When you toss and turn in the middle of the night, you might be willing to pay a ridiculous amount of money just to get a nod.
That explains why sleep aids are marketed that claim to be helpful. But are they worth the cash?

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James Wilson, “The Sleep Geek” (thesleepgeek.co.uk) says: But cheaper options can work just as well.”
James gives Lynsey Hope a verdict on some of the best sellers and rates them out of ten.
THIS WORKS Deep Pillow Spray, £18.34, amazon.co.uk

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Claim: An aromatherapeutic blend of Lavender, Vetiverte, and Chamomile can be sprinkled on pillows to help calm the mind and body, reducing sleep anxiety.
James says: “A reassuring smell can give us a sense of emotional security. When we feel safe, we relax, our heart rate drops and our body is ready to sleep. You can also use your partner’s cologne or aftershave.”
evaluation: 7/10.
DODOW SLEEP AID, £49.90, mydodow.com

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Claim: This device projects blue light onto the ceiling to synchronize breathing with breathing. Inhale when expanding and exhale when deflating, so you can come down in 8 minutes.
James says: Light is a visual representation of how you breathe, but it can annoy your housemates. Or try the Headspace app.”
evaluation: 8/10.
MANTA Sleep Mask, £39, mantasleep.uk

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Claim: This blackout sleep mask sits gently on your face without putting any pressure on your eyes.
James says: It was considered to provide a space for people with long eyelashes like me to be excited.”
evaluation: 8/10.
Mela Weighted Blanket, £89, aeyla.co.uk

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Claim: Made using “crumb-resistant quartz pellets”, the weighted blanket moves silently and adheres to the body to relieve tension and stress.
James says: Do you like to snuggle up and dig into the duvet? If so, a weighted blanket might be for you. Maybe not if you unwrap all the bedding in the hotel.”
evaluation: 8/10.
BEURER DREAM SOUND THERAPY Sleep Aid Device SL15, £29.99, Holland & Barrett

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Claim: A white noise machine that plays four sounds to help you sleep: hair dryer, sea, summer day or harmonious melody.
James said: This is a great way to help you relax before going to bed or when waking up at night.
“I want a setting that allows me to leave it on all night because if the sound disappears in the wrong part of my sleep cycle, it’s likely waking me up.”
evaluation: 6/10.
LES MIREACULEUX Sleep Gummies, £18.40 for 42, lesmiraculeux.co.uk

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Claim: Clearly just one gummy will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better, and after 3 weeks your sleep cycle will be better regulated and you will wake up less at night.
James says: It claims to contain melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate your body clock, but we also have sun, a free source of melatonin, so early exposure helps. It might be worth a try, but don’t expect miracles.”
evaluation: 6/10.
SOUNDASLEEP Speaker Pillow, £29.99, amazon.co.uk

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Claim: The pillow has built-in speakers that can play music, audiobooks or sound pillows without earphones, so you won’t disturb your partner.


James says: “The problem with pillows with built-in speakers is that the pillow itself may not be right for you. Solving one problem in terms of body shape or sleeping position can lead to another. A separate speaker or sleep headphones can provide a more comfortable solution.”
evaluation: 4/10.