Budget Friendly Sleep Essentials
We’re sharing our favorite budget friendly sleep essentials today!
One of my biggest personal goals this year is to develop better sleep habits.
Truthfully, I’ve struggled with insomnia symptoms off and on for a while now.
Most of the time I’m able to fight through it.
Especially, if my anxiety is in check.
But Quarter 2 brought a lot of loss and change into our lives, and I didn’t bounce back as quickly as I thought I would.
One sleepless night turned into a week of sleepless nights which turned into a month of sleepless nights.
It was tough!
Things finally came to a head on Father’s Day when I got home later than expected after having lost track of time.
I fell asleep quickly, but I couldn’t stay asleep no matter how hard I tried.
After battling through yet another foggy day where I was grumpy, unmotivated, and unable to concentrate on basic tasks because I was so tired, I vowed to do everything possible to develop better sleep habits.
It hasn’t all been sugarplum fairies and sandmen.
I’ve still had a few sleepless nights.
But I can honestly say things are better now than they’ve been in a long time.
While I’m not a sleep expert, I thought I would share the budget-friendly sleep essentials that have helped me get back on track.
In addition, I’m excited to learn even more in the weeks, months, and years to come as I continue this sleep wellness journey.
As always, the best place to start is with your healthcare provider if you also struggle with sleep.
They can help get to the root cause of why you’re not sleeping and can help you get a custom treatment plan for your specific needs.
Here’s a look at our favorite budget-friendly sleep essentials…
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Mattress Pad Cover * Pillow Spray * Duvet Cover * Journal
PJs * Pillows * Humidifier Diffuser * Duvet Insert
Sleep Gummies * Sound Machine * Sheet Set * Good Nite Blend
Notebooks * Sleep Soak * Sleep Mask * Pillowcase
Prioritizing Sleep and Keeping a Consistent Bedtime…
I’ve always been an early riser and generally feel the most productive in the morning.
Prioritizing sleep, for me, means having a solid nighttime routine and a consistent bedtime.
Given it takes me around 45-60 minutes to fall asleep, I know I need to be in bed no later than 8 pm.
That way, I can be up at 5 am each morning with *hopefully* 8 hours of sleep.
It might take a bit of trial and error to determine how much sleep you need (7 hours or more is recommended by the CDC for adults) and how long it takes you to actually fall asleep.
But don’t give up!
Knowing these key pieces of information can help you develop a better nighttime routine and a more consistent bedtime too.
20 Minute Bedtime Yoga Practice…
At the beginning of the year, I started doing a free 20 Minute Bedtime Yoga Practice with Adriene video and it really helped me wind down after a long day.
Adriene has several yoga videos on YouTube dedicated solely to bedtime with all different skill levels too!
A Cozy Bed Basics…
There is a ton of information online about which types of mattresses and linens make for a cozy bed. I was kind of shocked and overwhelmed at the selection!
Even though none of our mattresses need to be replaced right now, we still wanted a budget-friendly sleep essentials option to freshen things up.
So, I decided to change out all our mattress pad covers (affiliate link as shared above) to cooling covers during Prime Days.
While it hasn’t been a huge change, it does feel cooler than our previous mattress pad covers.
Especially, when you first crawl into bed.
During that same time, I also tried out a few different sets of sheets including the super popular Mellanni sheets (affiliate link as shared above).
Ultimately, I kept coming back to a set of Rachel Ashwell sheets that reminded me of summer mornings at my grandparent’s farm.
If you have a bigger budget, my bed at Bliss Barracks has antique French linen sheets on it.
They’re a dream to sleep on as well.
In addiion, I’ve also heard really good things about these sheets from Lands’ End.
Once you have the basics down, consider adding other budget-friendly sleep essentials like a duvet cover, (affiliiate link as shared above) duvet insert, (affiliate link as shared above) and a weighted blanket that will help you create the cozy bed of your dreams.
Budget-Friendly Sleep Essentials Pillows…
Looking for a new pillow was also an eye-opening experience because there are a ton of options to choose from.
As a part-time side/part-time stomach sleeper, I recently switched from a foam pillow to a gel pillow, (affiliate link as shared above) and couldn’t be happier.
On a side note, this is a great satin pillowcase! (affiliate link as shared above)
PJs…
When it comes to sleepwear, comfort is key.
I wear everything from long sleeve sleep sets to short sets to nightgowns, depending on the season.
This brand is fabulous if you have a bigger budget and I love the Stars Above brand from Target too.
The ones I’m wearing are no longer available but they have a similar darker print set that’s cute.
Budget Friendly Sleep Essential Sound Machine…
As a light sleeper, I never considered using a sound machine (affiliate link as shared above) until we got our sweet rescue, Piper.
Even though the bedding in her crate is soft and comfortable, nearly every night, she would bark for hours because she was so overstimulated by unfamiliar noises.
There were a lot of sleepless nights until we started using the sound machine.
It’s worked out so well that we take it with us on every trip!
Ours is an older version, but my parents use an upgraded version of ours (shared above) at Bliss Barracks too.
Humidifier Diffuser…
If you’re an allergy sufferer, you likely already use a humidifier.
I had been using one from the dark ages with a tank so big I had to fill it up in the bathtub!
Truthfully, I had no idea they had gotten smaller until I came across this one (affiliate link as shared above) on Amazon. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has multiple timer settings.
I turn it on 30-45 minutes before bed and use this oil blend (affiliate link as shared above) (also sold at Target) to create an instant invitation to sleep.
It smells so good and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much we love these budget-friendly sleep essentials.
