Sleeper's Guide to Giving: Best Sleep Gifts for 2022

It can be hard to know what to ask for over the holidays. A the same time, it can be had knowing what to GET someone for the holidays. We’ve all been in a situation where you’re thankful that for the gesture but have no clue what you’re going to do with the gift you received. How do you make sure you’re giving and getting gifts that will be appreciated and used? Simple: Focus on your sleep.

This year, why not ask for some items that can help you take your sleep to the next level? Here are 5 things you can ask for this holiday season that will improve your sleep quality.

 1. A Face mask 

Sleeping with an eye mask or face mask can do wonders for your sleep. For shift workers and those who sleep in a lighter bedroom, a face mask is a must. These simple gifts help to block out light and improve your quality of sleep.. Studies have proven that wearing an eye mask can help you fall asleep longer, have better REM sleep cycles and have a less disrupted sleep. Sleep masks shouldn’t be too tight on your face and are best when made of cotton, silk or another natural material. You can also pair them with a set of sleeping earplugs. They make great stocking stuffers, too. 

2. White Noise Machine

White noise is a type of noise that helps to drown out other types of noises. Think of this metaphor: If you’re in a quiet room like a library and one person starts to talk, you can hear that person very clearly. But if you’re in a mall or larger venue and there are 80 people talking, another 3 people start talking, it doesn’t make a difference. White noise helps to act as a buffer for other noises while you're sleeping so you are less disturbed at night. If you have a snoring partner, children who wake up early, noisy neighbours or live near a busy street then a white noise machine can help you sleep better. 

3. New sheets

There’s nothing like a new set of sheets. Old sheets can feel rough, can get pilly and be less cozy. Fresh soft sheets can help take us to the next level of comfort when you get into bed at night. During the summer months, a light cotton or jersey material is great to keep you cool. The holiday season is a great time to ask for a new set of warm flannel sheets for the winter so you’ll be set before the frosty nights of January and February settle in. Plus, sheets should be replaced every 2 - 3 years so it could be time for you to get a net set, anyway. 

4. Silk pillowcase

Silk pillowcases have been trendy for the past few years - and with good reason! Silk is a really soft material, causing less friction on our skin. The material absorbs less moisture from your skin and hair while you sleep. This is great for people with dry skin, acne or who get frizzy hair. 

You can buy a full set of silk sheets but they can be more expensive and not everyone likes the texture. A silk pillowcase is a great way to get the benefits of sleeping on silk without upgrading your entire sheet set. 

5. New pjs

It’s a tradition in many families to get new pyjamas around the holidays. This should not stop when you get older. Especially in the winter months, pjs help to keep you warm at night. The natural friction between your skin and the material can help to shed dead skin cells, too. Plus, pjs are just cozy. 

There are many different styles and materials of pjs. Cotton, flannel, knit, cotton and fleece are all awesome materials depending on the season and how warm or cold you get when you’re sleeping. 

6. Blackout curtains

Hello darkness, our old friend! A black room is the best kept secret to improved sleep. Light signals our bodies to wake up so sleeping in a room with light can make it hard to fall asleep. Street lamps, moonlight and early morning sunrises can interrupt your sleep cycle. Blackout curtains are a great gift that can help keep a room darker than dark to improve sleep.

7. Yoga mat

You may not be big into exercising but stretching is an excellent way to keep your body healthy and sleep quality up. A nice yoga mat can help you feel good about rolling it out at night and doing some stretches before bed. Not only will it help keep you flexible (which improves blood flow, reduces joint pain and reduces the risk of injury) but it’s great for your mental health and relaxation, too!

8. Big ol’ water bottle

Drinking water is so good for you. You probably know that being hydrated is great for your digestion, skin health and flushing toxins from your system. But did you know that staying hydrated can help you sleep? Having a clean, fancy water bottle you want to use is an excellent way to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. A bottle with a straw may help too.

9. A SodaStream

Speaking of hydration, did you know that sparkling water gives you all the benefits of water with the fun of a pop? All without the added sugar! If you have a pop-lover in your family who is never drinking enough water, a SodaStream or other water carbonator can help boost their water intake.

10. Linen spray

Linen spray is a mist you spray on your sheets and bed before sleep to make them smell good. Think of perfume for your bed. Having linen spray in lavender, camomile, jasmine, marjoram and geranium are great scents all that promote relaxation and help you sleep better at night.

If they’re not big on sprays, a candle can also do!

Sleep Gifts at the Holidays

The holiday season marks the beginning of a new year. Kick it off with the best sleep of your lift and ask for some sleep-related gifts this holiday season. Your snooze will thank you.