awakened. By replicating natural light patterns, the Hatch Restore promotes a more restful night’s sleep and a more natural, energized wake-up experience. Unlike a blaring phone alarm, the Hatch Restore is a multi-functional sleep aid that combines a smart light, sound machine, and alarm clock that mimics the sunrise to gently wake you. This regulates your circadian rhythm making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
Offered Here4. Magnesium
People with low magnesium tend to have poorer sleep quality, while those who are replete in magnesium tend to sleep better. Simply put it helps regulate neurotransmitters like melatonin that promote relaxation and sleep, ease muscle tension and even alleviate some of the pain behind your eye that might be keeping you awake.
A 2021 meta-analysis of several small studies examined how magnesium supplements affected insomniac older adults’ sleep. Magnesium helped people fall asleep 16 minutes faster.
Best Magnesium Supplement
If magnesium can be obtained through our diet with foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, why do we need a supplement? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of people in the United States do not meet their magnesium requirements through diet alone because of the diminished presence of magnesium in our crop soil (aka not enough makes it into our food).
Even after all that, not all magnesium is equal. The best magnesium supplement is magnesium citrate. Using a roller to apply to your feet is ideal for absorption because the skin on the feet is relatively thin and has a high density of sweat glands, which can facilitate the uptake of magnesium.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for you. Typically, taking magnesium tablets an hour before bedtime can help your body prepare to sleep well.
Find Here5. Blue Light Glasses & Accessories
In a nutshell blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm affecting your ability to sleep well, hormone levels, body temperature, eating patterns, and even your digestion. Blue light glasses are designed to block the blue light emitted from screens, which can interfere with your capacity to sleep well by disrupting your natural sleep-wake cycle. Wearing these glasses in the evening can help reduce eye strain and the negative effects of blue light, making it easier for your body to produce melatonin and prepare for sleep.
On Sale Here!Bonus Blue Light Filter Recommendations!
Given the prevalence of screens in our lives now, blue light glasses alone may not be enough. We recommend bolstering your chances to sleep well by investing in several blue light accessories like:
Blue Light App
It’s simple to use and suitable for all screen and display types. It’s also Google Play’s Editors’ Choice app. It’s completely free, with no ads or in-app purchases!
Find HereBedtime Bulbs
Unlike regular light bulbs, these are built to emit a warm light that’s conducive to sleep. An easy add to your bedroom and wind-down routine to better your sleep.
Buy Here6. Polarized Sunglasses
While polarized sunglasses are often associated with daytime use, protecting your eyes from glare and UV rays can also indirectly help you sleep well. Reducing eye strain and preventing pain behind your eye during the day can help ensure your eyes are not overly fatigued by bedtime, setting the stage for a more restful sleep.
Don’t have or need an eye prescription? No problem. There are plenty of stylish non-prescription polarized sunglasses, allowing you to enjoy both fashion and function.
Visit Real Eyes Optometry for Personalized Solutions
Improving your sleep can have a profound impact on your overall health, and incorporating these expert-recommended products is a great place to start. At Real Eyes Optometry, we’re committed to not only caring for your eyes but also supporting your overall well-being. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you find personalized solutions for better sleep and eye health.
Whether you have questions about the products mentioned or need a comprehensive eye exam, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Visit us at Metrotown to see some of these products in person and discover how a holistic approach to eye care can enhance your quality of life. Your journey to better sleep and optimal eye health begins with us.
