Our Editors’ 9 Favourite Products For A Better Night’s Sleep

Sleep issues are a significant concern among Canadians. One in two Canadian adults report having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and one in three struggle to stay awake during the day. There are plenty of factors related to poor sleep hygiene, including a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, mental health issues, drinking caffeine late in the day and screen time before bed.

While they’re not a guarantee for everyone, Team Chatelaine swears by these products for a better night’s rest. Bonus: Four of our nine recommendations come from Canadian brands.

The Chatelaine Team’s Top Picks for Sleep Awareness Month

Silk & Snow Organic Mattress, $1,400 for a queen-size mattress

Chatelaine’s deputy editor Gillian Grace loves her hybrid mattress from Silk & Snow, a Toronto-based brand. It has excellent pressure-relieving and cooling capabilities, and it's also eco-friendly, made from organic wool, organic cotton and natural latex. This medium-firm mattress offers the perfect balance between comfort and support—it also comes in firm and plush versions. The hybrid design contains foam and metal coils, making it more durable compared to 100 percent latex or memory foam mattresses. While it’s pricier than most bed-in-a-box options, this high-quality mattress is built to last. There’s a 365-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty for your peace of mind. Read our full Silk & Snow mattress review.

Silk & Snow Flax Linen Bed Sheets, $195 for a queen-size set (15% off)

“I wasn’t sure what to expect with linen sheets, but now I’m completely hooked! The Silk & Snow Flax Linen Sheets are made from 100-percent European flax and are incredibly breathable, keeping me cool at night thanks to the looser weave. When I first got them, they felt a bit crisp and scratchy, but after a few washes, they softened up beautifully. I also love that they’re hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dust mites—something I’m paranoid about. Plus, they’re sustainably made, OEKO-TEX certified, and come with a 100-night sleep trial. The texture might not be for everyone, but if you like a cooling, airy feel, these are totally worth it!” —Sun Ngo, creative director

Obasan Deluxe Organic Latex and Wool Pillow, $219 to $239

“This was a big splurge, but it’s honestly the most comfortable pillow I’ve ever had. I’m a side sleeper, and it supports my head and neck with a perfect blend of firmness and softness. Plus it’s made in Canada and doesn’t include any fossil-fuel-derived synthetics like memory foam—instead, it’s made of natural latex, organic wool and organic cotton. This not only appeals to my environmental sensibilities but it also makes the pillow cooler in summer.” —Gillian Grace, deputy editor

Dream Water Sleep Aid Drink in Snoozeberry Flavour, $30 for 12 74-mL bottles

“I occasionally experience insomnia related to anxiety—like the night before a big presentation at work. When my mind won’t stop reeling, I turn to this sleep supplement. The drinkable formula contains three ingredients that may help with sleep: melatonin, GABA and 5-HTP. (But please talk to your doctor before starting any new-to-you supplement.) It has a nice berry flavour and I wake up feeling well-rested. I get them in packs of 12, which amounts to just $2.50 per 74-mL bottle. The small bottles are easy to travel with as well.” —Amy Evans, commerce editorial director

Natural Calm Magnesium Powder, $32 for 226 g

“I’ve known for some time that magnesium can help with sleep issues, but I never really did anything about it until I started taking a powdered magnesium supplement last year. A teaspoon mixed into a cup of chamomile tea in the evening doesn’t exactly knock me out in the way a lot of sleep supplements do; I just end up falling asleep faster instead of rolling around in bedtime anxiety for 30 minutes as is otherwise usually the case. Would this work for everyone? I’m no doctor, and I would suggest chatting with one before taking any kind of supplement, but this is the supplement I like as it’s only three ingredients and mixes into liquid very well. Heads up: the citric acid in the powder gives it a strong tartness.” —Chantal Braganza, deputy editor, food

Lush Sleepy Body Lotion, $16 for 90 g

“I think I might have a mild addiction to the dreamy lavender scent of this lotion—part of Lush’s bedtime-inspired Sleepy range. I apply a first layer while I’m watching television at the end of the night and a second layer in bed. The scent is incredibly calming and the cream itself is thick and luxurious. I also love that it’s made in Canada.” —Maureen Halushak, editor-in-chief

This Is J Oversized Tee + Pyjama Pant, $164

”I’ve been a fan of this made-in-Canada PJ brand for years. They’re made from an incredibly soft blend of bamboo and spandex, and they come in a wide variety of cute colours, patterns and styles. (My current favourite set is a stylish combo of flared pants and a matching tee.) I’m a hot sleeper, and I love how breathable the fabric is.” —Andréanne Dion, senior editor, style and beauty

Apple Watch Series 10, $589

“Earlier this year, I noticed I was feeling much more sluggish in the morning than usual. Once I ruled out some of my common fatigue-causing culprits, I decided to turn to my Apple Watch for some quantifiable sleep metrics. My watch, the Series 10 model, provides a slew of data about how long I'm sleeping and when, and it can even help identify potential health risks like sleep apnea. After a few nights of wearing my watch, I realized I was getting very little deep sleep—the kind of sleep that's restorative and helps you feel rested in the morning. 

“Using the data from my Apple Watch, I changed some of my sleep habits—like reducing my screen time right before bed and cutting out caffeine later in the day—to improve the quality of my deep sleep. Referring to my watch's sleep data helped me track that improvement (and compare sleep metrics with my Chatelaine colleagues!). I definitely feel more rested these days, but if that ever changes, my Apple Watch can play a role in helping me figure out why.” —Erica Lenti, deputy editor, features

Calm App, $15 per month or $70 per year or $400 lifetime membership

“I love the Calm app. When my mind won’t clear at night, I listen to sleep stories or ambient noise like waves crashing and rainfall. The narrators of the sleep stories—a mix of original scripted stories and excerpts from novels like The Great Gatsby—have incredibly soothing voices to help you drift off. (Various celebrities have contributed to the app, including Matthew McConaughey, Kate Winslet and Tom Hardy.) The app also offers sleep tips, guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, focus music and more. Plus Calm offers a seven-day free trial.” —A.E.