Feeling groggy after daylight saving time cost us an hour of sleep this week? You've probably heard the benefits of logging the elusive seven to nine hours ad nauseum at this point, but between lumpy bedding and disruptive environments, actually hitting your sleep goals is far easier said than done.
"Your bed and bedroom setup matter more than most people realize," sleep expert and licensed professional counselor Andrew Colsky tells us. "Sleep is not just about being tired; it is about sending your brain consistent cues that it is safe to power down... soft lighting, comfortable bedding and a cool temperature all reinforce the message that this space is designed for rest."
Just in time for Sleep Week, we're wide awake to unveil Shop TODAY's Sleep Awards, our second annual report on the very best in tech, bedding, beauty and accessories to help you achieve better slumber. Our editors personally spent months testing dozens of products and even consulted a panel of experts to crown these award winners. From pillows and humidifiers to pajamas and overnight treatments, these top sleep products will help you wake up feeling (and looking!) your best.
To streamline your shopping, we rounded up all of the winners that are available to shop on Amazon. Prepare for drift off in three, two, one...
Award-winning bedding on Amazon
"Having had these sheets for years, I put them on my bed at least once a month and have loved them since the first try," raves editor Vivien Moon of this affordable set. "They’ve been washed countless times and never lose their softness... If I had to do a blind test, I would price these at triple their actual cost because they're so incredible. I love that they've lasted so long and are just as comfortable as they were the first time I have put them on my bed. "
"Lusomé cooling sheets are top notch. The moment you wash them and dry them, they come out crisp from the dryer and not as wrinkly as other competitive sheets," notes writer Jannely Espinal. "Normally, I get sweaty at night due to the heater next to my bed. But these sheets have given me ultra comfort while sleeping."
Don't be fooled by the affordable price — these microfiber sheets feel just as luxe as some more expensive options we've tried. Commerce insights manager Donna Pilikyan confirms, saying they "feel like luxury hotel sheets but without the high price tag."
When associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson upgraded her and her husband's bedding with this comforter set, she says the two were "blown away" by how much they loved it from the very first night.
"At first, I was worried about how warm it’d be since the blankets separately are pretty lightweight," says Stewart-Jackson. "But when put together, you’re nestled in a cocoon of warmth... Plus it’s machine-washable!"
Okay... I know describing a faux fur throw blanket as “soft” is kind of a cop-out, but speaking from personal experience, this is legit the softest blanket I have ever felt. It has some heft to it that makes it feel almost like a weighted blanket, and it’s luxuriously plush (like, three inches thick). Every time I get under this layer, I contemplate never getting out again. It’s steeply priced, yes, but the quality really is unmatched.
"If I had endless funds, this is the gift that I would give to absolutely everyone in my life," muses writer Emma Stessman. "I’ve been using this weighted blanket for over a year now and whenever I sleep somewhere that’s not my own bed, I find myself missing it. The weight isn’t overly heavy, but it provides a comfortable pressure that basically feels like a big hug and is ultra comforting as you sleep. Even my semi-insomniac sister has said that she notices a difference in her sleep quality when she’s used it at my apartment. Plus, I love that it looks so stylish when draped across my bed."
"When it comes to comforters I’ve used in the past, I always just bought the cheapest options, figuring that the cover and sheets affect overall comfort more than the comforter itself. But after trying this option from Buffy, I realized I was wrong," admits Stessman. "This comforter is so incredibly comfortable and it really lives up to its name. When I first got it, I was worried, because it felt heavier than other comforters I’ve used in the past, but it actually does a much better job at keeping me cool throughout the night — which is major because I’m a hot sleeper."
“This blanket lived up to its expectations,” confirms associate editor Shannon Garlin. “It’s the softest, warmest blanket I’ve ever owned. It’s nice and thick, and looks lovely and luxurious draped on my couch or bed. This is my new favorite blanket to lounge with or add for extra warmth on chill nights. I love the way it looks draped on my bed, too.”
Award-winning mattresses and mattress toppers on Amazon
According to licensed clinical psychologist and senior behavioral scientist Dr. Wendy Troxel, the general rule of thumb is that most mattresses have a lifespan of about 7 to 10 years. If you're due for an upgrade and like your mattresses on the medium-firm side, this option might be for you.
"My parents have had an Eco Terra mattress since 2021, so I decided to get one for my new apartment based on two key features," begins associate editor Lauren Witonsky. "The first is durability. I can sleep on pretty much any kind of mattress, but since I'm a stomach sleeper, it's better for alignment if I sleep on a firm surface. I find Eco Terra's medium-firm option to be very comfortable, and my parents' five-year-old mattress feels the same as my brand-new one (for what it's worth, my dad is a back sleeper and my mom is a side sleeper and it has worked for all of us)."
"The second is price," continues Witonsky. "I wanted an eco-friendly option that featured organic materials/fewer chemicals, and appreciated that this one was under $1,000 (compared to competitors). There was no off-gassing smell when I opened the package."
