Top 5 tips to help you get better, more restful sleep

Over a third of us aren’t getting enough shut-eye, and the effects are more than just feeling tired - lack of sleep can put your physical and mental health at risk. Our Institute experts share their top tips and product picks for getting the best rest every night.

1. Get a lightbulb alarm clock

Upgrade old-school bulbs to smart ones that can wake you up more naturally: You can set them to dim before bed and brighten in the a.m. to mimic sunset and sunrise.

Lab lowdown: Philips’ bulbs are perfect for even the most technophobic person. Just replace old lights, plug the hub into your router and follow instructions in the easy-to-navigate app. Use it to set a bedtime lighting “scene,” or switch from energizing white light to calming yellow. Try the Philips Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit E26 ($150, meethue.com).

2. Have a pajama party

Ditch your old sweatpants and gym tees for our Textiles Lab’s latest picks. Lab lowdown: If you’re prone to, er, hot nights, moisture-wicking pajamas from Sheex is your best bet. For ultra-soft loungewear you can take from the bed to your a.m. dog walk, grab Under Armour’s new pieces. Matching PJs, anyone? The whole family can rock L.L. Bean’s cozy flannel staples.

Our picks: Sheex 828 Motion Sleepwear (from $49, sheex.com); Under Armour Athlete Recovery Sleepwear (from $60, underarmour.com); L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajama Set ($60, llbean.com).

3. Lower the heat

Trouble falling asleep? Adjust your thermostat. Cooler temps can help you doze off and sleep soundly. As part of our circadian rhythms (the internal regulator for when we’re sleepy versus alert), our bodies are preparing to cool down pre-bed. Try keeping your room in the mid-to-high 60s, but you might have to make like Goldilocks to find the temp that feels just right. Lab lowdown: Consider the Nest Thermostat E ($169, nest.com) to control temps remotely right from your phone or computer. We love this new lowerpriced option. While it has a more basic interface than the original, it still learns your schedule and helps you save energy.

4. Invest in the right bedding

Comfort is key for sleep, but not all sheets are created equal. For a set that will last, get one made with pima or Egyptian cotton: The fibers are longer than traditional cotton’s, so they’re softer and more durable.

Lab lowdown: Be careful - our fiber scientist warns that not all sheets claiming to contain these types of premium cotton actually do - even those with heftier prices may not. Look for DNA-tested ones to make sure that what you’re buying is legit. The Wamsutta 500 Thread Count Pima Cott Sheet Set ($80 for queen size, bedbathandbeyond. com) was a top performer in our Lab evaluations, and testers rated them as “soft.”

5. Boost moisture overnight

Skin regenerates as you sleep, so that’s the perfect time for a little TLC from Garnier’s Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream ($16 for 1.7 ounces, garnierusa.com).

Lab lowdown: Hyaluronic acid in the formula restores moisture to combat everything from wrinkles to dryness to dull-looking skin.