Latest news with #NationalSleepFoundation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New Study Reveals the PERFECT Room Temperature for Sleeping
There's plenty of debate over what exactly the ideal room temperature is while sleeping. Some like it downright balmy while others prefer a chill to the air. Well, we can finally put a rest to the discourse because a new study from the National Sleep Foundation has revealed the optimal room temperature for snoozing. Be prepared to grab your favorite down comforter because the ideal temperature is around 65°F (18.3°C). News of the study was shared by the Instagram account @explain, but the full report can be found on the National Sleep Foundation website. The report, which was published earlier this month, goes into further detail on why resting in a room that's too stuffy can be detrimental to your sleep. "Warmer temperatures can cause discomfort and restlessness, and anyone who has slept in a stuffy bedroom can attest that it is hard to nod off when they are sweaty and dehydrated. A bedroom that is too warm can interfere with the body's thermoregulation abilities and cause fatigue. Often, a person who is fatigued will feel physically and mentally tired, but unable to fall asleep," the report revealed. While some people are thrilled at the confirmation that a cooler temperature is most ideal when it comes to sleeping, others aren't quite sure they can afford that cool comfort. "Tell that to my electric company.. if i set it at 65 in the summer I'd lose my house 😂," read one of the most liked comments under @explain's Instagram post. "Research also shows that you will need a second job to pay the electric bill," someone else chimed in. Will you be adjusting your thermostat tonight? You Might Also Like 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room
Associated Press
16-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
National Sleep Foundation Launches Best Slept® Families
A comprehensive, multigenerational initiative for sleep health across the lifespan WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) announced the launch of a groundbreaking family sleep health initiative, building on its decades-long history of consensus guidelines, evidence-based recommendations, population-level research, SleepTech® leadership and advocacy, and consumer sleep health content across multiple demographics. Under the moniker of Best Slept® Families, the multi-faceted approach will engage the public with recommendations and tools to guide healthy sleep for all family members from infancy through older adulthood, understanding the interconnected nature of family sleep patterns and their impact on health and well-being. The National Sleep Foundation's family sleep health approach builds on the organization's commitment to translating sleep science and insight into practical, actionable guidance for individuals and families. The initiative stems from the NSF's promise to advance excellence in sleep health theory, research, and practice to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self®. NSF will feature new population sleep health research across the lifespan, new guidance with critical insights into how sleep needs can change over time, and more educational resources with practical content tailored for the whole family. 'Sleep health is not just an individual pursuit, it's a family affair,' said Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at NSF. 'We know sleep behaviors, environments, and challenges within families are deeply interconnected. When one family member struggles with sleep, it often affects the entire household. At the same time, how family members model healthy sleep practices can be a strong positive influence for the whole family. This initiative recognizes all the complexities of family sleep health.' Modern families face unprecedented challenges when it comes to sleep health. From busy schedules that impact sleep opportunity to behaviors that can disrupt circadian rhythms, families need practical, evidence-based strategies they can use for their unique circumstances. 'Now's a great time to look at the culmination of NSF's work over the last 35 years, and all roads lead to the destination of family sleep health. We are going to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self to help build Best Slept Families for today and tomorrow. This initiative will provide evidence-based solutions for healthy sleep in the context where it starts and actually happens. We want to support lasting behavior changes that can benefit every family member's sleep and, ultimately, strengthen the public's health and well-being,' said John Lopos, NSF CEO. For more sleep health information, visit About the National Sleep Foundation There's only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit │ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Sleep Foundation
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best headphones for sleeping in 2025: Tested, reviewed and sleep-coach-approved
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults log between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. But for many reasons, research shows that as many as 35% of us aren't getting the sleep we need. If it's noise keeping you awake, you might consider investing in the best sleep headphones to help quiet your environment so you can get some rest. Admittedly, there isn't much research on the sleep headphones, but some limited evidence suggests they might improve sleep quality. Ross Cushing, a clinical audiologist and CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance is on board with giving them a try, but he cautions that you should remain mindful of the volume and be cognizant of the potential dangers of noise-canceling units. "While you're blocking the sounds that could keep you awake, you may not hear alarms, a baby crying or someone entering your home," he says. Ultimately, the best sleep headphones will mitigate ambient noise (and maybe even light, depending on the style you purchase), be comfortable to wear and offer the functionality you're looking for, whether that's a low-tech or high-tech approach. To find the best headphones for sleeping, I spoke with experts in the fields of audiology and sleep science, then I used their feedback and my own expertise (as a certified sleep coach) to identify top products worth testing. I tested 11 units, assessing them based on ease of use, comfort, sound quality, functionality, effectiveness and budget. Here you'll find the products that made the cut (and a few that didn't quite measure up). The best overall headphones for sleeping More headphones for sleeping we like Types of headphones for sleeping Factors to consider when choosing headphones for sleeping How we tested FAQs Other headphones we tested Meet our experts Updated July 11, 2025: We updated prices and checked stock for all products. Our best budget pick is more than 40% off for Amazon Prime Day right now. Related: If sleeping with headphones isn't your thing, take a look at our roundup of the best earplugs for sleeping, or our list of the best white noise machines if you like falling asleep to nature or other sounds. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. For those who need their sleeping space to be pitch dark, check out our lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks. Track and improve your sleep hygiene with one of the best sleep trackers. We've also rounded up lists of the best alarm clocks, including alarm clocks for heavy sleepers, and a list of the best sunrise alarm clocks that help you wake up more naturally. (back to top) (back to top) One of the first steps in choosing the best headphones for sleep is familiarizing yourself with your options. Here's a quick look at the different types of sleep headphones on the market. This type of sleep headphone features speakers that fit inside the ear canal. In-ear headphones are usually smaller and lighter than over-the-ear or on-ear headphones and are typically available in wired or wireless options. These headphones sit on top of your head and completely cover your ears. They're an excellent choice for blocking ambient noise and can offer higher sound quality, but can be quite bulky and unsuitable for side sleepers. Just as their name implies, headband headphones fit around your head. Meanwhile, mask/headband combos kill two birds with one stone and come down over your eyes to create a blackout effect. These sleep headphones don't require the precise fit that sleep earbuds require, and Velcro fasteners make them universally sized. Keeping comfort in mind, the manufacturers of sleep headbands and mask headbands tend to opt for soft, breathable fabrics that are washable. Unlike in-ear headphones that rest inside the ear canal, earbuds rest on the outer ear. While they may seem counterintuitive to the tossing and turning that goes with side sleeping, many manufacturers design them with silicone grips and foam tips to ensure a secure fit. Most earbuds are too small to include active noise cancellation, so they typically don't do a great job of blocking ambient sound. (back to top) When looking for sleep headphones, Cushing says, "You'll want to choose headphones specifically designed for sleep — ideally soft, flat earphones that don't cause discomfort or undue pressure on your ears." He notes that bulky headphones can be annoying, and some earbuds may pose additional risks, such as discomfort and ear canal injuries, ultimately leading to disrupted sleep, which is the opposite of what you want. When searching for the best sleep headphones, consider key points such as comfort, sound quality, battery life and price. When bedtime restlessness prompts you to seek alternative solutions for better sleep, uncomfortable sleep headphones can do more harm than good. Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis suggests you choose headphones specifically made for sleep. She adds that some of the key features to look for are: A small footprint Wireless design Soft headbands Lightweight, breathable materials to avoid overheating and skin irritation Finding the right fit is crucial, especially for side sleepers. When shopping for earbuds, opt for a slim profile and snug fit with silicone or foam ear tips that soften pressure points. For headbands or eye mask/headband combos, look for ultra-slim speakers that can be moved or repositioned. While most sleep headbands aren't known for their crisp sound, Harris says sound quality still matters. More specifically, she says, "Poor audio can be disruptive rather than relaxing." I can attest to this because I found the Sleep Phones by Acoustic Sheep particularly annoying while testing the items on this list. The headband felt flimsy compared to the others, and the sound quality was disappointing. The music wasn't so crisp, and after about 15 minutes, it became even more muddled — like a Walkman with dying batteries circa 1988. Instead of relaxing and drifting off to sleep, I found myself lying there annoyed, thinking about how bad the sound was. None of the sleep headphones I tested offered active noise cancellation, likely because they're too small for the feature. However, you're not out of luck. Many options on our list include a form of noise mitigation, usually passive noise cancellation (PNC) or colored noise/sound masking. As mentioned earlier, PNC is a physical way to block out noise. Examples include over-ear headphones that completely cover the ear to help block sound or an earbud's silicone or foam tips that help seal off the ear canal. Sound masking is another way sleep headphones can help improve your sleep experience. The definition of sound masking is right there in its name — you're using one sound (usually colored noise) to drown out ambient noise in your sleep environment. The SoundOff earbuds, for instance, use pink noise, but other colored noises like green, white and violet have gained popularity in recent years for improving sleep. Harris explains, "White noise can help you sleep better by covering up sudden noises, like traffic or noisy neighbors. This steady sound creates a peaceful environment, making it easier to relax and fall asleep." She adds that white noise can be especially helpful if you're a light sleeper or you live in a loud environment, like a city or a large apartment complex. You just need to make sure the noise stays consistent all night so its presence (or lack thereof) doesn't also disturb your sleep. All the items we tested for this roundup were wireless, with battery life varying across models. Clearly, you're going to want an option that won't lose its charge halfway through the night. Given that the American Academy of Sleep Science recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night, you're