"As somebody that is very picky with her mattresses and often grows out of them, I am thrilled this topper exists," says Moon. "It has a firm side and a softer side, making it perfect for couples who have different preferences or for those who want different firmness levels depending on their day (me). I have slept on both sides and am unsure which I prefer, but considering how annoyed I have gotten with my regular mattress, this is a lovely reprieve."
Award-winning pillows on Amazon
"I would give this pillow 10 gold stars if I could," raves associate editor Allie Wise. "Not only is it the softest pillow I've ever used, it is also great for back support (like when I'm sitting on my computer in bed). I am going to recommended it to all my friends and family. I already told my parents they need it order it ASAP!"
"This is the most comfortable pillow I've ever owned," swears commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto. "It conforms to my head and neck shape while still offering support... I haven't woken up with a sore neck ever since I've gotten this pillow."
"Sweet dreams deserve a proper foundation, which this pillow fortunately provides and then some," proclaims deputy managing editor Jess Bender. "One side of the pillow (the side that I sleep on) is constructed with the brand's honeycombed 'GelFlex Grid' top layer designed to cool and support. Readers, the way it perfectly cradles my head and relieves pressure from my neck while I catch my zzz's is unlike anything I've felt compared to other pillows I've slept on in recent memory."
"I hadn't had a latex pillow before this one and am very impressed by it after having slept with it for multiple months," reports Moon. "I love that you have the ability to take out the stuffing to tailor it to your preference... being in control of my comfort has made me side eye my other pillows. Both the exterior and interior are soft so even if it slips out of the cover, you can still feel comfortable sleeping on it which is also lovely. I have had time to experiment with the firmness level that I like and that makes me think of this pillow as a game-changer."
"It is so hard for me to find a good pillow," laments audience development writer Danielle Murphy. "I need it to be soft, but not so soft that it offers inadequate support. This one from Tuft & Needle is truly a goldilocks product in that regard. It's just really, really comfortable."
"Before trying it, I didn’t think I needed extra cushioning in bed, but it has truly been a game-changer," Espinal promises of this maternity pillow. "The pillow has a medium‑to‑firm mix of memory foam that feels soft and supportive when you hug it, and the breathable pillowcase is simple to remove and wash... I’m 5 feet 8 inches and the size of the pillow makes it easy to twist, position around my body and even compress when I’m lying down."
Award-winning sleep gear on Amazon
If you're in the market for a sound machine, Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist who is also board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine, says to look for an option that plays white noise, or a consistent noise throughout.
"I used this on my trip last year to Ireland and I didn’t have to charge it once," reports editorial assistant Annie Shigo of this sound machine. "I use it on every trip and in a year, I have not had to charge it."
"This most certainly works. I had it running on high and it was almost too humid in my room," warns Ricevuto. With some experimentation with the humidifier's range of functions, which include mood lighting features and the option to add aroma, she found the perfect balance. "I adjusted the settings so that it was ideal for my needs and I'm really happy with it."
Curious to try a wearable health tracker? Stessman tried over a dozen options last year, and this was one of her favorite fitness trackers for people looking for the basics at an affordable price.
"Over the course of about a month of wear, I found the sleep, activity and general health data to be pretty accurate," Stessman reports. "To access all of your data, you’ll have to go to the app. It takes some playing around to figure out where to find everything, but once I did, it was easy to stay up to date on all my metrics."
"I was initially skeptical about this product, but I’m glad I gave it a chance because it’s helped me understand so many of my health patterns and sleep habits, and I’ve been able to make meaningful adjustments because of it," praises Espinal. "One feature I really appreciate is its ability to send real-time phone notifications when VOCs (carbon-based chemicals) spike in your home. For example, after cooking one night, it alerted me to open the windows; something I sometimes forget to do. The device also monitors humidity levels and checks for other airborne toxins. I genuinely enjoy reviewing the metrics, including my periods of deep sleep and even my snoring (yes, it records that too!)."
We waded through plenty of eye masks that didn't fit properly, felt awkward on or slid off throughout the night before finding this winner. The padding and silk make it incredibly comfortable and the wraparound design ensures it blocks out all light and won't budge.
"Spoiler alert: You don't need a baby to enjoy this," teases Garlin. "Although the features for babies are impressive, I love the sleek look and the way it acts as a lamp, alarm clock, sound machine. It looks beautiful on my nightstand. You can easily set things up and save it via the app. And to cycle through your favorites on the gadget, you just hit the top button, and turning it adjusts the sound, too."
"I've been wearing Loop Earplugs for 4 years now," Garlin proclaims. "They're comfortable to wear, easy to clean and help reduce noise. The brand also sells replacement tips, incase you lose one!"
"Originally created by team members of Bose, these blend sound quality with sleep science to develop a smart earbud like I’ve never seen before," begins Moon. "For those with kids or a partner who has a different time they need to get up, this is also a fantastic choice as they can wake you up while your partner sleeps. The built-in alarm is great and can be set for different times or days depending on your schedule, so they've truly thought of everything."
Award-winning overnight beauty treatments on Amazon
"My lips are baby soft after using this," raves Ricevuto of this lip treatment. "It's thick and glossy which I love putting on before bed because I wouldn't necessarily want something so thick during the day. It's super hydrating and my lips look super healthy when I wake up."
