Best Sleep Devices: 10 Tools to Help You Sleep Better in 2026

Difficulty falling asleep is a problem many people share. Those who struggle to fall asleep at night typically lay down and feel exhausted but have difficulty turning their mind fully off. Around 33% of adults report sleeping less than 7 hours each night. This increases a person’s risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, depression, anxiety, and more.

Thankfully, you can manage sleep difficulties at home using a range of sleep devices. One example is Sound for Sleep by SoundSory, an integrated sleep program that uses soothing, evidence-based music to calm the nervous system. In this article, we will provide more information about Sound for Sleep as well as other sleep devices and how to best incorporate them into your nightly routine.

How We Chose the Best Devices for Better Sleep

In order to give you the sleep devices that are most effective at encouraging rest and promoting well-being, we carefully reviewed a host of products. We then chose only the best of the best based on a select number of factors. We honed in on the following criteria for each device:

• Product safety
• Overall value
• Ease of use
• Evidence supporting device use
• Brand credibility

The Best Sleep Tools at a Glance

Here are some of the most effective sleep tools available, along with what they are best suited for, how they support better sleep, and their typical price ranges.

Device	Type	Best for	How it helps you sleep	Price
Sound for Sleep	Integrated sleep program	Children and adults with autism, ADHD, sensory concerns that prevent them from turning their brain off at night	Uses gentle bone conduction technology to play 8 hours of classical, celtic, and lullaby music	$89.00
Sunrise wake-up Lights	Natural alarm clock	Those who need to reset their circadian rhythm	Uses light to simulate a sunrise for a gentler waking period	$39.99 to $199.99+
Sleep trackers	Wearable technology	People who enjoy using data to view changes	Collecting data about sleep to help you identify patterns and areas to improve upon	$39.99 to $299.99+
Weighted blankets	Sensory tools	Those with high activity levels or sensory sensitivities that impact sleep	Offers calming sensory input, which soothes the nervous system	$49.99 to $199.99+
Cooling mattress pads	Temperature regulators	Those who sleep hot or have bed partners with different temperature preferences	Keeps your bed at a cool, comfortable temperature as you sleep	$39.99 to $219.99+
Light-blocking masks	Sensory tools	People who need total darkness to sleep	Blocks out light, preventing your body from picking up on it and keeping you awake	$9.99 to $110.99+
Nerve-calming devices	Wearable technology	Those whose sleep problems stem from chronic stress	Sends gentle, calming pulses to the nervous system	$199.99 to $499.99+
Smart mattresses	Temperature regulators	People with chronic health conditions that make sleep difficult	Offers tracking and allows you to adjust position, temperature, and more to achieve optimal sleep	$499.99 to $9,999.99+
Blackout curtains	Sensory tools	Those with bedrooms that get a lot of light	Blocks out light from entering the room and keeping you awake	$9.99 to $129.99+
Diffusers and pillow sprays	Sensory tools	People who enjoy scented candles, soaps, and similar products	Soothing aromas calm the nervous system and ease you into sleep	$19.99 to $89.99+

The Best Devices to Help You Sleep, Ranked

Our list is intentionally organized starting with our top pick and continuing down to cover other ranked devices. This allows you to see where the first device lands in terms of the criteria we selected and compare that to each of the following devices.

Sound for Sleep by Soundsory

Our clear first choice is the Sound for Sleep program, which is a pillow speaker that uses bone conduction to send gentle sound vibrations that calm the body and settle the mind at bedtime. We chose Sound for Sleep due to its expert-approved design. This program also has a strong basis of evidence supporting the included music as being beneficial to naturally switching the nervous system off.

• Best for: Children and adults with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, anxiety, and difficulty quieting their mind at night
• Pros: Bluetooth-enabled, all music is loaded in and prevents the need for attention, 8-hour battery life
• Cons: None noted

Sunrise Alarm Clocks and Wake-Up Lights

Wake-up lights and sunrise alarm clocks are designed to simulate the natural sunrise by offering gradual light over a period of time before you wish to wake up. This supports the body’s natural wake-up process, allowing for a gentler start to the morning that eliminates the harsh sound of beeping, vibrating, or ringing from traditional alarms.