Pillow Spray…
If a humidifier or diffuser isn’t an option for you, consider using this deep sleep pillow spray (affiliate link as shared above) which my parents have and love.
Sleep Mask…
A good sleep mask can be hard to find. But there are lots of great options to try.
If you’re looking to block out as much light as possible, try this one (affiliate link as shared above)
I know some people prefer the area around the eyes to be padded, if that’s you try this one (affiliate link as shared above)
If you’re looking for a silk sleep mask, try this one (affiliate link as shared above)
Budget Friendly Sleep Essentials Gummies…
My bestie S who has trouble falling asleep decided to try these sleep gummies (affiliate link as shared above) because of all the positive reviews and she likes them.
Sleep Soak…
There is nothing better than a hot soak at the end of a long day.
This melatonin sleep soak (affiliate link as shared above) and this DIY melatonin and lavender sleep soak are 2 budget-friendly sleep essentials we use multiple times a week.
Notebooks…
One of the biggest tools I use to help manage my anxiety disorder is to write things down.
It really helps to get it all out on paper.
I buy these notebooks (affiliate link as shared above) in multiples every year and love their convenient size.
They’re great to keep on your nightstand to use for task/to-do lists, “worry lists,” ideas/creative thoughts lists, and wish lists if you need to quickly jot something down but don’t want to get out of bed to grab a pen and paper.
The 5-Minute Journal and the 6-Minute Diary…
Before I started journaling each night, I used The 5-Minute Journal (affiliate link as shared above) and enjoyed it.
Just for kicks and giggles, I ordered The 6-Minute Diary (affiliate link as shared above) and it was nice too.
The concept is basically the same but the 6 Minute diary has a few extra features the 5 Minute Journal does not.
Either way, I really appreciate starting and ending the day on such a positive note which they both promote.
Additional Budget Friendly Sleep Essential Tips…
- Eating the “big meal” at lunch and a “small meal” at dinner
- Taking a 20-30 minute walk or bike ride after dinner.
- Using a smartwatch to help keep track of sleep
- No coffee or caffeine after lunch (such a hard one but worth the effort)
- Keeping a glass of water on your nightstand
- Reading before bed instead of watching TV
- Blue light blocking glasses
- Smart bulbs and plugs (Alexa, please turn off the lights)
- Listening to a nighttime meditation podcast like Sip and Om
- Hanging blackout curtains
- Speaking to a healthcare professional about CBTi (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) and using an CBTi app
Keep in Mind…
I know this list might be a lot to take in.
Especially, if you’re not sleeping well.
So, just try a few things now and save the rest for later if you like.
I would say the two biggest things that have helped me are prioritizing sleep and keeping a consistent bedtime.
That said, they’ve also been the two toughest things to pull off.
While it hasn’t been easy, I can see already see the rewards.
Each day I feel more and more like myself – creative, motivated, happy, and purpose-filled.
Honestly, when I look back at my old journals, I can’t believe how long I stayed in the fog waiting for things to get better.
I wish I would have made finding sleep solutions and budget-friendly sleep essentials a priority much sooner.
As we get ready to transition from one season to the next, I hope this post gently reminds you that self-care is not selfish.
Cheering you on as you move yourself to the top of the list!
Let us know your favorite budget-friendly sleep essentials and your tips and tricks for resting well.
Other Posts on Sleep to Explore…
How to Create a Nightly Routine in 4 Simple Steps
How to Create a Hotel Inspired Turn Down Service at Home
The Easiest Way to Start a Journaling Practice
Many blessings,
CoCo
I really appreciated all of your tips. I already use a sleep mask and am trying to do better about having a consistent bedtime, but I really need to give a few of your other amazing ideas a try!
Thank you so much, Heidi! Keeping a consistent bedtime has been a total game changer for our entire family. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done. Hope these tips help you rest well. It’s so important! Hugs, CoCo
Hi- I can’t sleep because uhm I am 49 . . . dreaded hormonal changes . . . UGH! So yes, sleep hygiene is super important to me too. My family pokes fun at me because I respond to text messages at 3 am. (I didn’t get to them earlier in the day and I am awake now so . . .).
Thanks for the great tips. I am going to try the diffuser oil, for sleeping, from Target.
You are so funny, Anna. I recently texted my Mom a link for a home tour at 3 am because she also has trouble sleeping and I knew she would be up 🤣 My insomnia symptoms seem to come and go but goodness it’s the pits when they come and stay. I’m so thankful I’ve been able to get a little relief and find essentials that help. There is nothing like getting proper sleep. Hope you find some things that work for you soon too! Big hugs, CoCo
Wonderful tips! I’ve taken advantage of your list and ordered several things….here’s to better sleeping!
Speak to my heart, Patty, sleep is so important! It took using these products consistently before I saw any results. I still have to manage my anxiety because can get the best of me, especially at night. I’m sleeping better now than I ever have though and I hope you do too. Big hugs and peaceful dreams, CoCo
Ha! My pup would do the same…Thanks for these great tips! And you look so cute. 🙂
Hey CoCo! Great tips! I’m going to send them to someone I know who struggles with sleeping. Can you tell me where you got your wicker bed tray? Was it a vintage find? It’s so cute!
Thank you so much, LeAnne, I really appreciate it. I found the wicker tray years ago at a local antique mall and I’ve been on the look out for another one ever since. We use it all the time! If I come across one similar I’ll be sure to share it. It’s such a versatile piece to have. Hope your new year is off to a great start. Sending you hugs, CoCo