going to want a battery life at least that long. Fortunately, most of the sleep headphones on our list have a battery life of 10 hours, with some maintaining their charge up to 20 hours. While researching sleep headphones for this roundup, we found that some options were pretty pricey. In fact, five of the nine we tested were north of $100, and only one was under $30. So, as with any product, it's crucial to keep pricing in mind. You spend a third of your life in bed sleeping or trying to sleep, so if there's anything worth investing in, it's something that'll help you move the needle on your sleep health. That said, make sure the headphones you choose are a good value for your needs — just because something is more expensive or less expensive doesn't mean it's the right or wrong solution for you. Consider your personal preferences, sleep position and budget as you select your preferred product. (back to top) As a Certified Sleep Science Coach who spends my days writing about all things sleep, I brought personal and professional expertise to this review. For additional expert input, I spoke with Ross Cushing, a clinical audiologist and CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance, and Shelby Harris, a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and the director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. With the expert's advice and my personal and professional experience in hand, I took a spin around the internet to see which sleep headphones people are talking about the most. I ended up choosing to test the nine products included here. After receiving the products for testing, I worked with one set of headphones each night. I assessed factors like ease of setup, comfort, sound quality, functionality and effectiveness (my dog's snoring was a good barometer!). Digging a bit deeper, I also looked at what type of noise cancellation or noise masking each unit offered, if any. I played with the volume to see if my husband could hear anything from his side of the bed, and of course, I tinkered with the devices' apps (where applicable). To assess the sound quality, I listened to the same classical playlist with each set of sleep headphones. (back to top) "Yes, it is safe to use headphones for sleep as long as they are designed for comfort and the volume is low and reasonable," says Cushing. While he notes that "noise-canceling headphones, specifically, do a great job of blocking out environmental sounds and creating a quieter environment for sleep," he cautions users to make sure they fit well and don't cause any discomfort around pressure points. While regular headphones can do the same thing as sleep headphones, there's one key difference between the two — regular headphones aren't made for sleeping. For example, if we look at Bose QuietComfort Headphones, Apple AirPods Max or Apple AirPods, they're either too big and bulky or not ergonomically designed to stay put while you move around during the night. Sure, these headphones can deliver sleep sounds, sleep stories or whatever playlist you choose to lull you to sleep, but if you're unlikely to sleep perfectly still on your back for 8 hours straight, these are unlikely to still be in or on your ears when you wake up in the morning. The process for cleaning sleep headphones largely depends on their type and brand. From our roundup, most mask-headphone combos can be washed as needed — just remember to remove the internal electronics before doing so. While you can clean your sleep earbuds, the process is limited to moistening a cotton swab with alcohol and gently wiping the earbuds and rubber tips. Every set of sleep headphones is different, so you should read the cleaning instructions for whichever sleep headphones you purchase. (back to top) 1MORE Sleeping Earbuds Z30: These earbuds essentially do the same thing as the SoundCore A20, but there was a big difference in fit. While the left side of these earbuds fit flush in my ear, the right one didn't. No matter how much I wiggled and messed with it, it never sat flush in my ear, making me think that ear anatomy matters. Otherwise, these earbuds were fine. The sound quality was good, the setup was easy and the app was easy to navigate. SleepPhones: As I mentioned earlier, these were my least favorite of the bunch. The build quality left much to be desired — the headband felt flimsy and the fabric was rough against my skin. Performance-wise, the headband had no staying power, slipping off easily, and the sound quality was disappointing. It also performed the worst at noise masking. Considering the $100 price tag, they just don't offer a good value. LC Dolida Sleep Headphones: These headphones are another quick-ship, budget-friendly option that's decent in every way (fit, feel and sound quality). They're good but nothing to write home about. One big plus for this pair is the molded eye mask that nicely blocks out ambient light. They're also machine washable. That said, there are questionable construction issues including the choice of material that lacks breathability and the fact that the product is marketed as "one size fits all." With no ability to customize the fit, this may be a wild-card purchase for some people. (back to top) Ross Cushing, AuD, clinical audiologist and CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance Shelby Harris, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis (back to top) We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Don't let summer solstice steal your sleep this weekend — how to fall asleep fast even when it's still sunny outside