This unique style of alarm clock is intended to offer more consistency in the sleep-wake cycle. Since sleeping and waking are closely related, this device promotes more natural waking and offers similar benefits to simplify the act of falling asleep.

• Best for: Those who need to reset their circadian rhythms
• Pros: Customizable, addresses the full sleep cycle
• Cons: May take some time to see benefits

Sleep Trackers (Wearable and Bedside)

Health trackers are some of the more trendy devices these days. In particular, sleep trackers offer a range of information people can use to improve their health. Sleep trackers, which come in both wearable and bedside varieties, provide data on sleep stages, heart rate, and movement.

When analyzed, users can pick up on patterns and habits that may be impacting their sleep. By adjusting those habits, they can improve their ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get restful sleep. While you may not think of these trackers directly as sleep devices, evidence shows that tracking sleep patterns tends to be just as, if not more, beneficial than addressing sleep directly.

• Best for: People who enjoy looking at data and solving puzzles 
• Pros: Easy to use, can track over long periods of time, data can be shared with healthcare providers if desired
• Cons: May be overwhelming, as it offers much more than just sleep data

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets offer deep, even pressure across large parts of the body. There are several options that can be used for sleep or even daytime use. Traditional blankets cover the entire body and can be placed on your bed or while you nap in other places. There are also variations such as lap pads to cover the legs, shoulder pads to cover the neck and upper back, and backpacks to be worn as you would a normal backpack.

The pressure offered by weighted products orients the body, which calms the nervous system. This is especially helpful in the hours before bedtime and as someone sleeps, since it allows for feelings of relaxation. It’s important to look for a material that is comfortable and has some cooling properties, since those that make you too warm may wake you up during the night. 

Keep in mind that weighted blankets should not be more than 10% of your body weight. This consideration is especially important for children, as that can make it difficult to reposition and get up, if needed. 

• Best for: Those with high activity levels or sensory sensitivities that impact sleep
• Pros: Aids with sensory regulation along with sleep, can be used alongside regular bedding
• Cons: Can be too hot or uncomfortable if the wrong variety is selected, often too bulky to be transported when travelling

Cooling Mattress Pads and Temperature Regulators

Many people underestimate the importance of temperature in falling asleep. Their tendency may be to bundle up and keep warm through the night, but being slightly cool is actually the most ideal way to fall (and stay) asleep. Certain mattress pads are designed to help with this. Cooling mattress pads work by keeping the sleeping surface at a comfortable temperature, which also keeps the body temperature steady during the night.

• Best for: Those who sleep hot or have bed partners with different temperature preferences
• Pros: Prevents discomfort or sensory sensitivity from keeping you up, indirectly cools the body so it won’t be too intense of a temperature change
• Cons: Difficult to travel with, may need to be replaced after several years

Light-Blocking Sleep Masks

Our brains use light from our surroundings to inform our sleep patterns. Being exposed to light (natural or artificial) in the evening can confuse our brain and keep us awake longer. Light-blocking sleep masks can be used to minimize this visual input and support the body’s natural sleep signals. By encouraging darkness when it’s close to time for bed, these sleep masks tell the brain to wind down and prepare the body for sleep. As long as it is comfortable and well-fitted, these masks can help you sleep better in many environments.

• Best for: Those who need total darkness to sleep
• Pros: Easy to travel with, size can be adjusted, often has accessories to ensure goodness of fit
• Cons: May make some positions (such as stomach or side sleeping) uncomfortable

Relaxation and Nerve-Calming Wearables

These devices target the vagus nerve, an important part of the nervous system that controls sleep in addition to many other bodily functions. Nerve-calming wearables send gentle vibrations that encourage the nervous system to shift from an alert state to a more relaxed, low-key mode. These devices are wearable, often positioned on the wrist, so they can target the nerve directly.

