Editors’ Picks: 32 products in our bedtime routines that help us wind down
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At the end of a busy day, it can be hard to relax enough to even think about falling asleep. That’s exactly why it’s important to establish a bedtime routine, a nightly ritual that can help you wind down before you crawl under the covers.
And since there’s nothing we love more than talking about the best sleep products our editors have tested, we’re here to tell you all about our bedtime routine essentials, from overnight beauty treatments to meditation apps.
Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Whip
Although I have an extensive skin care routine, I’m not so diligent when it comes to body care. Usually, I slather on some body lotion after a shower and that’s it, but in the dry winter months, my skin is flaky and parched by the end of the day. This light yet creamy body whip helps keep my skin soft, all while promoting relaxation. Thanks to its calming lavender fragrance and a formula made with hemp seed extract and magnesium (which is supposed to improve your sleep quality), this body lotion has become integral to my bedtime routine. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe
I can’t remember the last time I went to sleep without this 3-in-1 Apple device charger by my side. The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe has all the nice little touches like vegan leather and a slim profile, so it fits into my slightly small bedside table. And its multi-device charging lets my phone show the time in a warm, lulling red in the evening on Standby mode, makes it easy to find my charged Apple Watch when it’s time to track my sleep and puts my AirPods within reach in the morning when it’s time to go to the gym. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
$150 at Apple
$150 at Twelve South
Aura Cacia Essential Oil in Uplifting Vanilla
I’m a big proponent of the scent-memory connection, so much so that I have a self-care scent in my nighttime routine. As I wind down for the night, I put a little bit of this vanilla essential oil on the pulse points on my wrists and neck. Is this completely unnecessary? Yes. But the warm, sweet and familiar vanilla scent helps calm my mind and cue my body that it’s time to settle down for the night. My theory is that over time, my brain will link the comforting vanilla scent with the comforting sensation of curling up in my beloved bed and help me instantly relax as soon as I catch a whiff. And if nothing else, it’s a nice act of self-love to smell something delightful before I close my eyes. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor
Vicks VapoShower Soothing Vapors Tablets
I’ve been using Vicks VapoRub for years and recently discovered that the brand offers non-medicated shower steamer tablets. Needless to say, I’ve been using them at night to unwind and always feel extra refreshed after hopping out of the shower, thanks to the amazing blend of eucalyptus and menthol. It’s such an easy way to create a spa-like feel in my bathroom, and I only wish I’d discovered them sooner. To get the most out of the tablet and prevent it from dissolving too quickly, I make sure to place it in a spot where the water is not directly hitting it. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator
Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit
Getting out of bed early in the morning is so hard when it’s still dark out. These smart lights are the only reason I’m able to wake up on time, especially in the winter! I have them set on a schedule so that the lights gradually turn on in the morning and automatically dim when it’s time for bed at night. And if I get under the covers without flipping the light switch, I can just ask Alexa to “turn off all lights.” They also come in handy when I’m on vacation — I can set a schedule so it looks like someone’s home. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
Honeywell HYF260 Quiet Set Whole Room Tower Fan
I initially bought this affordable tower fan a few years back to stay cool during a brutal summer, but it’s since doubled as a handy white noise machine to help me doze off at night. Its five speed settings include Sleep, Calm and White Noise; the latter two do a great job lulling me into a restful state while also drowning out the ever-unpleasant sounds of my dog licking herself. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer
Vitruvi Stone Ceramic Diffuser
I’m not really a candle person, so I love firing up my gorgeous ceramic stone diffuser from Vitruvi each night before bed. I rotate between the brand’s signature essential oil kit (Sleep is my favorite), and while it actually works to help me fall asleep faster, it also just doubles as a chic-looking piece of decor when I’m not using it. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Headspace
I can have a hard time falling asleep. On those nights when I’m tossing and turning and I just can’t turn my brain off, I love turning on the sleepcasts on the Headspace app. They have a short meditation exercise, where you either focus on your breathing or “turning off” your muscles one by one, then they launch into a cute and relaxing story. They’ve definitely helped me calm down at night and get better sleep when I’m stressed. — Kai Burkhardt, editor
Jellycat Perry Polar Bear
Yes, I’m almost 24 and still sleep with a stuffed animal. Seriously though, these plushies are super soft and really help calm my nighttime anxiety. I saw these go viral on TikTok a while back and needed one immediately. They’re the perfect size and make for the greatest cuddlers. These feel luxurious but are reasonably priced. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Apple AirPods Pro 2
