We all know we need to avoid the temptation of technology before bed. Don’t scroll through Twitter or Instagram, leave your laptop in the living room, avoid getting sucked down the rabbit hole of YouTube – you know the drill.
But not all technology is the enemy of shut-eye. There are some gadgets specifically designed to help you get a better night’s sleep and improve your quality of life.
Here are some products gaining popularity for making you less busy and more zzz-y.
Beds have entered the world of smart technology too. They come equipped with mattresses fitted with sensors and other tech that monitor and capture data, such as your heart rate, breathing rate, body movement and sleep quality. The data is then processed by a built-in computer which analyses the information and makes adjustments to the bed’s settings in real time.
Other features include climate-controlled mattresses and left- and right-side adjustable firmness controls. But be warned: these bougie beds don’t come cheap.
Want to give it a try? The Cielo Slumber Flex Adjustable Bed in extra-long kingsize retails at around R34 500 (cielo.co.za). This fully adjustable bed is a good choice for relieving body aches and improving overall vitality. There are cheaper options out there too – google smart beds and find one that suits your needs and your pocket.
The smart watch has been strapped to many a wrist since its launch. At the click of a button you can check your emails, take a picture, pay for your groceries – you name it, this watch can do it.
Some brands offer physiological reminders too, based on monitoring the quality of your sleep. But these watches are less about addressing your anxiety about sleep and more about evaluating your sleep patterns. This is where the sleep bracelet differs.
Its purpose is to promote relaxation and rejuvenation and is designed to tap into Earth’s natural frequencies to help your body to increase the production of melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.
The sleep bracelet doesn’t require a power source so it’s ultra-portable and travel-friendly.
It’s recommended to place the bracelet on your wrist about 30 minutes before bedtime and wear it throughout the night.
Want to give it a try? The Philip Stein Nano Sleep bracelet costs R3 660, depending on the exchange rate and excluding shipping (philipstein.com). It emits a subtle magnetic field that reinforces your own magnetic field to help restore your body’s ability to sleep deeply.
You’ll find machines that capture most of the sounds that exist in our world and mix them together to produce a harmonious blend to help us sleep soundly.
Want to give it a try? The Adaptive Sound Technologies LectroFan Noise Machine (R2 150; wantitall.co.za) has 10 fan sounds and 10 ambient noise variations, including white noise, pink noise and brown noise.
The colour of noise
White noise includes all audible frequencies of sounds such as the whirring of a fan, radio and TV static, and a humming air conditioner. Because white noise contains all frequencies at equal intensity, it can mask loud sounds that stimulate your brain.
Pink noise consists of all audible frequencies of sounds such as the rustling of leaves, steady rain, wind and heartbeats.
Brown noise which is also called red noise, has more energy at lower frequencies. This makes it deeper than pink and white noise. Examples include low roaring, strong rushing water, waterfalls and thunder.
Black noise is the informal term used to describe the lack of noise. It refers to complete silence or silence with bits of random noise.
Switching off lights is associated with winding down and relaxing, and our brains have been programmed to know a darker space is for sleeping.
Light is also responsible for regulating our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when it’s time to rest. It also affects the production of melatonin, that essential sleep-promoting hormone.
Want to give it a try? A sunrise alarm clock such as the Philips SmartSleep (R4 747,20; ninelife.co.za) simulates a sunrise so you can wake up naturally and gradually.
Air purifiers and humidifiers are proven to be beneficial in helping you to get a good night’s sleep and reduce snoring. They clean the air of pollutants, reduce allergens, provide white noise and lessen odours.
Just remember to replace the filter regularly – a dirty filter can cause more harm than good over time.
Want to give it a try? The Xiaomi Smart Humidifier with its all-new aromatherapy diffuser scents the air with essential oils to create a soothing atmosphere in your bedroom. It runs with minimal noise to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