• Best for: Those whose sleep problems stem from chronic stress
• Pros: Can help the nervous system respond better to stress in addition to improve sleep
• Cons: The sensation can take getting used to, may be uncomfortable for some people to wear

Smart Mattresses and Adjustable Bases

Adjustable base mattresses and smart mattresses both offer a high degree of customization for your sleep experience. Both systems allow you to adjust the position (head up, head down, etc.), comfort (firm or soft), and temperature of your bed. Adjustable bases need specific mattresses that move alongside them while smart mattresses have everything included. Most smart mattresses also offer health tracking and monitor many of the features wearables do.

• Best for: People with chronic health conditions that make sleep difficult
• Pros: Can accommodate joint problems, injuries, chronic pain problems, and more
• Cons: Even the lower end of these products are quite expensive, both tend to be high maintenance due to their electronic components

Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains shut out light from the bedroom, allowing for near total darkness. As we mentioned before, the brain views light as an indication of daytime, so exposure to light in the evening or nighttime hours can keep us awake. This goes for even small bits of natural or artificial light.

Blackout curtains should fit your windows well to work as intended, meaning they should be floor-length and extend at least several inches beyond your windows. If you have larger windows, you may need to get multiple panels to entirely block out the light.

• Best for: People with bedrooms that get a lot of light
• Pros: There are some portable options people can travel with; they come in various fabrics and designs to pair with your decor; they also help cool rooms during summer months
• Cons: May not fit custom or unique window sizes and shapes

Aromatherapy Diffusers and Pillow Sprays

Certain scents (such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, and sandalwood) are known to have relaxing effects, making them a great fit for the evening and bedtime. You can use diffusers to help set the tone in your bedroom and encourage relaxation that helps you sleep. Alternatively, you can get the same effects by using pillow sprays applied directly to your bedding. This offers a bit stronger of a scent for people who may want it.

• Best for: People who enjoy scented candles, soaps, and similar products
• Pros: You can experiment with various scents until you find one you like or even use a blend to maximize their benefits
• Cons: Can be overpowering or problematic for people with respiratory problems

How to Build an Evening Routine Around Your Sleep Tools

It’s important to allow the body and mind time to settle down and shift from a more active mode to a relaxed, ready-for-rest mode. One of the best ways to do this is by creating consistency during the evening hours. By engaging in a predictable, simple bedtime routine, you can give your brain signals that it’s time to wind down. While many people traditionally think of specific strategies and activities as the best fit for creating a sleep routine, any of the above devices can fit well into your evening plans.

Let’s say you respond best to a weighted blanket and some aromatherapy products. In that case, your nightly routine might take the form of dimming the lights in your home (especially the bedroom), turning on an aromatherapy diffuser, sitting in a comfy chair with a weighted blanket, and reading a book for 30 minutes or so. Once you begin to get sleepy, you can follow this up by turning on your Sound for Sleep device, moving your weighted blanket over to where you’ll sleep, and getting in bed for the night.

It may seem difficult to choose from the list of devices (or sleep strategies we’ve discussed elsewhere), but keep in mind that consistency is much more important than any one device or method.

Getting Your Bedroom Ready for Deeper Sleep

Many things within our environment impact our ability to get restful, deep sleep. This includes light, temperature, sound, air quality, clutter, and more. By adjusting these in a certain way, we can better prepare ourselves for sleep:

