In the last two years, for many, restful nights have gone the way of raucous indoor parties and self-serve salad bars—vague memories from “before times.” In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 56 percent of Americans (and 70 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds) are experiencing what’s been dubbed “COVID-somnia.”
Ironically, at a time when health is paramount, sleep is more essential than ever, the very cornerstone of well-being. “One or two nights of poor sleep isn’t the end of the world, but if a person doesn’t get enough good sleep for a long period of time, it weakens the immune system, increases risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and impacts mood and well-being,” explains Jennifer Martin, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, president-elect of the AASM, and professor of medicine at UCLA. “Getting a good night’s sleep is the best medicine.” That’s why, in recent years, even pre-pandemic when 70 million Americans were already losing sleep, many companies—from mattress and bedding brands to supplement lines and hoteliers—are looking more seriously at helping customers address their unrest.
Mattresses and Linens
Supporting sleep isn’t just important—it’s a commitment to and an investment in yourself.
“Are you looking for a one-night stand or a long-term relationship with your mattress?” quips Linus Adolfsson, founder/CEO of The Sleep Spa by Hästens. The mattresses from this ultra-luxury Swedish company, founded in 1852, range from $8,000 up to $400,000 (the rumored price of Drake’s version) and are handcrafted, sometimes for over 500 hours. A collaboration with California-based clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Breus, aka The Sleep Doctor, Hästens’ Sleep Spa experience in New York, Los Angeles, and Connecticut, and now extrapolated into a hotel concept in Portugal, lulls shoppers while searching out their perfect match. thesleepspa.com
“Without a proper mattress, you can’t get the quality sleep you need,” asserts Ron Rudzin, CEO of Saatva. This newer company is also bucking the mattress status quo, offering a streamlined DTC experience with an online “Mattress Quiz” and made-to-order, eco-friendly, hand-delivered products (including a new ultra-breathable memory foam). The highly anticipated Chatwal Lodge hotel, opening this spring in the Catskills, jumped at the chance to partner with Saatva (as have other boutique hotels). “By using [their] organic mattresses, we were able to connect with our natural atmosphere, as well as provide a cooler, more comfortable sleep,” says Randy J. Regan, director of operations. saatva.com
Linens expert Nollapelli is more concerned with what’s happening between the sheets. Helmed by chemical engineer Allison Howard, this new super-soft bedding company (recognized by the Sleep Foundation) is spearheading “the body-bedding connection” with a patent-pending fabric designed to remain cool and pH balanced, protecting skin, hair, and rest by expelling excess moisture. “The goal isn’t necessarily to sleep more,” Howard says of Nollapelli’s contribution to the $78 billion sleep economy, “but rather to sleep better, so we can live better.” nollapelli.com
Rest Tech
How do you know if you’re getting a good night’s sleep?
While most smart watches track sleep in some capacity, the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro stands out, not only aesthetically with its rare circular silhouette, but also because of its advanced capacity for monitoring. This latest incarnation records sleep stages (including REM cycles), heart rate, blood oxygen/breathing, and daytime naps, and gives a sleep score complete with recommendations. $230; amazfit.com
At Hi-Interiors in Italy, the bed itself is a data tracker. The second-generation model, HiAm, emphasizes both physical and mental wellness, as well as aesthetics. Crafted in wood, aluminum, and custom colors, the sleigh-like, four-poster design is tricked out with app-controlled ambient reading lights, high-def audio, a 70-inch screen and projector at the foot of the bed, motorized massagers, a fragrance diffuser, and sensors that collect sleep data for ambient noises and ideal temperature. hi-interiors.com
Hotel Sleep Programs
A stress-free vacation with immersive, restful experiences goes a long way.
Known for its alternative wellness bent and spectacular clifftop setting, Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California, has launched a three-part Sleep Program. First, guests learn bio-hacks from sleep expert Dr. Breus (also of Hästens fame), exploring genetic bedtime and chronotype, “nap-a-latte” boosts, and the glories of banana tea. Next, select sleep-enhancing spa experiences—often with rituals to apply at home—ranging from Sound Journey Meditation to Crystal and Gemstone Healing to reflexology massage. Last, a selection from the Seasonal Serenity dinner menu will be prepared with ingredients that promote melatonin and serotonin production. Lydia Graham, the program’s creator, saw how much her husband benefited as Dr. Breus’ patient and how much this could help others in this stressful time: “I thought a sleep program would serve a real need.” postranchinn.com
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has launched Alchemy of Sleep retreats at 20 properties across the globe. Their one-night Dreamscapes or two- to five-night Sleep Transformations include restorative spa treatments, Yoga Nindra (or sleep yoga) practices, sound baths, and in-room aromatherapy diffusers. Each experience is specific to the location—for example, at Rosewood Guangzhou, massages incorporate Chinese herbs, while Rosewood Miramar Beach integrates homegrown California ingredients like CBD and lavender. rosewoodhotels.com
The Sleep Circuit at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has anecdotally made a real difference in a couple of hours. It begins in a dim room on an ergonomic lounger with full-body vibrations and grounding infrared lights. Next comes a Salt Float Therapy bath with 800 pounds of Epsom salts, the Spa Wave (where sound waves are matched to your body chakras), and time in a meditation pod surrounded by color, sound, and energy therapies. In the hotel’s guest rooms are Bryte’s AI-powered Restorative Beds, which intuitively adjust throughout the night in temperature, pressure release, and more. carillonhotel.com
At Six Senses spa resorts worldwide a sleep program just launched for which they consulted with sleep experts and spent countless hours selecting everything from the perfect pillows to a sleep coaching protocol. sixsenses.com
Natural Supplements
What to try in place of prescription sleep medications.
THE WELL Relax Everything Mist from the integrative health care specialists at THE WELL, which recently launched a Sleep Better program in partnership with Auberge Resorts Collection, contains therapeutic-grade essential oils that deliver a grounding fragrance to calm anxiety and induce relaxation. Spritz on your face, body, in the air, and on your sheets to unwind and sleep sounder. $40; the-well.com
ZIPPZ The company personalizes a combination of CBD and medical botanicals based on each individual’s needs. zippz.com
BISA Bodycare Helmed by two working moms, BISA’s new elderberry-flavored Beauty Sleep Gummies include not just CBD but lesser-known CBN, which has sedative properties but doesn’t cause grogginess. $30; bisabodycare.com
The Nue Co Tincture-style Sleep Drops ($30) harness valerian root to gently depress your central nervous system while catnip and passionflower aid sleep and reduce anxiety. SLEEP+ ($45) is a cocktail of ingredients that serves those who wake up at 3 a.m. and have trouble getting back to sleep. “Where melatonin puts you to sleep, GABA keeps you asleep,” says founder Jules Miller, “and an insufficient quantity of it is often responsible for early awakening.” Most recently, she launched topical Magnesium Ease ($38) to rub on muscles and joints as a bedtime ritual. thenueco.com
Beam Their organic Dream Powder sets itself apart, layering multiple ingredients like cannabinoids (nano CBD), adaptogens (like reishi mushrooms), minerals (magnesium), l-theanine, and melatonin. Thanks to the legitimately tasty hot cocoa flavor (also in limited-edition white chocolate peppermint), co-founder Matt Lombardi determined that they provided 2.7 million nights of sleep in 2021, when wellness went from aspirational to a priority. In other words, sweet dreams. From $76; beamorganics.com
