How a CR Sleep Expert Winds Down at Night
The quest for a better snooze starts well before our heads hit the pillow
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CR editor Joanne Chen knows the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. In fact, she’s spent 15 years digging into health trends, has reported extensively on mattresses—she’s tried well over a hundred of them—and has covered myriad topics related to sleep and how to get more of it.
Chen knows that a mattress is a foundation for a good snooze and that slipping into a great set of bed sheets can be a pampering experience. She knows that daylight saving time does a number on our circadian rhythms and that a few simple behavioral tweaks—think a warm shower before bed or limiting screen time—can be a great way to induce slumber.
And sure, much of that is easier said than done. An October 2022 nationally representative CR survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults (PDF) revealed that more than 70 percent of Americans had made changes or tried remedies to improve their sleep in the last year. That list includes modifications such as avoiding caffeine, attempting deep-breathing exercises, or establishing a consistent bedtime.
That got me thinking: What small or manageable shifts could one make to their bedtime routine with the intention of welcoming a (more) restful slumber? With much-needed inspiration in mind, I turned to Chen for a peek inside her nightly wind-down ritual with hopes of picking up a few healthy habits for myself.
Ahead, the CR sleep expert gives us a lowdown on the essentials that help her get the best snooze yet.
Weighted Blanket
The benefits of a weighted blanket can be multifold, and studies suggest that it can even be a helpful tool for people with anxiety. Many will resemble a comforter with enclosed pockets with glass beads or plastic pellets in place of down or feather fillings. This allows an even distribution of weight so that there’s a feeling of gentle pressure and warmth.
Baloo Weighted Blanket
“Before I bought this blanket, I would pile pillows on top of me to feel settled, even when it was warm out!” says Chen of the CR-tested Baloo weighted blanket, which features a cotton cover and glass beads. “My 12-pound throw-size Baloo is the perfect size for reading on the couch or my side of the bed. And the cover feels soft, smooth, and cool.”
The Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask, as well as Baloo’s linen sheet sets, weighted blankets, and comforters, are 20 percent off for CR members. When you click the link, the discount will automatically be applied to your cart. This offer is valid through March 15.
Soothing Cups of Tea
SerendipiTea Organic Peppermint Tea
When craving a late-night snack, Chen reaches for a smooth and satisfying cup of tea instead of an indulgent treat. “One of my favorites is the peppermint tea from SerendipiTea, which has no caffeine at all—just satisfying flavor made even more soothing with added honey.”
Calming Bath Essential
Lush Sleepy Shower Gel
If peace and calm had a scent, it would be this, says Chen of the Sleepy shower gel from Lush. Made from a combination of oat milk, lavender oil, and ylang ylang oil, the sweet and herbal blend might just be what’s missing from your nighttime routine. “I love lathering up with this purply subtly fragrant gel at the end of the day.”
An Episodic Memoir
Swapping screen time with a book before bed is typically touted as a “must-do” for those who have trouble falling asleep. But when said book takes you on an enthralling journey with an amped-up heart rate to boot, getting shut-eye can feel like a far-flung dream. The key? Keeping it light.
Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories by Kelly Ripa
“I often watch TV to decompress, but I sleep better when I read a book instead—specifically memoirs that make me chuckle, with chapters that can stand on their own,” says Chen. “That way, I know the subject matter won’t weigh too heavily on my brain, and I won’t be too tempted to keep reading past my bedtime, since any semblance of suspense is tied up by the end of the chapter.”
Having learned that the hard way—after breathlessly devouring (her words) "Where the Crawdads Sing" (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018) late into the night with a reeling mind in tow—Chen decided to turn to a more light-hearted option. “I recently finished ‘Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories’ (Dey Street Books, 2022) by Kelly Ripa, whom I find always delightful.”
Silky, Celestial Pillow Case
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
“I bought this when a dermatologist I interviewed told me that cotton pillowcases are thirsty and drink up everything, including the cream I spend way too much on for my face,” says Chen. And while there are less expensive satin or silk pillowcases available, Chen knew she had to splurge on this one the moment she saw it.
“I love fluffing up my pillow (I have the CR Recommended Sleep Number ComfortFit Ultimate) each night before bed, admiring the swirls of stars, which never fail to put me in a more blissful state.”
Sunrise Alarm Clock (with a Twist)
Meant to simulate, well, the sunrise by casting a rising glow, these devices can also replace the jarring bells of a traditional alarm with the subtle sounds of nature. But they’re not just for the mornings. Some models also feature a “sunset” mode to help users wind down by gradually decreasing the light emitted within a set time frame.
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
“I bought this sunrise alarm clock for my husband years ago to help him wake up. But I ended up using its ‘sunset’ feature for myself,” says Chen. “It gives off a subtle reddish glow, making me feel relaxed as I get ready for bed.”
This Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light earned top marks in our tests for ease of use. It comes with five nature-inspired sounds as well as an FM radio to help users rise.
For more options: The Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Meditation App
If you ever find yourself yearning for the days when a bedtime story could lull you to sleep, this might just be the next best thing. Headspace is a meditation and sleep app that functions as a tool for mindfulness and managing stress.
“I consider the sleep portion of this meditation app my digital sleeping pill,” says Chen. "No matter how worked up I am about the day, nine times out of ten if I put on a ‘Sleepcast’—think a podcast, but for sleep, with meditation techniques woven in—or a ‘Wind-Down’ meditation, I will fall asleep long before the session is over,” she says.
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