• Block out as many distractions as possible: This can often be done by talking to housemates or closing your door and windows. But sometimes it’s more complicated than that. If that’s the case, try using ear plugs or playing some music.
• Adjust the temperature: The most ideal sleeping temperature is slightly cool: between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the time of year, you can layer blankets, use a space heater, or put on a ceiling or freestanding fan. Try to experiment and see what gets the room temperature within this range.
• Get comfortable bedding: We mentioned weighted blankets can help with sleep, but there is a range of other ways to make your bed cozier. You can get plush blankets, a satin or silk pillowcase, flannel sheets, and more to turn it into more of a refuge you want to sleep in.
• Dim the lights: After a certain time of day, dim the lights in your house, including the bedroom. This signals the brain it’s time to wind down. This doesn’t mean you need to make it dark right away, but use lamps and other forms of task lighting rather than overhead lights. When it’s time for sleep, it’s a much less drastic shift from lamp lighting to darkness.
• Add some sound: It’s best to get rid of traditional noise, but adding other types of sound can help encourage sleep. You can play white noise from your phone, gentle instrumental music, or use an integrated sleep system like Sound for Sleep.

How to Choose the Right Products to Help You Sleep

While we’ve reviewed a range of products here, each person must take a look at their own situation before deciding on a device. The best way to do this is by figuring out what the primary concern keeping them awake is. If racing thoughts are at the heart of sleeping problems, it may be best to look into relaxation wearables. If chronic health problems may be contributing to difficulty getting to sleep, trackers can be a good fit to uncover specific problems. Other factors to keep in mind include your budget, as each device varies quite a bit in price, as well as any that offer trial periods.

Why Sound for Sleep by Soundsory Is the Smarter Way to Switch Off at Night

Sound for Sleep by SoundSory is a bone conduction pillow speaker with an integrated therapeutic sleep program. Its built-in 8-night music program and 8-hour battery life make it a ‘set it and forget it’ product. 

With high-quality sound and a strong basis of evidence for those with ADHD, autism, anxiety, chronic stress, and sensory sensitivities, Sound for Sleep is ideal for people of all ages. This product is a great addition to anyone’s bedtime routine and can support healthier sleep.

When a Sleep Device Isn’t Enough

If you are having ongoing sleep difficulties, you should understand when seeing a doctor is your best option. Sleep trouble can potentially point to other health problems, which healthcare professionals are qualified to fix. Some of the following concerns may contribute to sleep difficulties:

• Sleep apnea: If you wake up with headaches or breathing problems, sleep apnea may be to blame for your sleep problems. This can have long-lasting effects if not addressed, so be sure to speak with a doctor if you suspect this is the problem.
• Anxiety: Racing thoughts that don’t subside along with rapid heart rate and breathing may mean anxiety is the cause of your sleep problems.
• Depression: Getting too much or too little sleep, appetite changes, and energy changes may all point to depression.
• Hormonal changes: Menopause and PMS can impact sleep cycles.
• ADHD: Hyperactivity, racing thoughts, and difficulty focusing can impact sleep, as can certain ADHD medications such as stimulants.
• Thyroid conditions: An underactive thyroid may cause sleep difficulties and daytime drowsiness.
• Medication side effects: Allergy, asthma, and blood pressure medications are just some examples of those that may cause sleep disturbances as a side effect.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Tools for Sleep

There are a lot of options at your disposal if you are looking to utilize a sleep device to get more rest at night. One of the most effective, best sleep devices is Sound for Sleep, which uses integrated audio with soothing sounds to help you get to sleep more easily and stay asleep through the night.

While we did complete a thorough ranking, the decision is ultimately up to you. Regardless, we want to emphasize the importance of consistency in using whichever device you choose. Starting to practice new habits and gradually making them a regular part of your routine is the best way to improve sleep.

FAQs

What is the best device to help you sleep?

There isn’t one single device that is most helpful for encouraging better sleep. It’s important to try several and choose the one (or two) that work best for your needs.

Do sleep devices actually work?

Yes. When used consistently and in conjunction with a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine, sleep devices can be quite effective.

What is the best sleep tool for an overactive mind?

Relaxation wearables are great options for people with racing thoughts and minds. Music-playing devices and integrated sleep programs like Sound for Sleep are also effective for this purpose.

Which products help you fall asleep faster?

No products are guaranteed to make you fall asleep faster. But weighted blankets, aromatherapy diffusers, white noise machines and integrated sleep programs, and cooling mattresses can all better prepare you for sleep.

