At some point over the summer, I became totally fixated on getting my best night's sleep. It started casually enough—I just needed a new mattress. The one I had developed a permanent dip in the middle, leaving me with back pain every single day. I figured a quick trip to the mattress store would solve the problem, but what began as a straightforward purchase quickly turned into a full-blown rabbit hole into all things sleep. Suddenly, it was all I could think about for weeks.
Investing in a new mattress opened the floodgates. From there, I couldn't stop thinking about pillows, pajamas, and even the scent of my bedroom. Before I knew it, I was in full research mode—reading reviews, watching TikToks, asking friends for recommendations, and testing products both in showrooms and at home. What was supposed to be a simple errand turned into a full-on project. Here’s everything I found—and what I’m actually loving.
Bedding
If you haven't heard of Hästens, it's the Swedish brand famous for mattresses that cost upward of $400,000. (No, that's not a typo.) While I'd love to test one of those someday, I focused on more realistic options. After visiting a handful of NYC showrooms, the Saatva RX is my dream mattress. I had also read about the Helix Midnight Elite for back pain, so that became a strong contender.
The natural progression after the mattress was pillows. I love the Parachute Soft Down Pillow for its plush feel, or Avocado’s Grand Luxe for a firmer alternative. For a duvet insert, the Ostermoor was an instant favorite. I prefer cloud-like bedding and get cold easily, whereas my boyfriend is the opposite—so the fact that both of us love it says a lot. I'm also a fan of Buffy's Cloud Comforter.
Sheets and duvet covers are their own undertaking. (I personally like percale or linen.) Some standouts I’ve tried or bookmarked include Studio Sutram, Bellingo Fine Linen, Morrow Soft Goods, Bed Threads, Sheet Society, The Citizenry, Hawkins New York, Tekla, Thuma, Parachute, and Brooklinen. My new favorite addition is topping it off with a bed blanket or coverlet, which makes the bed feel more put-together.
Pajamas
I've been building out my pajama drawer. Though, I usually gravitate toward nightgowns. Still, the Eberjay Gisele Tencel Modal Short Sleeve Cropped Pj Set has won me over with how soft it is. Some nights, I even like sleeping in my Thuma bath robe like I'm at a hotel…
Eye Masks
I used to think eye masks were unnecessary, but I've been converted. The Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask is my current go-to, and the Slip Contour Sleep Mask comes highly recommended.
Sound Machines
I don't like a cluttered nightstand, but Hatch checks two boxes: a sound machine and an alarm clock in one.
Supplements
Magnesium is one of the most popular sleep supplements, and for me, it actually works. In the fall and winter, I like to add mint tea with honey to my bedtime routine.
Room Sprays
A spritz of room spray on my sheets makes getting into bed feel cozier. I like amber notes for warmth, but lavender is always a classic too.
Wearables
Sleep tracking has gotten bigger over the past few years, and I'm finally on board. As a bonus, if you like to cycle sync, the Oura Ring pairs directly with the Natural Cycles birth control app, so you can track both in one place.