"When it comes to face masks, I love one that doesn't drip and takes time to sink into the skin — this one fits the bill," Moon praises. "I had no issues with application, enjoyed the feeling and felt more hydration in my skin. It's an easy mask to add to my routine and put on after an exhaustive day or to combat the Sunday scaries."
"As someone who swears by Farmacy's face cleanser and cleansing balm, I was excited to try out another one of their products," associate social media editor Dani Musacchio says. "While I typically reach for drugstore creams, I definitely could feel the difference in this cream."
"I love the creamy texture and scent of this body balm," gushes Espinal. "Since I started using it, my skin has felt noticeably smoother. The consistency is thick but still blends easily into the skin, and it never feels sticky even when I use a generous amount."
"Though it will take time to see how it 'seals' my split ends, I have seen an improvement in my frizz, which is often caused by a lack of moisture," explains associate editor Madison San Miguel of her experience using this hair treatment overnight. "The formula is thick and creamy, making it easy to spread and for your hair to soak it in while you sleep. And since it absorbs well and quickly, you won't have to worry about it getting on your pillowcase. My hair also doesn't feel oily in the morning, so it doesn't feel like you have to wash it out."
"One pump is all I've needed since it rubs into an oil-like consistency that makes it easy to spread throughout your hair, so no product waste," San Miguel adds.
Award-winning pajamas, robes and slippers on Amazon
If you’re a hot sleeper like me, nightgowns are where it’s at. They’re way more breathable than traditional PJ sets, in my opinion. This one is affordable and part of the brand’s aptly-named “Breathe” collection. The material is lightweight and stretchy. The straps are adjustable and the chest doesn’t have any annoying wires or padding, just a bit of a lace overlay to add some coverage. Out of all of my pajamas, I reach for this first after laundry day.
Junior commerce insights associate Elizabeth Iskander says this robe is "the perfect length and material," calling it "super comfy."
"The quality of the robe really aligns with the price point," Iskander reports. "I would definitely buy it myself or for others!"
"This robe is essentially one giant wearable Turkish towel, and I say that with the highest compliments," muses Bender. "Made with 100% Turkish cotton, the design includes densely constructed cuffs and shawl collar that look like they'll hold up for a long time... After nearly two months of daily, consistent wear and a few trips in the washing machine, signs of wear and tear are minimal."
Social video producer Anita Chomenko thinks these slippers are super cute and vouches that they've got "good grip on the bottom."
"I had my husband try them too and he was equally impressed about the cushiness of it," Chomenko says. "Great upgrade for old worn out slippers, and a great gift for others!"
More award winners for your best sleep on Amazon
Scent can have a real impact on our moods, and when spritzed on your pillow, this calming mist just might help calm you down at bedtime. It's formulated with a therapeutic blend of lavender and other ingredients commonly associated with tranquility and relaxation.
No more waking up your partner in bed or struggling to read in the dark! This clip-on light casts a targeted beam exactly where you need light, so you can read until you're ready for bed.
"This pillowcase feels incredibly soft and luxurious to the touch," Espinal says, adding that she appreciates the envelope-style closure that holds it in place on a standard pillow. "I also noticed that my hair looked less frizzy in the morning, which is something I usually struggle with."
"I'll never be able to use a cheap satin pillowcase again after trying this real silk one," admits senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "I've been sleeping on it for more than a year and it's truly been a game-changer. I've even packed it for trips — that's how much I don't want to sleep without it! I'm a side sleeper and love that the real silk fabric is buttery soft against my skin. I also appreciate that it's gentler on my hair than cotton, satin and other pillowcase materials I've tried."
"I often wake up and don't even feel like I need to run a comb through my hair, which I can only assume is because the pillowcase isn't creating extra friction as I sleep," Cocchi Zabloudil adds. "Speaking to the durability and construction, I appreciate that this pillowcase has held up great through many trips through the washing machine and that the zipper is sturdy and never snags."
What's better than a cute, plushy stuffed animal? A weighted one. We're obsessed with this one, which you can even stick in the microwave for a cuddly, comforting companion.
A little air can make a real difference in helping keep you from getting too hot at night. This desk fan charges quickly, is compact and has more than 6,000 ratings on Amazon.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and is board-certified in behavioral sleep medicine. She is a clinical associate professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the author of “The Women’s Guide to Overcoming Insomnia.”
- Dr. Wendy Troxel, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and senior behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation. She is the author of “Sharing the Covers: Every Couple’s Guide to Better Sleep.”
- Andrew Colsky, LPC, is the founder of the National Sleep Center and is a trained behavioral sleep medicine clinician. He is the host of the “Sleep Science Today” radio show.
How we chose
Our team of editors, writers and staffers sorted through nearly 300 new launches, editor and expert recommendations, trending and tried-and-true products to solidify our testing pool of 175 contenders.
To determine our list of 66 winners, we incorporated products into our sleep routines over the span of a month to see if they meet requirements when it comes to quality, special features, value and overall satisfaction for bedding, sleepwear, gadgets, beauty products and other bedtime innovators.
Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners to give their sign-off based on durability, material and other features that make a quality sleep product.
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