Are sleep devices safe for children?

Yes, most are. However, you should consult your child’s doctor before using relaxation wearables with them. And you must ensure weighted blankets are no more than 10% of your child’s body weight, as they can prevent them from repositioning and getting up. 

What sleep tools work without medication?

There are many options when it comes to medication-free sleep tools. Some include weighted blankets, cooling mattresses, diffusers, blackout curtains, and sunrise alarm clocks.

How do I choose the right sleep device for me?

It’s best to try a few, though taking it one at a time, and make note of how each impacts your sleep. Then, go back and stick with the one (or two) that seemed most effective.

Can sleep devices help with anxiety or ADHD at bedtime?

Yes. Sleep devices such as integrated sleep programs (Sound for Sleep), weighted blankets, and relaxation wearables are all considered particularly effective for those with anxiety or ADHD.

When should I see a doctor instead of buying a sleep device?

If your sleep difficulties persist for several months or get worse over time, it’s best to consult a doctor. They can complete testing and determine if a health condition is causing your sleep difficulties.

References:

1. Pankowska, M.M., Lu, H., Wheaton, A.G., Liu, Y., Lee, B., Greenlund, K.J., et al. (2023). Prevalence and geographic patterns of self-reported short sleep duration among US adults, 2020. Prev Chronic Dis, 20, 220400. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.220400.
2. Didikoglu, A., Mohammadian, N., Johnson, S., van Tongeren, M., Wright, P., Casson, A. J., Brown, T. M., & Lucas, R. J. (2023). Associations between light exposure and sleep timing and sleepiness while awake in a sample of UK adults in everyday life. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 120(42), e2301608120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2301608120
3. Willoughby, A. R., Golkashani, H. A., Ghorbani, S., Wong, K. F., Chee, N. I. Y. N., Ong, J. L., & Chee, M. W. L. (2024). Performance of wearable sleep trackers during nocturnal sleep and periods of simulated real-world smartphone use. Sleep Health, 10(3), 356–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2024.02.007
4. Yu, J., Yang, Z., Sun, S., Sun, K., Chen, W., Zhang, L., Xu, J., Xu, Q., Liu, Z., Ke, J., Zhang, L., & Zhu, Y. (2024). The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: A brief review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1333015. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333015
5. Grice, R. (2024). How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be? Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-weighted-blankets/weighted-blanket-weight-chart 
6. Avis, N. E., Levine, B. J., & Coeytaux, R. (2022). Results of a pilot study of a cooling mattress pad to reduce vasomotor symptoms and improve sleep. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 29(8), 973–978. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002010
7. Khoddam, H., Maddah, S. A., Rezvani Khorshidi, S., Zaman Kamkar, M., & Modanloo, M. (2022). The effects of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients admitted to coronary care units: A randomised clinical trial. Journal of Sleep Research, 31(2), e13473. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.13473 
8. Zhang, L., Jin, Y., Zhang, Q., Liu, H., Chen, C., Song, L., Li, X., Ma, Z., & Yang, Q. (2023). Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for insomnia in people living in places or cities with high altitudes: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Sciences, 13(7), 985. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13070985 
9. Bai, X., Zhong, M., Liu, Y., Hu, Y., & Ma, J. (2025). Comprehensive analysis of smart bed comfort across varied resting conditions using quantitative measures. PloS one, 20(7), e0327241. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327241
10. Sierpiński, R., Jankowski, M., & Raciborski, F. (2025). Individual interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure in a representative sample of adults aged 18-64 years in Poland. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 38(5), 559–571. https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02668 
11. Her, J., & Cho, M. K. (2021). Effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality of adults and elderly people: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 60, 102739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102739 
12. Baniassadi, A., Manor, B., Yu, W., Travison, T., & Lipsitz, L. (2023). Nighttime ambient temperature and sleep in community-dwelling older adults. The Science of the Total Environment, 899, 165623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165623