A Good Night’s Rest

Getting a good night’s rest on your sailboat is a bit of a catch-22. When you’re at anchor, on a mooring or at the dock with a cool breeze flowing through the hatch and the boat is rocking you gently to sleep, you may get some of the best zzz’s of your life. On the other hand, when underway, it can feel (at times) like you will never get the sleep you so desperately crave— never mind need—to keep pushing forward. Sleep isn’t just about quantity, it’s about quality. Especially when you’re sleeping in shifts.

Sleepphones (sleepphones. com) are a comfortable alternative to most headphones in that they are built into a soft headband that allows you to curl up into any position behind your lee cloth and not have to worry about your ear buds falling out or causing discomfort. Whether you are trying to drown out the chatter of your crewmates, the clanging of a halyard against the mast, or you simply want to drift off to some white noise or meditation, comfort is key. Similarly, while Sleepphone can double as a sleep mask, the Illumy Smart Sleep Mask (glotosleep.com) takes it to the next level. Harvesting the “power of natural light,” this sleep mask offers the opportunity to fall asleep to a gradual dimming sunset and wake up to a blue sky sunrise no matter what your sleep schedule. Sleep is a serious matter when it comes to sailing, and every second counts.

Sweet dreams!— AW