When my dog inevitably wakes me up too early to go outside and I need to catch some extra zzz’s, I hop back in bed, pop in my AirPods Pro 2, play my trusty aircraft noises from the Calm app and usually manage to get a bit of bonus sleep. Their fantastic active noise cancellation helps block out my dog’s aforementioned mouth noises and also works great when I’m trying to snooze a bit on airplanes. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Taking your makeup off before bed is essential. I recently became a cleansing-balm convert and have to say it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. This balm is super affordable yet effective. It takes me literally five seconds to get a day’s worth of makeup off, and you need to add it to your bedtime routine ASAP. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Intelligent Change ‘The Five-Minute Journal’
When my mind is racing or I feel like I’m in a rut, I reach for this journal to help me wind down. Writing down the highlights of my day and what I’m grateful for really helps me relax right before bed. You’re also supposed to take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts in the morning, but sometimes I forget. I keep it on my nightstand so it’s always in my line of sight, but the pages are undated, so I don’t have to stress about missing any days. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
O’Keefe’s Working Hands and Healthy Feet Night Treatment
I usually have the driest hands and feet in the world — itchy, cracked, you name it. But applying O’Keefe’s Working Hands and Healthy Feet Night Treatments when I get into bed has made a huge difference. My skin feels softer, smoother and is visibly more hydrated when I wake up. Not only that but the lavender scent is calming and helps me relax as I try to fall asleep. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor
SunHome Saunas 1800W Sun Home Pro Red Light
As trendy as it’s become on TikTok, I’ve been using red light therapy to wind down for years. Without fail, I prop this full body panel up on my bedroom wall every night and it helps me relax, while also targeting fine lines and wrinkles, inflammation and muscle pain — which, after a long day of working from my computer, is never not needed. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
A lot has changed about my sleep schedule over the past few years, but one thing that’s remained consistent is using the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask every single night. I swipe it on before I get under the covers, and it signals to my brain that it’s time for bed. As a bonus, I wake up with super-soft and hydrated lips. A little goes a long way, so the jar lasts so much longer than you’d think. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor
Zarbee’s Baby Calming Bedtime Spray
I have been using this sleep spray as part of my daughter’s bedtime routine since she was a newborn. The scent permeates her entire room with just a small spritz, but it’s not cloying or overpowering. Made with lavender and chamomile essential oils, it’s a safe and natural way to start the winding-down process, not to mention prepare her for what’s coming: the dreaded bedtime. — Danielle Poiesz, copy editor
Muji Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser
While lighting a candle can set the mood, keeping a flame burning at bedtime is not the safest choice. Instead, I use this aroma diffuser for a hit of aromatherapy to help me unwind at night. It has several timer settings so you can choose how long it runs for and then you don’t have to worry about turning it off. It also has a built-in light so you can use it as a nightlight. I love using it with a couple of drops of Muji’s French Lavender Pure Essential Oil for a relaxing, spa-like effect. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Corkcicle Cruiser Insulated Tumbler
I always get thirsty throughout the night and hate having to get up multiple times to get water. My Corkcicle tumbler literally saved me. It keeps my water cold all night long, and I don’t have to constantly refill it due to how big it is. It also comes with a straw, which makes sipping through the night an extremely easy task. You can also personalize your tumbler making it truly one of a kind! Last but not least, it can hold your hot beverages and keep your nightly tea toasty before bedtime. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator
Cozy Earth Rib Knit Classic Long Sleeve Pajama Set
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Just a really, really soft and breathable pair of pajamas. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Mrs. Meyer’s Daisy Room Freshener
Since I spend most of the day working at my desk — which just so happens to be located 18 inches from my bed — I find that winding down at the end of the day requires a more intentional vibe shift. Mrs. Meyer’s products have long been staples in my kitchen and bathroom, but now I’ve found an essential for my bedroom too. I like to spritz my sheets and pillows a few times before getting under the covers. Words cannot express how good this room spray smells (I highly recommend the Geranium scent too), and the scent lasts without being overly potent or perfumey. — Caroline Curran, former deals editor
Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer
Packed with stem cells, squalane and bakuchiol (a nontoxic and natural alternative to retinol), my favorite moisturizer, Hydraglow, quite literally trains my skin to look younger while I sleep. It’s hands down my No. 1 secret sleep weapon to waking up with ultra-hydrated, plumped, youthful-looking skin. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Starface Hydro-Stars
I love a beauty product that works overnight, and these cute pimple patches help banish breakouts by the morning. The star-shaped hydrocolloid stickers absorb the fluid and gunk within the pimples, reducing the inflammation and size of the zits. While I’ve tried several brands of pimple patches, I always come back to these because they’re honestly a joy to put on, they come with a fun case that has a compact mirror inside and there are limited-edition drops of the stickers, so you can mix it up with new colors. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Clearstem Sulfur Spot&Mask
Given that this spot treatment is bright purple in color, I only ever use it at night. It’s packed with clay, zinc, sulfur and glycolic [acid] that actually zap whiteheads and bacteria while I sleep. Oh, and to all my acne-prone girlies out there looking for affordable yet effective overnight skin care, I’ve tried every single spot treatment under the sun, and let me tell you, this one is hands down the best! —Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm
I swear by Aesop skin products, and this body balm is no exception. I love this rind concentrate scent. It’s the perfect combination of fresh, citrus smell with nourishing powers for softer hands. One small dollop and I feel immediately relaxed. — Emily McNutt, former senior travel editor
Twinings of London Nightly Calm Herbal Tea
I love tea any time of the day, and the Twinings Nightly Calm Tea blend is comfort in a cup. Some herbal teas can taste bland, but Twinings gets it right with a blend of chamomile, spearmint and a subtle hint of lemongrass. It may not be the secret elixir that knocks you out for a full eight hours, but it helps me relax before bed. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
L’Beauxtique Aromatic Eye Pillow
This lavender-scented eye pillow feels like heaven after a long day. I try to avoid looking at my phone or electronics right before I go to sleep, and this pre-bedtime eye mask helps me unwind. You can put it in the microwave if you want a heated mask or pop it in the fridge for some cooling/depuffing action. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social
Zafferano America Poldina Pro Mini
I don’t like to use any harsh overhead lighting before bed, so I love having this cordless, miniature table lamp at my bedside so I can still actually illuminate my room and see what I’m doing — whether I’m getting dressed for bed or reading a book. You can touch it on and off, pick from a variety of interchangeable shades (I have it in Woven) and use it over the course of nine-plus hours without needing to charge it. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
The Feelist Do Not Disturb Body Cream
This CBD-infused body cream is one of those products that I will never let myself run out of, it’s that good. You can actually feel the relaxing effects of the CBD (it packs in 500 milligrams) after massaging it into sore muscles or just a generally tired body, making it easier to drift to sleep. I usually apply it just before I go to bed, and within minutes my body is chilled out. It also has a light lavender and cedarwood fragrance that adds an extra dose of calm. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor
Balance App
My brain never shuts off, and I’m incredibly jealous of people who don’t have an inner monologue. The voice inside my head tends to work overtime when I’m trying to doze off. I downloaded Balance on a whim when I saw you can get your first year free. I know can’t sleep without guided meditations. The app also offers sleep sounds — like rain and white noise — to help you drift to sleep. My favorite is the “Back to Sleep” exercise which is helpful for me since I never sleep through the entire night. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor
$12 per month after a free first year at Balance
Slip Silk Scrunchies, 3-Pack
I have big, curly hair, and I simply can’t sleep if it’s in my face. Thus, I only trust these luxe silk scrunchies by Slip to hold back my mane at night. Not only do they gently keep my hair held back without pulling, allowing me to remain headache-free, but they ensure my hairstyle survives the night. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director
Lunya Washable Silk High-Rise Pant Set
I’m big into matching pajamas, and these remain my all-time favorite pair. Expensive, yes, but consider that this silk pajama set is machine-washable, making them actually easy to care for too. My favorite part, however, is just how versatile this set is. I wear the cropped top alone with jeans in the summertime, and in the winter I layer it with a turtleneck. I always feel incredibly chic, and the fabric really is buttery soft. — Rachel Lubitz, former senior lifestyle editor
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket
This sauna blanket from HigherDose has become a key part of my nightly ritual. I tuck myself inside it for 45 minutes each night, and not only does it result in TONS of sweat and glowy skin but it leaves me feeling super relaxed — which ultimately leads to much better, deeper and longer sleep. It’s super easy to use, and the cleanup is quick too. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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