Between endless to-do lists, glowing screens, and those midnight snacks calling your name, catching those elusive Z’s can feel like an impossible dream.  We’re diving into the science of slumber with a fun twist — from quick fixes you can try tonight to inexpensive sleep products that have long-lasting proven effects.

The LC Editors have searched far a wide for the best sleep advice and we’re here to sprinkle some magic dust on your bedtime routine with a collection of sleep hacks that are as clever as they are effective. Imagine waking up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way!  And whether you’re a night owl, an early bird, or somewhere in between, these tips will have you snoozing like a pro in no time.

Sleep With A Bar Of Soap

Some people say that sleeping with a bar of soap under your sheets can stop your leg cramps at night. Sounds weird, right? But it’s true! This idea got so popular that it was even talked about on the hit TV show “The Doctors.” They surveyed their viewers and 40% of them said sleeping with soap helped their leg cramps and restless legs!

It is believed that the soap sends tiny particles, called ions, into your body, and these ions make their way to your nerves and calm your cramps.   Grab a bar of soap and try it tonight — you have nothing to lose!

Miracle Sheets – Literally The Cleanest Sheets Ever Invented

The rapidly expanding Miracle Brand company has developed bed linens that are self-cleaning and self-cooling. You hardly ever see their sheets on store shelves anymore because millions of Americans hurried to purchase them as soon as word spread about how effectively they perform.

Because they use thread that has been treated with silver to eradicate 99% of the bacteria typically present in cotton bedding, Miracle Sheets are the cleanest sheets available. The sheets are incredibly supple while utilizing silver’s capacity to disperse heat, thanks to a unique alloy. As a result, there is no sweat or bacterial growth, and the sheets are always comfortable and cool. Incredible!

Adopting this kind of bedding by luxury hotels and Airbnbs may be the best-kept secret, but it’s already going viral online.

A Spoonful Of Honey Helps The Zzz’s Go Down

Your kitchen’s trusty jar of honey might just be the sweet sleep remedy you didn’t know you needed. A spoonful of honey before bed can do wonders for your sleep quality. This golden nectar is packed with natural sugars that lightly spike your insulin levels, which then helps your brain release tryptophan—the amino acid responsible for making you feel relaxed and sleepy. It’s like giving your body a gentle nudge towards dreamland, minus the sugar crash that comes with more processed treats.

But wait, there’s more! Honey also helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels throughout the night, preventing those 3 a.m. wake-ups caused by a dip in glucose. This steady energy supply helps your body continue its repair and rejuvenation processes uninterrupted, leading to more restful sleep. So, next time you’re looking for a natural sleep aid, consider a drizzle of honey in your evening tea or straight off the spoon. Sweet dreams are just a sip away!

Sleeping With Socks On

Among the great rivalries of all time: Coke versus Pepsi, McDonalds versus Burger King, Red Sox versus Yankees … and sock-sleepers versus barefoot-sleepers.   Turns out, sleeping with your socks on is a net positive for overall quality of sleep and aids in falling asleep faster.  Socks help your feet warm up quicker, which in turn dilates the blood vessels in your feet, which in many studies correlates to a signal being to sent to your brain that it’s time to switch off, and doze off to sleep.

A couple recent sleep studies have shown sock-sleepers to fall asleep up to 40% faster then barefoot-sleepers.  Now, if only Burger King could make fries that taste as good as McDonalds.

This Oprah Daily Approved Pillow Will Literally Change Your Life

Oprah Daily recently released their “2024 Top Sleep Products” and on that list is FluffCo’s ZenPillow.  By now you’ve probably seen the videos on TikTok and Instagram of people popping this thing out of the big blue box and showing off how insanely comfy it is.

But that’s only half of it.  FluffCo specializes in sourcing the same materials and manufacturing processes that Five Star hotels like the Four Season, Ritz Carlton and St. Regis use for their luxury bedding.  (And just in case you never tried to buy a pillow from the Four Seasons, they run about $500 each!).  The ZenPillow is 90% cheaper, simply without the fancy label on it!

Try A Kitchen Sponge In Your Pillowcase

Ever thought about using your old kitchen sponge as a sleep aid? It might sound strange, but hear me out! If you’re struggling with insomnia or a restless night, try placing a clean, dry kitchen sponge under your pillow. The idea is that the sponge absorbs and neutralizes electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices nearby, which some believe can interfere with sleep quality. While the science behind EMFs and sleep is still debated, many people find this quirky hack helps create a more peaceful sleep environment, especially if you’re sensitive to such things.

But that’s not all! The sponge’s unique texture also adds a bit of extra cushioning, which can provide additional comfort if your pillow isn’t quite hitting the mark. It’s like adding a mini sleep-enhancing pad without the need for fancy gadgets. So, next time you’re having trouble catching those Z’s, consider giving this odd little trick a try—it’s a fun and low-cost way to potentially improve your sleep and might just surprise you with its effectiveness.