Top tools to help you track and improve your sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is more important than many people realise. The way we sleep affects everything from our mood to productivity. Today, thanks to sleep technology, monitoring your sleep patterns has never been easier. Whether you prefer gadgets, apps or a simple sleep mask, the right tools can go a long way toward improving your slumber. Here are a few top picks to get you started.

1. Sleep tracking apps

Sleep tracking apps are a great first step in understanding how well you sleep. Many of these apps use your phone's sensors to monitor your sleep cycle. They measure things like sleep duration, sleep quality, and how often you wake up during the night. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Sleep Cycle: This app tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you during your lightest sleep phase so you get up feeling more refreshed.

• Pillow: A user-friendly app that syncs with your Apple devices, providing in-depth analysis of your sleep stages.

• Calm: Although Calm is primarily a meditation app, it also offers detailed insights into your sleep stages and can help you fall asleep faster.

2. Fitness trackers

Sleep-tracking features are common in many fitness trackers. Devices like the Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple Watch don't just monitor your steps; they also keep an eye on how well you sleep:

• Fitbit Charge 5: This wearable sleep tracker has a detailed tracking system, providing a breakdown of your sleep stages (light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep), along with health metrics like heart rate variability and blood oxygen levels.

• Garmin Venu: This smartwatch tracks your sleep and gives you a sleep score to help you understand how well you're resting each night.

• Apple Watch: The sleep tracking feature is part of the watchOS and gives you an overview of your sleep routine, including when you go to sleep, how long you stay asleep, and when you wake up.

3. Smart mattresses and mattress pads

If you're looking for something more sophisticated, smart mattresses and mattress pads are a game-changer. These devices track your movements and adjust the firmness of your bed to improve your sleep quality. Some even monitor your heart rate and body temperature:

• Eight Sleep Pod: This intelligent Eight Sleep mattress automatically warms up or cools down according to your sleep stages so you stay comfortable during deep sleep.

• Sleep Number 360: This bed has sensors built into the mattress, allowing it to automatically adjust to your body's needs and track your sleep habits.

• Withings Sleep Tracking Pad: The Withings sleep analyser pad sits underneath your mattress, tracks your sleep stages and heart rate, and even detects snoring and signs of sleep apnea.

These options are great if you want to dive deep into sleep optimisation with valuable sleep data that helps you shed light on your sleep metrics.

4. White noise machines

For some people, silence isn't the ideal sleep environment. A white noise machine can help mask background sleep sounds and create a peaceful atmosphere:

• LectroFan: This compact machine has a bunch of different sounds to listen to, from white noise to fan sounds, to block out external noise.

• Dohm: An oldie but a goodie, this machine creates a soothing, natural sound that simulates an air conditioner or fan hum, helping you relax.

5. Relaxation and meditation apps

De-stressing is an essential part of sleeping better. If racing thoughts are keeping you up at night, a meditation or relaxation app can help you decompress and get ready for sleep.

• Headspace: A popular app for guided meditations, Headspace offers specific sleep meditations designed to help you drift off.

• Calm: Besides sleep stories, Calm provides breathing exercises, as well as relaxation techniques to quiet your thoughts before bedtime.

• Insight Timer: This app offers thousands of free meditations, many specifically designed to help you relax and sleep better.

6. Sleep-enhancing accessories

Sometimes, it's the small things that make the biggest difference. In addition to the best sleep trackers and tech tools, sleep accessories like eye masks and weighted blankets can also improve your sleep quality:

• Drowsy sleep masks: At Drowsy, we design the most effective masks to totally block out light and create a dark and restful sleep environment. The soft fabric helps you relax, while the snug fit ensures no light leaks in.

• Weighted blankets: These blankets provide gentle pressure, which has been shown to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

How to start sleeping better tonight

Tracking and improving your sleep doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you use an app, a fitness tracker or basic accessories like a sleep mask, there are plenty of tools to assist you. Focusing on your sleep habits and making slight adjustments can go a long way and can lead to a healthier, happier life.

If you're looking for a simple way to improve your sleep environment, try a sleep mask from Drowsy. Our masks block out light and help you create the ideal setting. Pair them with other tools from this list, and you can start building a routine that encourages deeper rest.