Saturday will be the longest day of the year — but it might do more harm to your sleep than good, according to a recent study. Research conducted by Withings, a health tech company, shows that Americans have lost around 32 minutes of sleep per night over the last five years. The least sleep in a night was recorded during the June 21 summer solstice, which is the day with the most hours of sunlight within a 12 month period. There are a number of reasons sleep time could be reduced over the summer solstice, which we'll explore here. They include excessive exposure to sunlight and irregular meal times, which can throw off your sleep schedule, delay sleep onset (time taken to fall asleep) and stop you from getting the recommended hours of rest you need. Here are tips to avoid this and save your sleep this weekend: Sunlight exposure during the day (and particularly in the morning) increases your cortisol levels, helping to keep you alert and active and can help with melatonin (the sleepy hormone) production at night (when melatonin is naturally released in response to darkness). This process helps regulate your body's circadian rhythm (sleep and wake cycle), which means you're waking and falling asleep at the right times, and getting a restorative night's sleep. However, continued exposure to bright light in the evening can confuse your brain into remaining stimulated, which can be counterproductive for your sleep at night. With sunlight lasting until beyond 9 pm in the summer, having a late evening meal can be tempting. But before you delay your dinner time, take note that the 2022 Sleep in America Poll , conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, revealed that having regular meal times during the day has a significant positive impact on your sleep. This is, the National Sleep Foundation explains, because of how your meal times are directly linked to your body's internal sleep and wake mechanism, since they "can act as an important cue for the circadian rhythm." Eating at different times on a day or missing meals "can negatively influence the ability to maintain sleep and wake schedules, especially if meals are eaten too close to bedtime." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Which leads us to why it's better to avoid late-night summer meals. Some foods can increase the body's core temperature (which can suppress the release of melatonin) when metabolized, and the overall process of metabolizing food will also raise your body temperature. Eating late can also cause other issues like bloating, indigestion or heartburn which can keep you awake and sabotage your sleep. It might be tempting to stay awake to see the sunset on the longest day of the year, and perhaps even longer, but this may also lead to having a bad night's sleep. That's because disrupting your normal bedtime will throw off your sleep schedule. Sticking to regular sleep and wake up times helps regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better quality sleep (and sleep quality is equally as important as quantity), can help you avoid daytime sleepiness and even lead to better health outcomes. While you may be able to pay back the sleep debt you get from a late night on summer solstice during the same weekend, a consistent schedule will help you get a good night's rest, every night. External distractions like light can hinder sleep on any night of the year, but obviously there's going to be more daylight in the evening during the summer solstice. Even if you're inside, sunlight seeping into your bedroom can still confuse your brain into thinking you need to be active. Investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask are great tool to avoid this, especially if you're a light sleeper. Sticking to a regular nighttime routine will also help you winddown in time for bed, even if it's still bright outside. Looking for more sleep accessories to help you fall asleep faster and get restful sleep? Scroll down for our top picks... 1. Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask: was from $17.99 from $14.39 at AmazonGetting a soft to touch sleep mask is a more affordable alternative to installing blackout curtains in your bedroom. This one from Kitsch promises to block out light, and includes light padding for extra comfort, perfect for restful sleep. You can now grab this at 20% off, which drops the MSRP from $17.99 to $14.39 on Amazon. 2. QWH Silicone Ear Plugs for Sleeping: was from $29.99 now from $9.98 at AmazonAmbient noise is yet another distraction to sleep, which is more likely to present when the days are longer and people are up and about later. A simple solution is to pop in a pair of ear plugs. The QWH reusable ear plugs boast noise reduction up to 30dB, are crafted from lightweight silicone and are available in four sizes (XS, S, M and L). These currently have 67% off, which brings down the MSRP from $29.99 to just $9.98 at Amazon. 3. YnM Breathable Weighted Blanket: twin in 15lb $34.99 at AmazonDeep pressure therapy has been proven to reduce anxiety and promote rest and relaxation. The YnM breathable weighted blanket will help you achieve this thanks to its glass beads and fiber fill, while our reviewer was surprised to find it breathable and the cover cool-to-touch, which is great for summer nights. You can now find a gray, 15lb weight in a twin size for $34.99 on Amazon. There are cheaper kids' sizes available, and prices vary for other sizes and weights.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Sleep Foundation Announces 8th Annual SleepTech® Award
Prestigious award recognizes breakthrough innovations transforming sleep health WASHINGTON, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is now accepting applications for its prestigious SleepTech® Award which recognizes the year's most innovative achievements in sleep technology. The application deadline is September 26, 2025, with winners to be announced in October 2025. The SleepTech Award is given in two categories: Sleep Health and Wellness, which includes products and services consumers can use as part of their daily routine for sleep and health; and Sleep Disorders and Conditions, which includes solutions that seek to improve the patient experience for diagnosis and treatment. "The SleepTech Award represents our commitment to advancing sleep technology that's based in science and insight to make meaningful improvements in people's lives," said John Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. "We're looking for innovations for sleep health that connect cutting edge research, thoughtful design, and practical, accessible solutions for all kinds of users." Lopos added. The most recent winners of the SleepTech Award include UBlockout, Loop Earplugs, and Neurovalens. A $500 application fee applies, though this fee is waived for members of NSF's SleepTech® Network. To apply for the 2025 SleepTech Award or learn more about eligibility requirements, visit About the National Sleep FoundationThere's only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. In its 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep. For more information about NSF, visit │ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Sleep Foundation
